hotchkis handle bars - Lateral-g Forums

69z11 · #1 06-11-2011, 12:27 PM

I am installing a 454 with 650 hp and 600 torque on my 1969 vert Camaro. Have installed subframe connectors as primary protection of body twist. I am told the second best is the Handle Bars. They will help stiffen for handling but also help on torque twist. I plan on, for handling improvement, installing Hotchkiss upper and lower tubular control arms, front and rear sway bars and shocks. The use of the car is mainly pleasure cruising with minimal aggressive play. Does anyone have experience and advice on handle bars and if they are a good investment for the toque twist concern? (the rest of the powertrain is a Tremec TKO 600 5 spd hooked up to a Ford 9" with 373's). The rear rubber are street 275/15's with Caltracs for wheel hop prevention. I understand with these tires, there will be more wheel spin than torque worry, but this is my high school ride I've had since 1977. It was originally a 350, 4 spd, 12 bolt (have all original parts in case I want to restrore to original) but I've always been a BB wanna be. Probably over did it on hp for what I'm using the car for, but that's how it turned out. I want to minimize issues of body twist by any means necessary, besides a roll bar and/or new complete chasis. Don't want to do any mods that incur cutting that will not allow going back to stock. Only bolt on options will do.

Procharmo · #2 06-21-2011, 03:33 PM

The Handle bars will not allow the legs of the front clip to twist at all. There is some drilling involved on the cowl. Otherwise they are great anti twist removable items in my opinion....

I believe they stiffen up the car a great deal from a seat of the pants view point but I only have a small block......!

Good Luck..

JKnight · #3 06-21-2011, 03:39 PM

Seems like the only concern for the 1st gen cars is whether the handle bars' single bolt mounting design and factory firewall is strong enough to handle the loads being applied. Typically, a cage is used as the tie-in point for that type of bar, rather than the sheetmetal.

This is not to say they're a bad design. I have no doubt that they will help, its just a matter of to what degree...