Rear Suspension Reinforcement Options

[kdfoust]

This spring I'm wrapping up completely rebuilding my suspension. Right now I'm working on the rear end.

First off, what do ya'll think about the weld on trailing arm reinforcing plates (like PP and a number of other places sell for ~$100). The reinforcing plates seem like a reasonable thing to do, right? All these kits look like the same stuff to me. Is there a mo-better way to do the job, allowing that I can fabricate anything I need?

Secondly, I'd like to go ahead and reinforce the suspension consoles while I'm at it. The problem I've got is that I've never had a good look at the underside of a teener (laying on my back on my creeper in the garage doesn't count). I've looked at the PCA GGR picture for the reinforcment setup. Is the GGR setup state of the art OR is something else the hot ticket? Any recommendations for SoCal shops to do this for me - ones you've used in LA/Orange/San Diego county area?

Have fun,
Kevin

[Brad Roberts]

Here is my take on the control arms reinforcement:

1. If it doesnt bend in a off course excursion..where does the energy go ?? (The control arm mounts on the tub)

2. Do I really need to ad weight to a unsprung component ??

3. Control arms are cheap.. if I bend one (without the stiff kit on it) replacement can be made in about 2 hours and 50$.

4. I know of many many club racers that dont run the stiff kit (guy's that race on 10inch wide slicks... and win) Guy's who have been racing for 12-15 years.

I do suggest you stiffen the control arm pickup points. About 4 pieces out of the chassis stiff kit actually do anything when installed on the tub. The rest are worthless and just ad weight. I'm not the only one to share this view... The 914 IMSA racers of the early eighties figured this out way back when running 12+24 hour events in 914's.

TonyC is the fabricator here.. let him show you what he came up with on one of our 914's for the control arm pickup points. It involves a few tubes all tied to the main hoop.

B