Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

These are the upper bushings I used in my 68 Impala I/S car. I got them from my friend Pat Henneberry, an old school racer from the sixties. he had these bronze bushing stock (which he used on his 68 Camaro Modified car which is still raced today) which I just had to chuck up on a lathe and cut to size for a press fit plus increase the center hole a little. These will be going in my 65 Impala stocker I am building now. These cost me $0 The front lower control arm bushing was a aluminum round stock which I chucked up on the lathe and machine to fit, pressed fit a bronze center bushing for the bolt to go through, which I also just added a grease fitting, they worked too. I have to make a new set for the 65 Impala.

Another high tech are the solid body bushings simply made out of that same aluminum round stock. They are 1/2 inch shorter than stock, effectively "lowering" the body 1/2 over the frame.

I am glad I hang around guys like my friend Pat, they started racing when there wasn't a "Global West" or an Alf fella making all the parts for you. I fabricated a lot of parts and learned how to use a lathe, bridgeports and welders along the way. my 68 Impala was the first race car I built, people said It would be a parts breaker at 4100 lbs with a stick. Even though i only made 100 passes on car, no breakage with 7 tenths under.

Will Lamprecht
1965 Impala H/I Stck

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

I can do all these checks and will. Thanks for the tips.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Thanks for telling me how you did it. I can get bushings like you show from National Bronze or McMaster Carr and machine to fit as well. I have been tailing around with my Dad for as long as I can remember (I'm 34) and asking questions as much as possible.Chassis shops, engines shops, tranny shops, race tracks, etc. I want to learn it all and I am not afraid to ask the 'stupid' question to try and do so. No one knows it all, but I am also willing to pass on any knowledge that I learn, to make good karma to get some new knowledge.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Andy,
That right there is the key! Anyone that states they have done it all and knows it all. Has not done anything and doesn't know ###t either. There are a lot of good people here to help you.

Good luck

Sean

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Thanks Sean!

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Andy, one thing I learned, I wanted to go Drag Racing, so I hung around drag racers, not baseball players, then I remained open, ask questions and overall remain teachable! When i think I know everything, I'm in trouble.

I also went to the track and looked at cars like mine. really looked, under and everything. Most everybody loves to talk about there cars and like to help. When i started running my 68 with the Jerico and McCleod clutch Jeff Lee (w the AMX) who post all the time on this forum helped me a lot, now i am looking for some help on how to run an Automatic successfully-

I try to run my life remaining teachable too- your on the right track-
Good Luck
Will
"Big 'ole chevy stocker" 65 Impala

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Will, only problem I see with solid lowers is you can't pull the lower ball joint forward to gain positive caster..You'll have to do it all on the top.
Just hope that both side "center" in the same place.
You really want a ball type pivot on the bottom with a strut rod type suspension.
Take a look at some of the stuff for early Mustangs or Chevy II's
One other thing..THICKER body bushings give you more room between the carb and the hood.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

"Will, only problem I see with solid lowers is you can't pull the lower ball joint forward to gain positive caster..You'll have to do it all on the top.
Just hope that both side "center" in the same place.
You really want a ball type pivot on the bottom with a strut rod type suspension.
Take a look at some of the stuff for early Mustangs or Chevy II's"

Doesn't apply to the chevelle. They use a conventional lower a-arm, no strut rod. You could get tricky and offset the center bore of the bushing if need be however.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

I know this Chipper .
I'm quoting Will with the full size 65 Impala

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Thanks Will!:)

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Not really Ed. As far as I know Joey A and myself have the hardest leavin full weight 30X9 NA Chevelles on the planet with stock type suspension. Infact I do not run Alfs rear suspension. In my case, 1.28s at altitude, Joey's 1.286 @ Atco. John Wilson's 1.283 came with a ten inch tire. I also might ad I have a whole 56 passes on my car at this point.

http://youtu.be/htU6nvWkRLY

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

What engine trans do you plan on using,also convertors play a big part of how a stocker leaves the line.Be aware that Alf rear kit was deamed illegal a while back, it may have changed now. When one Alfs kit was installed on a69 chevelle stocker it did not pick up anything. It did make the car leave better no twist body roll ,but no quicker.If you plan to run a 396-375 or 427-425 then buy Alfs kit.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Hey Mark,
I was just catching up on some of these post. What do you mean by-
"You really want a ball type pivot on the bottom with a strut rod type suspension."
Are you talking about a Heim type joint at the end of the strut rod where it goes through the frame up front?

I will probaly use a rubber bottom bushing with the serrates removed, do you think this would be a better option so I can address the caster issue?
Thanks for any input-
Will Lamprecht
Div 1 65 imp I/SA

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Are any of these stockers? I would like to know if an A body stocker has gone a 1.28 60'

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

NONE including the chevelle formerly owned by Joe Abbazia refered to as "Joey A" which was sold to Adam Landolfi 6 years ago and this poster's definition of "full weight" is over 100lbs. and upwards of 300 lbs. in the case of wilson's car, less than the 3880 lbs. my Chevelle weighed with me in the seat. Same old story full of lies and half truths from the ebay engine builder.

