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Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? #2605072
01/11/19 06:54 PM
01/11/19 06:54 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
67SATisfaction Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art
67SATisfaction  Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
Hey guys, thanks for looking.. this has prolly been asked a million times, right?

My brother loved track racing his bone stock '68 RR last year and is coming back this year for more... I've got a European sports car I track race, so I'm all set.. but I'm helping guide him in his first basic steps to improve..

This is a 2.1mile road course with 18 turns and 450ft elevation change. Lots of braking and turning. I don't know his budget, but I know he has limited time to install the improvements before track day (his RR is in storage til two days before track day.."What Could Possibly Go Wrong?".. rolleyes ).

Please share your thoughts on the following "low hanging fruit" to improve his RR, I think it's basic enough to be pretty solid, but running it by you Mopar guys in case I'm missing something...

Not looking for "Full on" racecar, just some good incremental improvements that won't degrade street-ability too much.

1. Tires. Currently 14" street radials.
- Buy a new set of 15" steel rims, he has decided on a set of grippier Cooper tires.

2. Brakes. Currently stock drums, manual.
- He'd like to go with front discs, but with limited time to install and troubleshoot, I suggested a shop that offers high-perf linings for existing drum shoes. We can swap them in quickly. It'll put more heat to the drums, but willing to try it out.... See how it goes.

3. Suspension. Stock torsion and new OEM rear leaf springs.
- So far, just a slightly stiffer front sway to reduce oversteer. He's found a front sway he likes from Hotchkis (I like the FirmFeel front & rears on my '65. We each have our druthers).

4. Shocks. No idea what he has now, but definitely plain street spec.
- I'm going to suggest he go with stiffer shocks, but I have no experience sourcing or spec'ing anything (I upgraded my '65 to Monroe GasMatics fronts and I forget what I put on the back, but they were yellow Monroes, a little stiffer). Any suggestions? I found Koni has a search function that lists some shocks for the RR.

5. Seating. Stock bench seat.
- We get thrown around a lot. I'm not sure what will help without changing out the bench. Are there belts that will hold us in better, that bolt in?

Am I steering him OK? Anything else that might be easy, quick and reliable?

Thank you,
- Art

Last edited by 67SATisfaction; 01/11/19 07:24 PM.

65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76
67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23
67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd
82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle
75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2605253
01/12/19 01:25 AM
01/12/19 01:25 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
67SATisfaction Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art
67SATisfaction  Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
OK, a number of you have looked at this post without comment, so I gather we're on the right track (ha ha, get it?).. and I'm not being sarcastic when I saying Thank You for looking at this.

Cheers,
- Art


65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76
67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23
67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd
82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle
75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2605292
01/12/19 04:52 AM
01/12/19 04:52 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,394
The Pale Blue Dot
Skeptic Offline
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Skeptic  Offline
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Originally Posted By 67SATisfaction
OK, a number of you have looked at this post without comment, so I gather we're on the right track (ha ha, get it?).. and I'm not being sarcastic when I saying Thank You for looking at this.

Cheers,
- Art


Honestly it reads like a joke post. There isn't a single point that indicates an effort to make the car even marginally safe on a track. shruggy Disk brakes, big ones, all around- Talk to Cass, otherwise known as Doctor Diff He sells cost effective brake kits for our old cars and is an upright guy.
_When a 3000 lb Toyota Corolla comes with 11.5" front disks and 10.5" rear disks can you really think that a 4000 lb B body is gonna stop from speed with drums. My 68 barracuda had 10" drums and the brakes were garbage. Not worn out, not mis-adjusted, just not up to the task even in commuter traffic.
_ I'd suggest Hotchkis or Firm Feel for sway bars/springs and shocks. Hotchkis has a 4 door B body they beat on auto-X courses and runs circles around newer sports cars, the Firm Feel guys have years of racing experience. You won't go wrong talking to them and their products work.
_ You can get a limited number of 15" tires that will work on a track, if you must. You are really limiting the brake sizes for stopping a big car, I'd get 17" or 18" wheels and tires. There are retro looking wheels in those sizes if the look isn't to your liking. twocents

Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2605343
01/12/19 12:42 PM
01/12/19 12:42 PM
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,645
Phila. Pa.
Mattax Offline
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Originally Posted By 67SATisfaction
Hey guys, thanks for looking.. this has prolly been asked a million times, right?

