Front Suspension Parts

Bridgett · #1 (**permalink**) 01-19-2003, 08:59 AM

Does anyone know where I can get My Upper and Lower A Arms at a REASONABLE price?
To recap: We are building a car from scratch staying as close to the original design as possible. I've tried Kirkham, they only sell the whole suspension. Cobra Restorers are way too high. Shelby American so far has the cheapest parts. But I need to know if there is anyone else that I may have overlooked.
Or maybe someone has some laying around in their garage?
Any help on this??

CSX 4027 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-19-2003, 09:04 AM

I have the complete original suspension that came under CSX 4027. I changed it to go racing. I you want it, i will make you a deal..

Excaliber · #3 (**permalink**) 01-19-2003, 09:12 AM

Why would one change the SAI suspension to go "racing"? Or a better question is, WHAT would be better than what they come with?

Ernie

Bridgett · #4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2003, 09:25 AM

We are DEFINATLY interested!
You have email.
Thank you!

CSX 4027 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2003, 09:39 PM

As you know from the racing forum, most of the Cobra Owners do not have cars that are only race cars. I understand the waxers and cruisers but to me street driving is fairly boring even in a Cobra.
My car was set up as a competition car as most on the CC knew about so I was possessed to make it the best race car that had as much originality as possible.
The CSX 4000 series has changed and refined it's suspension as the production continued. The first batch of cars had "spot-on" 427 street suspension as per 1965. For the average street driver it was perfect but I was looking for more which I achieved through some special hand fabrication resulting from an incredible brainstorming with David Kirkham. Most on the planet would never require such crazyness.
So, I have a full front suspension left over that will fit an Original style car.

Bridgett, I also have a CSX 4000 Fiberglass body shell and an Original style set of 427 headers and side-pipes.

Excaliber · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2003, 10:52 PM

CSX4027,,,well all that did was whet my appetite for more! Now I understand WHY,,,,,,still wondering WHAT, lol.

Did you achieve near zero bump steer (for instance)? Sway bar adjustable from cockpit maybe (nah, to complex for that)? Lighter weight components? Bigger meaner brakes? Wider tires? Just what kind of sneaky things you been up to?

Ernie

Bridgett · #7 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 05:38 AM

Just got your email...will call today.

CSX 4027 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 07:37 AM

For starters I changed the upper a-arms to Shelbys heim adjustable set-up in order to have the caster adjustability. Then I had what I wanted up top but then needed solid bushed lower a-arms to take the potential play and bind out that might be found in the Delron Bushed street suspension. Kirkham and I decided on making a custom set of adjustable heim lower a arms which were exactly what Ken Miles used on one of the comp 289 cars. It worked like a charm and did give me all the adjustability I needed for different tracks. The bump steer was as good as one could get. I also removed the rear sway bar because that caused the car to not let the suspension work and cause the car to snap and want to come around on you. I weighted the front left corner to better balance the car. As for the bakes, they were the originals with better pads and gas relieved rotors while running Goodyear Stock Car Slicks in Cobra sizes. There is lots more....

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 01-21-2003, 09:01 AM

Very interesting, especially the part about removing the rear sway bar. That was a surprise!

Ernie

B. SMITH · #10 (**permalink**) 01-21-2003, 10:43 AM

HOW WOULD REMOVING THE REAR SWAY BAR AFFECT AN EXCAL OR CLASSIC ROADSTER? I HAVE A 3.73 STRAIGHT AXLE, NOT IRS.

THANKS, B. SMITH

Leroy · #11 (**permalink**) 01-26-2003, 10:22 PM

For inexpensive parts check out your circle track vendors - Pick up a mag called Circle Track or Stock Car Racing and check out the vendors that have ads in them or do surf the net. Stay away from hot rod venders way too expensive.
Lee

Excaliber · #12 (**permalink**) 01-27-2003, 12:43 AM

Well there seems to be a couple of different schools of thought on sway bars. Doesn't really matter WHICH Cobra, some like it, some don't.

Myself I think it helps keep the body flat during conering, thus placing more even weight on the tires. Some say, letting the body "roll" more puts the weight where it is needed, on the outside loaded tire. Also, softer settings let the tire grip, but also allow more "roll". Suspension setting are an "art" as well as a "science".

In the end, I LIKE a sway bar and will tinker with other settings to maximize grip. Sway bar ESPICAILLY if you run a live axle!

Ernie