Just purchased an 87 TA. Of course everything is out of adjustment or screwed up. But hey...it's a solid body and it runs. I'm guessing that since it's a little squirrely that I need to start with the suspension... I'd rather it gun the motor and still be able to control the thing. Where should I start... I don't want to do things twice. Any tips on bushing kits, cheapest vendors, etc? Being as I'm not going to beef up for the supercharger until at least summer 2002, should I just redo the bushings in the rear? I know I want another STB... Loved it on my 91, but I'm also kicking around SFC. Which are good and resonable. I know you don't want just straight bolt in.... but either weld in or both. I'd appreciate any expertise here. Also as far as the structural integrety of the car... where should I be looking for damage, cracks and such while I'm doing all this? I really appreciate it...

Thanks

 

I got a front-end kit from Performance Suspension Technology (PST) for around $150. It includes nearly every bushing and joint on the front suspension except for the center link, inner tie rods, and idler arm. The kit has Polygraphite bushings, which I was told are basically polyurethane with graphite impregnated in them to eliminate squeaks. I think this is the best start. I installed this kit along with new struts, brakes, and a STB, then alignment. It made a huge difference.

My car outwardly had only surface rust in a few places, but I did find a rust hole in the cowl, below the drivers side bottom door hinge. I didn’t find it till I took my fender off. I cut it out and welded in a new piece of sheet metal. It is definitely a structural part of the car.

I boxed my rear suspension pieces and installed polyurethane bushing that I got from Jegs. I just put in SSM sfc’s, and LCA relocation brackets. I haven’t had a chance to try these out yet because the mid west has been buried in snow for the past month and a half. But I have noticed that the T-top squeaks are gone!

Next for my suspension is the torque arm. I refuse to pay out my @ss for an aftermarket one. I started looking around at TA designs etc and I have decided that I want to build a Herb Adams style torque arm. It is a decoupled design. See the post “Are relocation brackets more for cornering or acceleration.” It is explained in there if you are wondering what I am talking about.


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87 IROC 350, 3:42 Torsen, pocket ported 083 heads, complete Edelbrock exhaust, Most free mods, Most little mods, aluminum d/s. Edelbrock STB, SSM sfc's, boxed rear suspension pieces, urethane bushings everywhere.
Stock cam, chip, runners, base, and trans
13.94@103mph, 2.25 60'
In the works: ported SLP runners, ported base, Xtreme Cam, homemade suspension pieces, and 27x10 Hoosiers.
Goal: 12.999

 

Thanks. I wasn't sure what my options are in the back....it's pretty damn squirrely at the moment. Sure doesn't feel that safe under hard acceleration or deceleration. I'm sure there's a thread somewhere on the boxing in you were talking about?