My brother loved track racing his bone stock '68 RR last year and is coming back this year for more... I've got a European sports car I track race, so I'm all set.. but I'm helping guide him in his first basic steps to improve..

up
Quote:

This is a 2.1mile road course with 18 turns and 450ft elevation change. Lots of braking and turning. I don't know his budget, but I know he has limited time to install the improvements before track day (his RR is in storage til two days before track day.."What Could Possibly Go Wrong?".. rolleyes ).

#1. Change the brake fluid. Valvoline's 'synthetic' is pretty good stuff.
#2 Check everything else over. Brake shoes, oil, tires, oil, etc.
#3 Have a good time.

Quote:

1. Tires. Currently 14" street radials.
- Buy a new set of 15" steel rims, he has decided on a set of grippier Cooper tires.

That's doable. Not sure how much difference in grip there will be. If it shortens the sidewall, gets more tread width, and maintains the load rating it should be a plus.
Package may weigh more. You should note that Scott Harvey recommended doubling up on the spiders of steel rims, at least for rally. There's a classic photo of the Chrysler France Hemi 'cuda with a broken ralley rim. A circle track rim like Basset makes might be stronger and lighter.
An aluminum rim with lots of cross sectional strength is worth looking into. ie styles torque thrust, mini-light, mag star, or 'ansen' slots.

Since he owns the 14s, maybe the new set of tires is dedicated to track rather try to make them dual purpose. wink

Quote:

2. Brakes. Currently stock drums, manual.
- He'd like to go with front discs, but with limited time to install and troubleshoot, I suggested a shop that offers high-perf linings for existing drum shoes. We can swap them in quickly. It'll put more heat to the drums, but willing to try it out.... See how it goes.

Bring some method of checking drum temps. See how much wear is on the ones on there from last outing, and if visible, the edge code. Rochester Brake and Clutch is worth talking with about linings and they can arc them too.
Tricky part is the car is inbetween street and track. Linings for racing with front drums will generally not be great for street. With the street tires, not sure the speeds and loads will be there for all out race linings. Besides the temperature range, how the linings feel to him - the release and grabbyiness - will be important to how comfortable and confident he feels with them.

Quote:

3. Suspension. Stock torsion and new OEM rear leaf springs.
- So far, just a slightly stiffer front sway to reduce oversteer. He's found a front sway he likes from Hotchkis (I like the FirmFeel front & rears on my '65. We each have our druthers).

Save and measure the original leafs. Important reference point and those may end up being better than a repop.
On track, definately increase that front roll resistance. If there had to be a choice, do that over the leafs. Use polyurethane end link bushings with heavier washers and sleeve.
Quote:

4. Shocks. No idea what he has now, but definitely plain street spec.
- I'm going to suggest he go with stiffer shocks, but I have no experience sourcing or spec'ing anything (I upgraded my '65 to Monroe GasMatics fronts and I forget what I put on the back, but they were yellow Monroes, a little stiffer). Any suggestions? I found Koni has a search function that lists some shocks for the RR.
</quote>
The good ones will be $$. With close to stock springs, the ones he has should be serve.
[quote]
5. Seating. Stock bench seat.
- We get thrown around a lot. I'm not sure what will help without changing out the bench. Are there belts that will hold us in better, that bolt in?

Does the car have the optional shoulder belt? That's not a quick and easy if not installed but would be good start.
Scroth claims to have a safe, DOT approved, 4 point harness. I've never felt fully confident in that claim, especially as a retrofit into one of our cars. But they've had it out for over 15 years so could be worth writing them.
My concerns are (a) riding up off the hips while driving. (b) no cross strap for the shoulder belts during a crash situation.
Quote:

Am I steering him OK? Anything else that might be easy, quick and reliable?

I think so.
A cheap freebee is to drop the nose a little and align for a little more agressive camber and caster. Use shoe polish if you don't have a pyrometer or time to use it at the track. The best specs will be dependent on the tire, and to some degree the car and driver.

Keep an occassional eye on the oil pressure. If it seems to keep dropping (relative to rpm) after water temperature has stabalized it may be getting hot enough during the sessions that a heavier grade will be needed to maintain viscosity. or it just may be oil return and pan control.


Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2605546
01/12/19 07:41 PM
01/12/19 07:41 PM
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The Netherlands
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1. Tires.
Forget those Coopers. They are a cheap tire with matching cheap performance.
With a good 'brand' tire like Goodyears/Michelin, traction will be improved greatly.

