[renfroe453]

I have little knowledge when it comes to the the right trailing arm set up for my Chevelle (notice I did not say "the best").

Let me explain what I do with the car and the current set up so you guys can offer your option for what would be the most appropriate set up.

For the most part, I show the car at most of the local and regional car shows, so anything I do, I want it to look great. When it comes to driving, the car gets driven around town on the weekends, but almost never see's any highway miles. The motor is a strong BBC with a 350 Turbo and a 12 bolt rear end. I am running ET Radials on the back as well.

The current trailing arms are all stock and needs to be "freshened up" to say the least. I was thinking about replacing the bushings and adding a nice powder coat to these arms, rather than spend another $500-$600 for new ones. However, if different arms will greatly improve traction and help reduce "burn outs" then this may be an option. Again, I have very little knowledge in this area and your options are greatly appreciated.

Also, I will be installing "drag bags" in the coil springs when I do whatever it is I am going to do with the trailing arms. One thing that is especially important is that I do not change the stance of the car.

[curtis73]

Better (stiffer) control arms will improve traction a little simply because they don't flex and twist as much, but as long as you're installing them in the stock location, there won't be much benefit. One way to improve traction is to alter where the arms attach in the front to change the instant center.

Some of the nicest looking trailing arms (but not cheap) are billet aluminum. You could also modify the stock arms by boxing them. If your fabrication skills are up to it, I've made some nice-looking arms with 3" square 1/16" wall steel tubing.

[renfroe453]

Thanks. I was thinking that as well, but was not sure if it was a common procedure for factory arms to be modified in this manner.

If I go this route (which would be much cheaper) should I go back with stock bushings or upgrade to a different material?