DSE quadra link vs. leaf springs

[Steve Chryssos]

Originally Posted by Bowtieracing

Purpose of this post is to answer regular joes-like me - 4/10 racing need with good pro touring looks. Finally we are getting there-thanks for Steve!

Performance isn't everything. The DSE Quadra-Link, or other quality link style suspension will give you far superior ride quality as compared to leaf springs. Mid corner bumps will be less unsettling. And coil-overs allow for easy ride height adjustment and spring rate swaps. These are the primary considerations. Ride height adjustment might sound trivial, but I went thru many sets of leaf springs and lowering blocks before achieveing my car's current ride height.

Now that I've had the opportunity to drive a variety of cars, I want to ultimately get rid of the leaf springs. I want to at least maintain my car's current level of performance while improving ride quality. Since this is a pro-touring car, ultimate performance is a lower requirement than ride quality, adjustment, packaging, price and ease of installation.

First I will learn how to weld. Then I will do the swap. Probably 3 link. Maybe next year.

[Steve Chryssos]

Originally Posted by 68protouring454

agreed, can i come play??!!!??

Sure. What team do you want to be on?

[Beegs]

I'm an idiot and I'm happy.

[68protouring454]

I AM NOT SPECIAL , so i guess i would have to be on the happy idiots

[Stuart Adams]

I'll be on the "leg humpers" and "cool guy" team. I'll drive Stacys camaro.

[Jimmy Sean]

Originally Posted by Mkelcy

Where's that darn popcorn eating smilie?

Your killing me, I logged on to check this thread and I'm sitting hear eating popcorn.

[Mikael A]

First I will learn how to weld. Then I will do the swap. Probably 3 link. Maybe next year.[/QUOTE]

I have a tig and a mig if you want to come and try it.

mike a

[Steve Chryssos]

Thanks Mike,
Come on out. We'll take you for a spin in a few different pro-touring cars with various chassis set ups.

[Mikael A]

Originally Posted by streetfytr68

Thanks Mike,
Come on out. We'll take you for a spin in a few different pro-touring cars with various chassis set ups.

I tried to make it out there all summer to see jims red car but work and wife
gets in the way.
But before i decide on a rear chassi set up i would like to make it out there.

mike a

[chicane]

Well, lets start out with the topic of question, shall we ??

Originally Posted by syenkoc

I have a question about Detroit Speed's quadra link system. I'm building a '69 Camaro resto-rod, and I'm debating whether to install DSE's quadra link rear end vs. modern leaf springs. My main concern with this car is drivability - I'm don't really care about originality...

Gee looky there, it says modern leaf springs. Huh. So I guess this isnt all about an off the shelf leaf spring now is it ??

Originally Posted by streetfytr68

Thanks Tom. I re-read this thread 17 times trying to figure out exactly what the hell you're recommending.

Wow... you must have been eating pie all night, it only took me a single re-read... and a single qoute:

Originally Posted by chicane

That alone completes any arguement that one can have a leaf set-up to unquestionably meet and/or beat various link suspensions.

But as for this... who is misdirecting who ?? You sound like the Democratic hard line:

Originally Posted by streetfytr68

which is to say....Your "anything but DSE" agenda.

Its not an "anything but DSE" agenda there Polchow. This topic questions products from DSE and no other entity, nor was any other product line included in what has been questioned. If this would have included Hotchkis, VBP, EATON and/or Global West leaf springs my replies would have NOT changed. So Steevo- dont mislead, read between the lines or misinterpret what has been stated.

Originally Posted by streetfytr68

Seriously, I hate getting into a pissing match with Tom, but people are being misled.

His statements are technically accurate, but the application is wrong. His remarks apply to racing--not pro-touring. Every statement is fully applicable to a race car where lap times are all that matter; where banging fenders or an off track excusrion is a possible by-product of winning..

Uhhhhm... no. Obviously another misdirection on your behalf. Care to expound on this one Steve ?? How is the application wrong ?? Because there are DSE parts in question ?? The application isnt wrong. The available technology is, can and has been applied to a 150# street spring and that of a 350# high bank spring. YOU are the only one directing this toward a single use application. I never stated any such thing. But allow me to include the following quote as to encompass the rest of my answer:

Originally Posted by streetfytr68

But that favorite back road? The one with the 30 mph recommended speed limits? A typical pro-touring car can run that 30mph road at about 70-75mph without breaking a sweat. That's 4/10ths--NOT racing. That is what almost all pro-touring enthusiasts will experience. If you're taking that 30mph road at 90mph then you're either stupid or negligent. Ultimate parts will not change that. Buy the ultimate parts because you want them. I do. But don't buy them because someone told you that the ordinary off the shelf parts are unacceptable.

Again, this isnt solely directed towards a RACING spring. Just because a "Pro-Touring" chassis isnt on a race track, does not mean that it will not experience the same conditions off of the track. Will it experience wheel hop ?? How about exessive wheel spin ?? Or how about tortional loading of the spring, even at low speeds ?? Or what about axle tramp under braking ?? All of this... ALL OF THIS happends... whether or not you are driving on your favorite twisty road, or on a track. So yes, it does have a direct effect.

Originally Posted by streetfytr68

But don't buy them because someone told you that the ordinary off the shelf parts are unacceptable.

Exactly a point I was trying to convey. But, why have and ordinary off the shelf spring if you are looking for a modern spring to begin with ?? Especially, if you can build that modern spring and that it can cost you, about the same shipped, OR less than what the ordinary spring is being offered at ?? As I stated before, depending on application.. depends on cost.

Gee a better part for the same dough ?? Huh, who woulda thunk it.

Originally Posted by streetfytr68

The original post makes no mention of competition or maximum performance. So why bring custom $1200 leafs into the conversation?.

For a cost comparison, maybe ?? Rocket scientist huh... ??

Do they have to be $1200 springs ?? No. I have had sets made for clients that did not require a professional spring for $132 a spring. As stated before, it depends on the application.

Originally Posted by streetfytr68

Why waste people's time with imaginary parts? How much is shipping from Never-neverland? What is your shop's phone number? What forms of payment do you accept? What's your URL? Exactly how is the average enthusiast supposed to acquire these extraordinary leafs? Will tinkerbell deliver them?

Imaginary parts ?? What imaginary parts ?? Why not ask the 15 or so over on Camaros.net about their recently acquired imaginary parts. And why you are at it... why dont you go ask the owners of the circa 67-73 Vintage Trans-am Camaro and Firebird chassis about their imaginary parts. Gee, how about it Steve... your really showing your ass aren't you ??

Shipping, dont know... dont where they are going to. But from Escondido California to New York is about $50 per spring. Phone number is 747-5050. All types of payment are accepted. How do you get them ?? Well, I do the engineering drawing, send it to the shop that is going to perform the work and you then wait for the brown truck... the tinkerbell outfit is optional at an additional cost.

Originally Posted by streetfytr68

As for my experience, I will gladly meet you in the middle of the country for a head to head challenge. My off the shelf leaf springs against your magic pixie dust leaf springs.

Not a bad idea. But I dont think I could handle the headache from that annoying horn you have.