Suspension and Chassis Questions about your suspension? Need chassis advice?

Wheelie Bars?

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Old Jan 21, 2017 | 10:02 PM
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Tarheel49's Avatar
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Wheelie Bars?

Hey Guys, new to the forum and would like some help if possible. Just finished building my 87 Camaro over the winter and only have wiring to do now. My big concern after reading some of these posts is a big wheel stand. I'm running a 383 with 650hp. The car has spohn adjustable TA, adjustable LCA's and adjustable PHB. 50/50 rear shocks, stock rear springs. Welded in SFC. Tube K member and a arms with coil overs. Lakewood 90/10 fronts. Ive never run an f body before and a friend of mine says these cars will wheel stand easy. I'm worried it might and than come crashing down and ruin k member, headers etc. Do I need wheelie bars or ? I plan on getting a rear sway bar to help but am I worried about nothing at all. I don't know how much power it takes with these cars to wheel stand. 6" is ok, on the bumper, no thanks. To wheelie bar or not to wheelie bar? Just a few things I forgot, power glide, 12bolt with 5.14s and Hoosier 28-10.5-15s Foot brake only. HELP.
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Old Jan 22, 2017 | 07:39 AM
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Re: Wheelie Bars?

OK, I guess I didn't ask the right question. I'm really worried about my front end, so some of you guys that drag race maybe you can help. I haven't raced this car yet. I just would like to know if you think I should do or change something to keep from tearing up my car. Thanks in advance.
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Old Jan 22, 2017 | 09:02 AM
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Car: 91 Formula
Engine: 2012 LS9
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: Strange 60 3.54:1
Re: Wheelie Bars?

Wheelie bars can be hard to fit due to low ground clearance.... installs can require the rear storage compartment between the fuel tank & bumper to be removed & possible bumper mods if the car is near stock height.

You can buy these to help protect the front from damage.
http://www.coperformanceunlimited.co...ur+***%22+Bars

Itt's the first link I found.. you may need to search for other places to buy.

They are a sacrificial bar that help to protect headers & k-member from ground contact.
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Old Jan 22, 2017 | 11:27 AM
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Re: Wheelie Bars?

Thanks Lonnie, I cut out the storage compartment in the back and welded a flat floor where the fuel cell and battery now sit. I would rather not have to use wheelie bars if I don't have to. With the PHB, sway bar and upper support bar there's not much room to put them in anyway. Thanks for the info on an alternative.
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Old Jan 23, 2017 | 07:57 PM
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Re: Wheelie Bars?

Can anyone tell me if the sheet metal bar that goes from the PHB bracket to the other side of the chassis is required. I know its for chassis flex and it keeps it from doing that. My car is for drag only and I was wondering if I could do the same thing by welding roll bar tubing from one chassis side to other side. I already have an 8 point cage and going to a 10 point to keep as much flex down as possible. Thanks
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Old Jan 24, 2017 | 08:54 AM
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From: Spring Hill, Fl.
Car: 87 iroc-z
Engine: 454
Transmission: th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Wheelie Bars?

i imagine you could do that no problem. i've seen guys just take that piece off when routing big, dual exhaust, over the rear.
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Old Jan 24, 2017 | 11:13 AM
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Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
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Re: Wheelie Bars?

that piece ties the rear sides together. without it the rear quarters can squat out. this becomes evident when re-installing one, the holes don't quite line up without some effort.

if removed, otherwise brace that part of the frame
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Old Jan 24, 2017 | 04:25 PM
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Re: Wheelie Bars?

Thanks guys. I thought it would be ok as long as I weld a tube across the chassis sides but I wanted to make sure. New sway bar coming Thursday from Spohn so I think the rear will be ok. By the way, nice bird Lonnie.
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Old Jan 24, 2017 | 10:49 PM
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Car: 91 Formula
Engine: 2012 LS9
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: Strange 60 3.54:1
Re: Wheelie Bars?

For drag only, the Wolfe rear sway bar is a great way to go.

As for the brace, definitely run something there... a formed piece of tubing allows you to make room for exhaust etc.
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Old Jan 25, 2017 | 04:01 PM
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Re: Wheelie Bars?

Thanks again Lonnie. Getting anxious to try this thing out. Been working on it for about a year now with the help of a friend. Still doing the wiring from scratch because all of the wires are gone. I'll keep you posted.
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Old Jan 25, 2017 | 04:09 PM
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Re: Wheelie Bars?

One more for posterity.
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Old Jan 25, 2017 | 10:04 PM
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Car: 91 Formula
Engine: 2012 LS9
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: Strange 60 3.54:1
Re: Wheelie Bars?

Looks awesome. Cant wait to see some track times.
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