[ad_1]
Charger Torsion Bars
I am thinking of improving the handling on my 1973 Dodge Charger with an upgrade of the torsion bars. The engine is a 383-cu.in. V-8. I see several different diameters of torsion bars online from various manufacturers and I’m not sure what size my originals are. Do you have any idea how much bigger in diameter I should go?
– Roberto Martinez, via Hemmings.com
Our reference book indicates the OE torsion bar dimensions were 41 inches long and .88-inch OD (outside diameter) for six-cylinder cars, .90-inch OD for the 318 and 383 V-8s, and .92-inch OD for the Charger R/T. Without making the suspension too stiff, you can safely increase the diameter to 1-inch or 1-1/8 inch to add stability. Classic Industries can supply you with 1.03-inch Hotchkis torsion bars, part # H19367. You could also use Mancini Racing’s #MRE5249162 bars, which are 1.03-inch as well. These should do the trick without being overkill. We’d say save the 1.10- and 1.25-inch bars for heavier Chrysler models or the 426/440 and aftermarket crate engines.
Classic Industries
(800) 854-1280 • classicindustries.com
Mancini Racing
(800) 843-2121 • manciniracing.com
Pontiac EFI Upgrade
I am installing a Holley Sniper electronic fuel-injection system in my 1968 Le Mans with the Pontiac 350 V-8 engine, which has a few performance upgrades. Is there a fuel delivery system (tank and pump) that is available for this car that doesn’t look all cobbled together? I am trying to stay away from the big, gaudy, square aluminum tanks that some suppliers offer. Great magazine!
– “Poncho Pete” Drury, via Hemmings.com
Classic Performance Products offers a complete EFI conversion fuel tank kit for the 1968 GTO/Le Mans under the part number P68CFIT-K. Their Classic Fit all-in-one kit includes a new tank with all mounting hardware, sending unit, 255-liter/hour fuel pump, filter, fuel-injection hose, and a regulator and hose fittings. The tank closely resembles the OE unit and will accept the original filler neck/hose at the stock location. The pump capacity is more than enough for an engine up to 600 horsepower.
Classic Performance Products
(800) 522-5004 • classicperform.com
A4LD Swap In A 4WD Explorer
Is there another transmission, either automatic or manual, that I can swap for my 1993 Ford Explorer 4WD? The original A4LD automatic is toast, and I am not considering replacing it with another A4LD if there is something available that is more reliable. I have backyard-wrench talents but plenty of friends who will help for beers.
– Harry Urich, via Hemmings.com
The easiest installation conversion for your Explorer would be the later-model Ford 4R55E automatic, which was used in 1995-’98 Explorers. You could also add a gear using the Ford 5R55E automatic found in 1997-2001 Rangers, 1997 Aerostar, and 1997-2001 Explorers. Both the 4R55E and 5R55E can handle up to 550 lb-ft of engine torque, so they are both heavier-duty than the A4LD (roughly 400-435 lb-ft).
While the exchange is straightforward, the later transmissions will require and additional standalone controller to insure proper shifts. Your A4LD is a combination of electronic and hydraulic controls with a governor and a torque converter clutch determining upshifts, whereas the later units were all electronic and your OE computer does not have the functionality to recognize the additional required information. This conversion would require the computer assist, which is available from several aftermarket suppliers. You can use a TCI Automotive, TCU 2.0 Controller #30383-KIT available from Summit Racing, or you can use a Baumann Electronic Controls Quick 4 controller offered by US Shift. Either of these controllers will set you back about $800, but they are required to complete these swaps.
An additional alternative would be the Mazda M5OD manual transmission used in 1988-2011 Ranger, 1988-’95 Aerostar, 1991-2000 Explorer, and 1988-’90 Bronco II. If you were to go this route, when sourcing the five-speed manual transmission, make sure it mates to a 2.9-liter or 4.0-liter V-6, because the bellhousing is different for the four-cylinder and 3.0-liter V-6 engines.
Obviously, you would need many additional parts, including a manual pedal set, flywheel, clutch, and hydraulic clutch linkage to complete the installation.
Summit Racing
(800) 230-2200 • summitracing.com
Baumann Electronic Controls
(864) 646-8920 • usshift.com
TCI Automotive
(888) 776-9824 • tciauto.com
[ad_2]
