Torque Steer and Spreader Bars - Any Good?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
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From: Same as our leaders Out of my mind
Torque Steer and Spreader Bars - Any Good?
I was looking at the Van Steel parts for a rebuilt power steering control valve when I came across their spreader bar kit.
I experience significant torque steer under moderately hard acceleration with my new 383 stroker engine. Will the spreader bar make much of a difference where torque steer is concerned? The kit is reasonably priced and it states that it will work with my stock engine driven fan.
Let's hear some feedback from you before I spend some more (unnecessary) money here!
I experience significant torque steer under moderately hard acceleration with my new 383 stroker engine. Will the spreader bar make much of a difference where torque steer is concerned? The kit is reasonably priced and it states that it will work with my stock engine driven fan.
Let's hear some feedback from you before I spend some more (unnecessary) money here!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
If you are experiencing torque steer, it's probably coming from the rear. Check the trailing arm front bushings and shims. The spreader bar is made to prevent camber changes during hard cornering.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Originally Posted by icanfixitforyou
How would you describe the difference in handling before and after the spreader bar installation? I am considering cost vs. benefit.
Thanks,
Thanks,
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Torque steer can also come from bump steer. As the front end rises the tires toe in badly, up to 1 1/2 or 2 inches. This toe in could lead to the cars bad handling off the line.
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Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
Torque steer can also come from bump steer. As the front end rises the tires toe in badly, up to 1 1/2 or 2 inches. This toe in could lead to the cars bad handling off the line.
You don't really mean 1.5" of toe in.....Do you?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: NorCal
Advantages...
The spreaders help 'fix' a built-in flaw in the 63-82 Vettes. The design of the body required a very low and set back engine, and it was a nice handling bonus as well. Problem is, the frame saddle has VERY high mounted upper control arms, and it's not of a rigid enough design to prevent significant flex when the car is driven enthusiastically, especially when you add wide, sticky tires. The spreader bar essentially "triangulates" the two control arm mounts and the saddle. In addition to the imediate handling benifits and increased rigidity, it almost completely prevents the front frame cracking so common in these cars. Highly recommended, and it can be used with the stock fan, at least on the SB C-3's. Requires electric fans for the BB.
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Burning Brakes
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Originally Posted by icanfixitforyou
I was looking at the Van Steel parts for a rebuilt power steering control valve when I came across their spreader bar kit.
I experience significant torque steer under moderately hard acceleration with my new 383 stroker engine. Will the spreader bar make much of a difference where torque steer is concerned? The kit is reasonably priced and it states that it will work with my stock engine driven fan.
Let's hear some feedback from you before I spend some more (unnecessary) money here!
I experience significant torque steer under moderately hard acceleration with my new 383 stroker engine. Will the spreader bar make much of a difference where torque steer is concerned? The kit is reasonably priced and it states that it will work with my stock engine driven fan.
Let's hear some feedback from you before I spend some more (unnecessary) money here!
You may have a rear trailing arm bushing problem.