Torsion Bar suspension.

[Michael4yah]

Does anyone know if there were different rated bars for the jag suspension? Softer/stiffer? Anyone know the weight of the average jag front end? Im coming down the stretch on this Contemporary and Im trying to get all my ducks in a row. One thing Ive learned, stumbling blocks come in all sizes. Another question is if I change from the 454 chevy I have in it where do the 427FE mounts go? And While Ive got your attention, what is the difference in width between a 351W bellhousing and a 427 bellhousing? I have to put in a floor mounted pedal box anyway. If I go SBF Id like to mount the pedals as far right as possible. Thanks for all the help. Especially you Nick. Michael

[B.M.B.C]

Uprated front torsion bars are available try Xks Unlimited or SNG Barretts.

[mickmate]

I think he wants softer torsion bars for the lighter car. I'll see if I can find out who was making them.

[Michael4yah]

Guys, Ive never had a torsion bar suspension before. I just assumed someone would be making different rated rods for BB/SB or all aluminum applications. Ive talked to guys that either really liked or really disliked their torsion suspensions. Ive always toyed with the idea of having the coil over conversion done but having ways of tuning the torsion might convince me to keep it. Are these torsion bars marked in anyway to tell what spring rate they were or what model they were in?

[1985 CCX]

There are upgraded "Thicker thus stiffer" bars available. Keep in mind a Jag cast iron straight six and all the regalia that goes along with it is heavier than a Cobra with FE. Ride height is set by bar torsion, so if it is an optiuon get thicker bars.

The Jag depending on whether it be 2+2 or OTS weighs 2800lbs to 3100lbs, FE CCX is around 500+lbs lighter overall.

Cast FE with Cast heads 600lbs with some ally parts
Jaguar 6 cylinder is about 75lbs more if my web search went right.

Of course aluminum heads and assorted parts help both.

Have fun....

[Michael4yah]

Thanks Jeff, Has anyone ever heard of one of these bars breaking with the suspension compressed? Just wondering.

Michael

[Fastz06]

Michael,
Dont mean to hijact your thread, but does anyone have schematics, drawings, etc that might assist in converting from torsion to coil over on a CCX?

I figure Nick knows, he knows everything!

Ray

[Michael4yah]

Ray, thanks for asking, it was my next question. There is a guy named Kurt Hamilton who bought the rights to a coil over conversion from Kugel. I think thats the story. I talked to him about 2 years ago and he quoted me 3K to do it. He said he only works on bare frames so everything had to be stripped. You can call Kugel and get his number. Other than that I dont know anyone who has the specs for doing it.

Michael

[redmt]

Originally Posted by Fastz06

Michael,
Dont mean to hijact your thread, but does anyone have schematics, drawings, etc that might assist in converting from torsion to coil over on a CCX?

I figure Nick knows, he knows everything!

Ray

One more hi-jack,,,,I need a couple parts for my t b suspension. Might be interested in the whole set up if reasonably.
John

[mickmate]

You got choices on bars http://www.classicjaguar.com/torsion_bars.htm
I was surprised to see the weight dist is about the same on XKE as Cobra, 51/49. I thought they'd be more nose heavy. If I keep getting enough inquiries on coil over conversion parts and I'll put a CCX/Midstates kit together. They need an X brace on the chassis to support it. You'd want the motor and rad out anyway to get that in there and body off even better obviously. Lower pivot points are pretty close I think uppers need need spreading out front to back for getting the coilover through. Jag arm and steering geometry is nice I'd want to keep that as well as hubs etc. I believe that would be the way to go if your brakes have been uprated from the Jag ones. Kugel does do nice hardware and I know Kurt does good work. Michael we have a thread on here somewhere showing motor mount locations for the CCX I think. Ray, I don't know nuttin but I'll take a look at it for ya ;-)

[Michael4yah]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

There are upgraded "Thicker thus stiffer" bars available. Keep in mind a Jag cast iron straight six and all the regalia that goes along with it is heavier than a Cobra with FE. Ride height is set by bar torsion, so if it is an optiuon get thicker bars.

The Jag depending on whether it be 2+2 or OTS weighs 2800lbs to 3100lbs, FE CCX is around 500+lbs lighter overall.

Cast FE with Cast heads 600lbs with some ally parts
Jaguar 6 cylinder is about 75lbs more if my web search went right.

Of course aluminum heads and assorted parts help both.

Have fun....

This kinda sums up my dilemma. I thought I'd build a new FE for this chassis, Most of the parts Ive got are aluminum and may end up with an alum block. On the quest of getting a lighter car I may end up with a front end thats too stiff. Thanks for the info on the co's that sell Torsion Bars. This will give me some options in case its too stiff.
Michael

[Michael4yah]

Feel free to hijack as much as necessary!!