2. Brakes. Currently stock drums, manual.
I've heard about improved drumbrake linings but this will mostly put more heat into the already inadequate drums.
I would at least look into fabbing ducting to direct/route fresh air onto each wheel/brake.
Brake-fade might put a quick end to the fun after just a couple of rounds.

3. Suspension. Stock torsion and new OEM rear leaf springs.
- So far, just a slightly stiffer front sway to reduce oversteer. He's found a front sway he likes from Hotchkis (I like the FirmFeel front & rears on my '65. We each have our druthers).

4. Shocks. No idea what he has now, but definitely plain street spec.
Bilstein, QA1, Hotchkis/Fox all make good shocks which will be a league above the 'cheaper' stuff out there.
Adjustable shocks would preferred. This will also greatly improve regular driving and are easy to install.

5. Seating. Stock bench seat.
How about securely fabbing/mounting a temporary sheet of rubber to improve grip on the seat.

Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2605595
01/12/19 09:54 PM
01/12/19 09:54 PM
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Michigan
MarkZ Offline
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I wouldn't piecemeal it since everything really needs to be setup together. I would call Hotchkiss and inquire about one of there complete kits and then call Doctor Diff for brakes.

If you absolutely have to do it in pices then brakes first, rims and tires and next sway bars.


1987 Fifth Avenue - 512/518/D60
Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2605629
01/12/19 11:08 PM
01/12/19 11:08 PM
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And buy Andy F's book on updating the b-body suspensions. Lots of great info in there.


Carl Kessel
Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: CKessel] #2605702
01/13/19 01:10 AM
01/13/19 01:10 AM
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Originally Posted By CKessel
And buy Andy F's book on updating the b-body suspensions. Lots of great info in there.


That is what I was thinking. Why would I type a reply when I already typed a whole book?

Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2605720
01/13/19 02:12 AM
01/13/19 02:12 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
67SATisfaction Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art
67SATisfaction  Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
Thanks guys, for the well crafted advice, including Skeptic who lived up to his name thumbs but still offered advice. I tried my best to write a "bump" comment that showed I took encouragement, and not offense at not having gotten any comments yet.

Thanks for the time you put into your advice. Our goal is to read it and select some or all of the incremental upgrades without "losing control" of the many variables of the RR's dynamics.

I know my own car well enough from tracking it for 4 years , gradually improving it, and I've learned the lesson that can come from making modifications without enough consideration, without documenting the baseline, or without thinking of the 'whole package'. Then you have to undo what you did to understand what went wrong. Been there done that. Trying to avoid it for my brother's RR.

Skeptic, "There isn't a single point that indicates an effort to make the car even marginally safe on a track.".. may I suggest you are over-thinking this.? This is an entry level amateur driver effort looking for incremental improvement.. read on for more explanation..

Last year my brother was an amateur driver, out for his first track day ever, with the motorsports club I belong to. They are a group of track racing enthusiasts who welcomed him and his RR.
.. Our type of club racing takes place at road courses all over our area every season. Our club rents the track and the staff. Club members are the drivers who pay a fee that covers the track rental cost. Drivers bring whatever car they have, have it pass tech inspection, and see what it'll do. We race against the clock, not "door-to-door". Drivers are given a thorough orientation. New drivers are coached. Car/driver combinations are assigned Groups according to performance and ability. Groups go out in Sessions. Cars are cleared onto the track by the Stewards at timed intervals to reduce "traffic jams". At our track, the track stewards can be relied on to perform diligent tech inspections, watch the drivers and cars carefully during track sessions, and flag drivers or cars they observe are behaving too hazardously. Rules are enforced. Violators are ejected from the track day.

This is how safety is handled so that any car that passes tech can participate, and drivers are kept in check. For a newbie driver and car combo, this gets them a controlled, coached environment in which to establish their baseline, and gets them feedback. Tech inspection found nothing to keep my brother or the '68 RR off the track, and as competitive as I am with my brother, I'm actually proud to say he got praised by the stewards and club organizers for how well he handled the beastly RR.

I wonder how this compares to the way your club or race track handles safety with cars and drivers of greatly varying or even unknown performance sharing the same track.

Best,
- Art

Last edited by 67SATisfaction; 01/13/19 02:17 AM.

