65 replies to this topic

[Bigfella237]

How did the engineering get signed-off on that? There's some radical changes to steering geometry in the above, not to mention what the driveline angles must be now.

 

And most people have 100mm ground-clearance issues with a standard K-member, if that one's been lowered 100mm you could grade dirt roads with it!

[76lxhatch]

Wow.

 

I agree that something doesn't seem to add up with the height, but setting that aside...

 

I wonder if it would get close if you reamed the taper in the steering arms the other way and use tie rod ends with a slightly larger taper so they go underneath? Extended studs as per your drawing could work too provided it still has adequate strength. Whether that's even possible with the space available is another question, I imagine wheel clearance will be an issue. There is also a problem with the rack inner joint spacing now being too wide with it mounted that much lower, dropping the outer ends might not be enough to reduce the bump steer to an acceptable range.

 

I know over here they frown on heim joints as replacements for steering and suspension ball joints on the road, but they are commonly used in race cars so I guess it's just a matter of more frequent checking and maintenance. Could improve options for adjustment and clearance.

 

With that level of modification it may make sense to look at re-engineering the entire front end, although I doubt any of the off-the-shelf options would offer an extra 100mm of clearance. As you say a lot of them are lightweight straight-line (drag racing) rather than handling packages, but the bar isn't very high now and they do tend to focus on engine and exhaust clearance as a big selling point.

Edited by 76lxhatch, 22 October 2023 - 02:47 PM.

[Uncle Chop Chop]

I assume there is no option to modify the sump for clearance?

[Shiney005]

And this mongrel setup is in a car with a minimum of 556 horsepower. (I'm assuming it is LSA) It is amazing he hasn't been killed in it.

[71XY]

Well blokes they pushed it out into the dun and I got a better look the other day. I'll see if I can post some more disaster p0rn pictures...

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[71XY]

The engine is huge but I think it could afford to go up a little. Maybe 3" drop instead of 4"

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[71XY]

There's some room for an exhaust but the column isn't in a nice spot. Yes that's the steering shaft going -through- the crossmember which supposedly handles 1100hp. I'm still amazed they didn't supply a starter motor to the shop building an exhaust. There's no oil filter on it either. $20k engine(?) and they haven't even taped up the oil filter holes

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[71XY]

I'd love to know if anyone has the blueprints, dimensions or CAD file for the Torana front end? I know there are some good digital tools available now to model and modify geometry but I don't fancy trying to measure every thing...

[76lxhatch]

These are the only measurements I'm aware of, not really useful for suspension and steering.

https://www.gmh-tora...lignment-check/

 

Unless the engine can move up significantly (perhaps there is some clever sump surgery that can be done?) it seems like the only approach is to find a shorter steering rack (or maybe just machine it down?) and lower the outer tie rod ends until bump steer is acceptable.

 

It's ugly but I don't see any real issue with the input shaft pass-through. Cross member to ground clearance doesn't look great.

[Shiney005]

It doesn't take a lot to bend a standard crossmember. A panel beater mate of mine is straightening Torana and H series ones all the time. I can't see anybody being able to keep correct alignment settings (if possible) on that for long because each side of the crossmember will end up moving with that much metal removed.

Might be time to have a closer look at the tubular ones.

[Rockoz]

I had some clearance issues with the sump in one of my LS projects.

I did some measuring and there were gains to be made by reducing the depth of the sump at the front.

I had a play myself but ended up buying an Aeroflow pressed tin sump which is gives lot more clearance at the front of the engine.

Downside is requiring a remote filter, but that was in line with my objectives anyway.

 

Cheers

 

Rob

[myss427]

Wow just noticed this for the first time and still scratching my head, have put LS's into Torana's with off the shelf Caddy sumps without the sump touching. My car has a big block chev which is 4 inches higher and wider and don't have these issues. Only mod I made to the crossmember was to shorten it at the back for some more sump length, but I put a 5mm vertical plate across from tower to tower to stop the bending in the middle, has worked for over 10 years now. Don't have ground clearance issues, or steering issues at all, but have the A9X front end changes plus moog 1 inch longer ball joints.

[warrenm]

Wow just noticed this for the first time and still scratching my head, have put LS's into Torana's with off the shelf Caddy sumps without the sump touching. My car has a big block chev which is 4 inches higher and wider and don't have these issues. Only mod I made to the crossmember was to shorten it at the back for some more sump length, but I put a 5mm vertical plate across from tower to tower to stop the bending in the middle, has worked for over 10 years now. Don't have ground clearance issues, or steering issues at all, but have the A9X front end changes plus moog 1 inch longer ball joints.

What is the part number for your 1" longer ball joints? or what model Chev are they to suit?

[76lxhatch]

What is the part number for your 1" longer ball joints? or what model Chev are they to suit?

These are the standard part numbers but they give you the (extensive) fitment list

https://www.summitra...03/applications

https://www.summitra...08/applications

[myss427]

Can't remember the part number but they were from Summit Racing and for a 69 Camaro, got them about 5 years ago.

[warrenm]

Can't remember the part number but they were from Summit Racing and for a 69 Camaro, got them about 5 years ago.

Thanks, I've looked at the Moog catalogues & several GM vehicles use the same top ball joint but the part # differs for the ball joint kit, maybe uses different bolts, rubber boot etc.