Larry Woodfin

Sometimes I consider changing from the factory front suspension and K member to lighter weight components.

My 1990 Firebird has an S-10 manual box, light weight custom column and Santhuff double adjustable struts. All other front suspension and steering is factory.

In addition, it has Lemons 1 3/4 x 1 7/8 headers so that fit is important.

The car weighs 3020 with driver and runs 6.10's 1/8 mile with aluminum head SBC.

My expectations are:

* remove about 80 pounds net from the front-most section of the car
* improve engine and header access
* car would have less steering effort at low speed
* front suspension would retain full suspension travel

For those of you who performed this conversion did it accomplish what you expected?

Larry Woodfin

I did not make myself clear, I would change to rack & pinion steering as part of the upgrade. In addition, would consider changing to lighter weight brakes.

572_Rat

Larry, I did this conversion to reduce weight off the front end because I am putting in a BBC, this would off set the increased weight of the new engine. I did tubular A-arms and K-Member as well as rack and pinion. Move battery to back of car.

AlkyIROC

Although the front k-member looks big and bulky, switching to tubular doesn't shave off as much weight as you would expect. It does however give a lot more clearance around the engine. You're not going to remove 80 pounds by switching to tubular.

Tony V

iTrader: (5)

The difference might be about 20 lbs. Hood, doors and hatch are the heavy culprits on these rides...