[panamracer]

Hi,
I'm building a 52 Chevy car that I'm running this year in the LaCarerra Panamericana in Mexico.
Here's what I'm trying to find out:
How can I put power steering in with the stock front suspension?
Any ideas on making these roly-poly cars handle better? My plans so far are to change the rear springs to modern-day 2 1/2" width, and to install a set of Koni oval-track racing shocks, and possibly a bigger sway bar....

Any ideas would be appreciated, the race runs in late October, right around the corner!!!

[matt167]

well, the car won't win any races, but yes you can, the power steering setup from a '53-'54 chevy will work, or get a power steering box from a '85-'95 Astrovan reversed, it will work also. as for a bigger sway bar, there is no sway bar, and no way to add 1 that I know of. rear springs arn't the problem. the car weighs just under2 tons ( 3,600# + the 250# PG auto ), it's not a race car.

[xntrik]

Obviously upgraded modern shocks are # 1. Contact Eaton Detroit Spring for any spring upgrades. They are quality.

Anti-roll bars?????

[joshua moon]

Originally Posted by panamracer

Hi,
I'm building a 52 Chevy car that I'm running this year in the LaCarerra Panamericana in Mexico.
Here's what I'm trying to find out:
How can I put power steering in with the stock front suspension?
Any ideas on making these roly-poly cars handle better? My plans so far are to change the rear springs to modern-day 2 1/2" width, and to install a set of Koni oval-track racing shocks, and possibly a bigger sway bar....

Any ideas would be appreciated, the race runs in late October, right around the corner!!!

kanter has sway bars for both front and rear for the car u have they are thicker then stock ones

[joshua moon]

kanter has bigger sway bars for your car check them out

[aosborn]

There are a multitude of things you can do to make that car handle better. I am jealous of your entry into the Panamerica. What a great event!

Start with upgrading any and all rubber suspension bushings with either urethane, or greaseable aluminum. You need to get all bushing compliance minimized. Check the suspension for bump steer. PM me and I can tell you a easy way to check it. If you can lower the upper inner front control arm pivot point, that will improve camber gain which is typically minimal on early cars and maybe add some anti-dive (combine this with adjusting bump steer). Look for ways to increase positive caster and negative camber also, especially if adding power steering. You will need to increase spring rates and add double adjustable shocks if the budget will allow. Fitting anti-roll bars can be done either by scrounging the bone yard with a tape measure and see what will fit, or build them, it is not hard to do if somone in your area can do heat treating (again PM me if interested). The biggest thing you can do for handling is put on top-of-the-line tires and the lightest weight wheels you can afford. The list goes on and on...

Go for it and have fun!

Andy