This is for the chassis builders on here and any others that are in the know.
What is involved to convert a front suspension on a 2x3 chassis with tubular A arms and coil overs to a strut front suspension?
What would be the benefits and would it be worth it? This would be on a 5 second 1/8 mile car weighing around 2650lbs with driver
Go

Can't answer your question but one thing I would consider before doing this and that's front end travel. Usually, A arms have more travel than struts. It may or may not matter with your combo, just something to consider before swapping, some cars need a bunch of front end travel to work.

Steve,
Here is a conversion I did on Marlon Goates Camero. It worked out nice. Also, I would add that if you are concerned about travel, It could be done with something like an aftermarket strut for a Mustang or other car using struts.

His car had a Mustang II A arm suspension already on it. For the lower strut mount I just used the Mustang II mounts.

Dave, what benefit was gained by the conversion?

Steve,
He said the car handled better. Other than that nothing.

Dave

Steve, given your specs, I think a strut conversion would be a positive upgrade. Better header clearance, easy ride height adjustment, improved handling. The key will be to select a strut that allows enough travel for the overall package. Plus, I suggest a top for the line strut builder who has experience with a package like you describe, there is a difference.

When we say handle better, is that at the launch or drive ability at speed?

My Camaro I had several years ago had A Arms with double adjustable coil overs with maybe 2 inches of stroke total. By adjusting the extension a few clicks I could have the car leave flat or on the rear bumper. I don't remember having any issues with handling on the top end

quote:

Originally posted by Big Steve:
My Camaro I had several years ago had A Arms with double adjustable coil overs with maybe 2 inches of stroke total. By adjusting the extension a few clicks I could have the car leave flat or on the rear bumper.

Same with my Firebird Steve, very tunable suspension.

Steve and Ed, I agree with each of you in ref to the handling and adjustability of an OE suspension. I have the same experience. However, Steve, when you said a 2 x 3 frame with a arms, I took that to be, most likely, an aftermarket or duplicate of a Mustang II front end. If that is the case, in my experience, that design is poor for drag racing. It has limited travel and uses a shock with limited height and adjustability range.

Larry, my Camaro was a mustang 2 suspension that I updated to Tubular A arms and Strange DA coil overs. I sent the shocks back and had them re valved and they worked extremely well. Each click was extremely responsive.
The car in question for this thread I dont have, just interested in possibly buying and trying to determine if a front suspension change would be worth it.

Steve, sounds like it would be OK as an A frame deal.

Had the 56 Chevy converted a few months ago

Ultimately feel the struts are safer and less likely to wear out than A-arms are. I’m sure some will try to say that’s not the case, but your choice.

Saved a little over 50 pounds in weight

More room in the engine bay

Car is more consistent, but I’m sure we could have gotten the A-arms to be more consistent

Slightly quicker 60 foot time probably due to weight savings

Did you have to add to the box once upgraded to struts?

quote:

Originally posted by Tom Reyer:
Did you have to add to the box once upgraded to struts?

Saw no difference in reaction times.

Steve,

Marlon's car had a little bump steer I found prior to doing the strut conversion. The bump steer could have easily been taken care of but he wanted to go to struts.
He was mainly after getting rid of some weight and change as an upgrade. The car was a Hot Rod and bracket class car.
I also, changed it from ladder bar to 4 link at the same time.
First race out after the mods was Memphis Pro Am. The car left wheels up and never a bobble.
It is a very repeatable car.
As has been mentioned more room for headers and ease of adjustment.

Dave