65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76
67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23
67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd
82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle
75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2605771
01/13/19 09:20 AM
01/13/19 09:20 AM
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Answering the call of the wild
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ThermoQuad Offline
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Skeptic needs to go back to the straight line race forum. I love advice from people who have never cooked their brakes on a road course.
Lot's of regular cars pass tech and do laps.

OP I have years of road course time and obviously so does Matt!

Great advice by Mattax who has cooked several sets of brakes

Seat belts are a deal breaker. Put a real set belt [race belt]in for the lap belt. A real seat would be extremely beneficial

High performance brake shoes are required
DOT4 NOT 5 fluid
Rochester Clutch and Brake for the shoes
585-924-3717

Tires tires tires be square with the sizes - same size.
If you have $$$$ try 16's 255-50-16 works well in just about everything and there are great tires n that size.

Shocks are critical

Seat belts

Tires

I would not worry about cooking the brakes as a novice.

Wheels with cooling slots will be beneficial

newport 1 np.jpg
Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2605925
01/13/19 03:47 PM
01/13/19 03:47 PM
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So Near, Yet So Far
topside Offline
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A '70 Satellite wagon I had was really transformed with up-sizing the front swaybar and adding a rear one.
The thing about brakes, besides fade, is that the better you buy, the deeper you can carry speed into a turn; also, braided lines help with feel.
As much wheel & tire as you can get in there, and given the car, yeah a "square" dimensional setup is most likely best. Power & gearing play into that a bit, and understeer/oversteer preference too. As far as Coopers, their Zeon RS dry tires have been great on my Mustang, and tires will be a consumable item on a RR.
I'd be inclined to put a proper oil pan on it for improved pickup & added capacity.
Stiffening the structure will make the car more predictable and separate flex from suspension response. Makes changes & tuning less confusing.
The seat & belt deal means at least 4 or 5 point, then bolstering, so the stock appearance thing is gonna suffer. Midpoint in that would be OEM-looking buckets with added bolstering, like what's available for early Camaros but not to my knowledge for Mopars, meaning a talk with a good upholsterer.

Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: AndyF] #2606895
01/15/19 01:24 PM
01/15/19 01:24 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
67SATisfaction Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art
67SATisfaction  Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
Originally Posted By AndyF
Originally Posted By CKessel
And buy Andy F's book on updating the b-body suspensions. Lots of great info in there.


That is what I was thinking. Why would I type a reply when I already typed a whole book?


What can be better than a spontaneous, unsolicited recommendation? Thanks!

I've ordered two copies - one for each of us - didn't know it was authored by our very own AndyF - do we Moparts folks get a specially autographed version? wink

(I looked at it on Andy's website some time ago, but I misunderstood the emphasis was on building a stroker.. with brake options, then weight savings, steering box, and some suspension advice thrown in afterwards.)

Cheers,
- Art


65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76
67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23
67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd
82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle
75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2606949
01/15/19 02:53 PM
01/15/19 02:53 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
67SATisfaction Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art
67SATisfaction  Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
Thank you all again. Quick summary to date:

1. Tires/Rims.
Yes, since he plans keeping the 14" OEM Magnums for street use. The new rims/tires could be dedicated to track use. I'll ask him if that's his thinking. If so, look at 16-17-18", with an eye on whatever disc conversion he is thinking about in future. 255-50-16 are pricey, how about 225-50-16's? I'll ask him to scrutinize his Cooper choice just so he's sure on his decision (maybe the Zeon RS in 225-50-16 for $102/ea?). Tire size: Square. Select rims with good ventilation.

2. Brakes.
Flush DOT 3 out and upgrade to DOT 4. Valvoline synthetic. I have a laser to measure brake temperatures (we also use the laser to adjust tire pressure by measuring temperature spread). He did get brake fade last year. Source upgraded shoe linings from Rochester. Look into steel braided lines and ducting cool air.

3 Suspension.
Front sway from Hotchkis, w polyurethane bushes and HD seats and sleeves. Plan is to leave the OEM rear leafs as is. No rear sway. But we'll 'review w Hotchkis and be clear our goal is a bit more oversteer. Discuss shock recommendations w Hotchkis.

- Alignment? I've never tweaked my Mopars but will search here, see what you guys are operating with. My track car is dropped 30mm front, 1.5 degrees added camber, 2 degrees total toe-in, and little caster. I'm really not tempted to mess with the RR's alignment much (I can't understand those offset cam bolts for our UCA's)... unless I can get two days scheduled w a shop. We'd need to get the new alignment, then road test and back to adjust it as needed. That's cutting it close to track time, and if alignment ain't good he's going to be hating it all day. ..although I'll see what I can find on YouTube to teach me.