Again, I've got no time to debate the same old sh_t with the same guy about a car that I sold 5 years ago, I've moved on long ago but for those that want to know the FACTS and the TRUTH, there's several threads here including this one...

http://classracer.com/classforum/showthread.php?t=40441

just do a post search on that guy.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

1320 Racer: Here's a fact: You don't or have never run a Stocker. You claim to know everything under the sun, yet you don't even build your own engine, trans., etc., and you continually slam everyone else.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

We just wish you would practice what you preach.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

I thought this thread was about "Front End Suspension"
and neither do the biggest and winningest names in stock and super stock!:p

For those like you that think they are special, claiming to build their own engines because you/they clean your parts, apply some assembly lube, check/set a few clearances, gap rings and torque a few bolts, this is for you...

over at least the next 5 months, Tilburg's, Gulius's, Watters's, Patterson's, Bischoff's and other's engine shops phones will be ringing off the wall and their shops full of the engines for and from the biggest and winingest names in class racing just as will Sunset's, Reher Morrison's, Par's, Shafiroff's, Schimdt's and others with their shops full of and building engines for the who's who of super comp, gas, street and bracket racing.

That said, YOU too buy your engine parts just like I do and the vast majority of class and bracket racers do. YOU too pay a machine shop to do your machine work just like I do and the vast majority of class and bracket racers do. YOU too pay to have your engine dyno'd just like I do and the vast majority of class and bracket racers do. So if it makes you feel smarter, makes you feel superior than the majority of us that don't, WE are ok with that and don't worry, we won't tell anyone the truth!.:p

Further, last I checked when reading National Dragster, the NHRA doesn't award Wins, Wally's or $$ for those who's claim to fame is they built their engine! Fletcher along with the biggest names in NHRA Sportsman racing don't build their own engines but somehow, he just managed to win his 84th and 85th Wally. ;)

Oh and btw, the vast majority of class and serious bracket racers don't build their cars, carbs, transmissions, converters and headers and neither do you!:p

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

1320 Racer: For your info, I do assemble my own engines and build my own transmissions. No, I don't think I'm better than anybody else because of it, but it's what I can do and afford. I literally grew up working in my dad's automatic transmission shop from '75 until '95 and I've worked at a high performance parts distributor since, so I feel I do have knowledge that I'm willing to share with others. I'm 54 now and smart enough to know that you've just got an oversized ego problem.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

No, I mean the single lower control arm inner bushing on those cars..You shouldn't put in a bushing that doesn't allow fore and aft movement of the lower ball joint...for adjustment purposes.
The heim on the end of the strut....I'm not sure where we left off on that controversy.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Yes, 1.286, Joey Abazia's B/SA stocker in New Jersey in conditions you will never see in the midwest. It my understanding you've been 1.32? I always enjoy watching your car run!

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Wrong again Ed, Joey's car ran at 3880, my 1.2 60 foots at altitude Chevelle runs at 3720 both on a 30x9 tires, both on production GM heads, I can only imagine what I would run at Atco. BTW your car never weighed 3880. Johns red Chevelle went 1.283 at 3600 even. And 1.2 60s are a figment of your imagination, this is why you crucify the people who have done it.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

The picture of your car looks familiar. Are you the guy that used to have the website (http://www.azzatochips.com) that copied and sold the Alf Weibe's GM A-Body suspension knock-off's?

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

No, thats not me, I dont run Alfs suspension, but Joey did. My car was formerly Scott Wellborns stocker, I bought it and went through it from bumper to bumper. I now use it to test my oval port big blocks.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

This is turning into quite the pi???? match ,,,Ego trip ,,, or maybe just a soap opera ,,I,ve had enough,,,,:cool::cool::cool::cool:

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

X2! Sounds like a bunch of reality tv show about street racers.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

I am pretty bored now that my racing is done for the year. Since this has become a Virtual Class Runoff of the mouth (or keyboard), can you guys at least do a virtual heads up run?
I say post honest specs on your car from the 2013 season and show us video and a verified picture.
Let us, ( the peanut gallery you invited) classify your cars and calculate what classesyou wouldrun in a Class Combo type class runoff! Show us the confirmed best timeslip from this year also that matches your video.

Oh, and by the way, bring your gaskets for the virtual teardown. I will have to warn you. No wally unless you can go at keast. 5 under!

Come make this at least something about a REAL Performance race! LOL.

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Well Said,,,,,,,,,,

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

I recently purchased the global west bushing kit with billet upper shafts. stock style.
I was looking at the afco site but find no mention of tall ball joints for GM A and F bodies 64-72, 67-69 respectively. Are they available?
It appears A and F body share the same upper ball joints, thanks Chris

found these on jegs
Proforged 101-10016 - Proforged Tall Ball Joints
also
http://pitstopusa.com/i-6333109-alls...oog-k6136.html

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

Here's a page with a good picture . http://www.colemanracing.com/Ball-Jo...ght-P4805.aspx ---Trevor

Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question
 

We ended up going with Afco solid steel bushings on the upper control arms, steel and delrin bushings on the lowers. Afco extended length ball joints and Global West offset billet steel cross shafts. A little bit a sanding powdercoat and making a piece of angle steel to fit inside the control arm when Dad pressed in the bushings. But overall, it wasn't that bad. We are happy with the parts and look forward to seeing how it all performs when we make our shakedown passes in the next 4-6 weeks. Thanks for everyone that helped out with advice and provided notes from their own experiences on this one. I have a thread going over in the Class Racer Builds section of the entire car, if anyone is interested.