4. Shocks.
I'll talk with Hotchkis, see what they recommend to go with their front sway, and whatever we decide for the rear - just the stock rear leafs or add a mild sway.

5. Seats & belts.
His RR has the factory option 3-point harness. He didn't complain last year, but I'm trying to anticipate with more grip he'll stay comfortable. I'll ask him what he thinks. Possible Scrotch harness. Thanks for the idea of the rubber seat pad, we have those wicked grippy pads under some furniture cushions - that should work really well. The other drivers will love this.!

Other:
- Should've mentioned that we are not blinded by improving just the car. Developing driving skill ranks topmost in improving lap times. So, coaching will happen before and during track day.
- Monitor oil pressure. Possible new oil pan for proper pick up.
- Monitor body flex.

Looking down the road I'm not sure where he'll want to draw the line between OEM appearance and racing it. I know the more you make it track car, the less it is useful as a street car. Neither of us have truck & trailer, so driving to and from track limits us to mods that are street legal. Just one of those things.

Cheers,
- Art


65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76
67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23
67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd
82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle
75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2607325
01/16/19 02:43 AM
01/16/19 02:43 AM
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So Near, Yet So Far
topside Offline
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If "our goal is to increase oversteer" (in other words, less understeer) = add a rear bar.
I generally run as much caster as I can (most ever has been +7.2), which improves bite, feel, and tracking. Seems universal so far (Mopars, Camaros, Mustang).
Dual-purpose road course & street in mild to medium efforts has always given me a better street car. Different from dual-purpose drag cars I've had.
For a separate track tire & wheel, not only ventilation but lighter weight will help: less rotational mass & unsprung weight.

Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2607545
01/16/19 03:35 PM
01/16/19 03:35 PM
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Phila. Pa.
Mattax Offline
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Few quick thoughts.
Originally Posted By 67SATisfaction

1. Tires/Rims.

Don't worry so much about brand, but rather specific tire.
If the car currently is shod with F70r14, then the tire diameter is roughly 26" with a Load capacity of 1500 lbs. and weighs about 24 lbs.
So that's the current baseline.
then start looking at different possible combinations available.
The simplest is going to be the same type of tire in larger rim with shorter sidewall.

Watch out for the so called streetable DOT competition tires. This is code for 200 TW tires designed to meet various competition rules. The ones I've looked are unsuitable for northern climates with warnings about use or storage below 50*F! In contrast you can buy a relatively tough regular competition tire that's usable down to freezing temperatures and will by inference be less sensative to heat cycling. Some of these are far cheaper too!
For example Toyo Proxes R888R
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp...R&tab=Specs
Similar overall diameter, higher load rating, weighs 27 lbs. and is not too camber hungry for a competition radial.
These would be an investment of $650 or so with shipping.

A Piralli P600 has 'only a 180 TW' rating, but is truly streetable tire. It's not cheap. Be a good $1000 but your brotehr could use it for more than just track days. It is also a 27 lbs, 26" tall tire but in 15" with a taller sidewall.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp...romCompare1=yes
If mounted to the same model rim, in the same width, the 15" combo will weigh less in total.
So these are the things to weigh, so to speak. smile


Quote:
2. Brakes.

Fred Puhn has a few pictures and diagrams discussing brake cooling for drums.
Try to get any braided stainless hoses from a company that's done their homework - maybe even got them DOT certified. Just a little too little strain relief and they can eventually break. That's not just theory.

Quote:
3 Suspension.
Front sway from Hotchkis, w polyurethane bushes and HD seats and sleeves. Plan is to leave the OEM rear leafs as is. No rear sway. But we'll 'review w Hotchkis and be clear our goal is a bit more oversteer. Discuss shock recommendations w Hotchkis.

?? I thought it already was a little loose at times?
Discuss with Firmfeel too if you want to see if perspectives are different.
Rear bar changes will be more noticible. A light bar, with adjustability maybe something down the road.


Quote:
- Alignment? I've never tweaked my Mopars but will search here, see what you guys are operating with. My track car is dropped 30mm front, 1.5 degrees added camber, 2 degrees total toe-in, and little caster. I'm really not tempted to mess with the RR's alignment much (I can't understand those offset cam bolts for our UCA's)... unless I can get two days scheduled w a shop.
Not many shops are competent here.
Smartcamber is a relatively cheap digital gage. I like bubble gages better myself. The shop manual has a good intro to the adjustments.
If you take a turn or two out of the torsion bars, that might be enough change for this upcoming outing. That alone will do slightly increase negative camber, postive caster, as well as slighly lowering roll center and center of gravity.


Quote:
Other:
- Should've mentioned that we are not blinded by improving just the car. Developing driving skill ranks topmost in improving lap times.

beer

Last edited by Mattax; 01/16/19 03:39 PM.
Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: Mattax] #2607777
01/16/19 10:30 PM
01/16/19 10:30 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,695
Bitopia
J
jcc Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
jcc  Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
J

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,695
Bitopia
Too much to digest here, but two items jump out to me, both are related, and both will put you into the guard rail and/or hospital.

Contrary to another's comment about not to worry because driver is effectively a novice, from my track experience, novice class abuses both below the worst, and don't yet have the skill set to know they are doing it.

1. Tires, air them up, worry about grip later, novice driver needs lower grip levels to keep speeds low, to learn traction circle before they get too far in over their heads.
2. Brakes, drums should never see the track, unless on parade lap, brake fade sucks, the crudest temporary brake duct will do wonders , any other mentioned previous suggestion can't hurt, changing day before(?) to fresh fluid high temp is a must.


Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: jcc] #2608223
01/17/19 07:17 PM
01/17/19 07:17 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
67SATisfaction Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art
67SATisfaction  Offline OP
The member whose name is actually Art

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
Originally Posted By jcc
Too much to digest here, but two items jump out to me, both are related, and both will put you into the guard rail and/or hospital.

Contrary to another's comment about not to worry because driver is effectively a novice, from my track experience, novice class abuses both below the worst, and don't yet have the skill set to know they are doing it.

1. Tires, air them up, worry about grip later, novice driver needs lower grip levels to keep speeds low, to learn traction circle before they get too far in over their heads.
2. Brakes, drums should never see the track, unless on parade lap, brake fade sucks, the crudest temporary brake duct will do wonders , any other mentioned previous suggestion can't hurt, changing day before(?) to fresh fluid high temp is a must.
\

Thanks JC, long time, trust you and yours are well, almost came to visit you, what some 6 years ago now?
Anyhow, thanks for the concerns, legit for sure.. and we aren't not worrying. He's had 6 hours on track with me in the car, and he's well disciplined. Never say never, but we are in good position to keep things under control, novice and drums included ... reading my reply to Skeptic will shed light on safety..

I've gotta run my kids to sports, cheers!
- Art


65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76
67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23
67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd
71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd
82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle
75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF
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Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2608845
01/19/19 01:08 AM
01/19/19 01:08 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,394
The Pale Blue Dot
Skeptic Offline
master
Skeptic  Offline
master

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,394
The Pale Blue Dot
Good to see you've gotten some more feedback, I'll third Andy F's book, I've got two copies myself, I misplaced the first one and bought a replacement, it's that valuable. I'm not even a B body guy, but most everything still applies. I'll also say track time is good time, it's easy to build-or buy, a car that is far more capable that the driver. wave

Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: BigBlockMopar] #2609099
01/19/19 07:38 PM
01/19/19 07:38 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 24,562
Brookeville, Md
Mr.Yuck Offline
Not enough dumb comments...yet
Mr.Yuck  Offline
Not enough dumb comments...yet

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 24,562
Brookeville, Md
Bilsteins.


[IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/pui5j.jpg[/IMG]
Coming soon!!!!
Re: Starting w stock '68 RoadRunner - First steps? what shocks? [Re: 67SATisfaction] #2609310
01/20/19 01:46 PM
01/20/19 01:46 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,490
Lethbridge, AB, Canada
dangina Offline
pro stock
dangina  Offline
pro stock

Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,490
Lethbridge, AB, Canada
Originally Posted By 67SATisfaction


2. Brakes.
Flush DOT 3 out and upgrade to DOT 4. Valvoline synthetic.


for a cheaper alternative with a higher boiling point(500) I buy this at the local canadian tire store:

https://www.ace-canada.ca/en/product/synthetic-brake-fluid-ford-dot-3-450-ml-02635075

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