Panhard Bar + LCA install

[ReplicaR]

Finally got around to installing the panhard bar kit, and the lower control arms. Both are from Maximum Motorsports. The kit went in with out a problem, and I had the panhard bar brackets welded in for more stiffness. I'm not planning on removing them, so there is no point of getting them bolted in. After the kit was installed, I took a trip down to the muffler shop. They spent 2 hours routing the tail pipes, and now the car is just as it was before. So much for hassle free installation. So far the car feels a lot more solid, and the rear feels more composed. All of the flimsy feeling from the rear is gone. The car understeers a lot less than it used, but this is all I get from just taking a few turns quickly. Track event coming up on 7th-8th, so we'll see how it behaves at the track.

 

[ram360]

so you think a street car would have any real benefit from one?

 

[BigTang]

from what he's written, yes. any time the car is more surefooted its going to help you out, especially in an emergency situation where your choices are swerve or stop, our cars do neither very well right now.

 

[ReplicaR]

If I were to do it all over again, I'd do it. The hassle of getting tips redone is totally worth. You can also just do dumps, which is a lot cheaper, but more obnoxious.

 

[ram360]

from what he's written, yes. any time the car is more surefooted its going to help you out, especially in an emergency situation where your choices are swerve or stop, our cars do neither very well right now.

oh mine handles very well, I got everything but a panhard bar. Just saying If it's something I'll benefit from on a daily basis I'm more inclined to buy it. Not really worth spending a few hundred just so I can swerve around a garbage can in the middle of the street...lol . I can get a super good price on one that's kinda why I asked. I don't road race my car....yet anways.

 

[ReplicaR]

I got mine used. Got it for 170 shipped. I track my car pretty often, so I want this on the track, but it's not a bad addition on the street to be honest. The car just feels a lot more solid. Almost BMW like lol

 

[BigTang]

How's the noise w/ it? i know thats your last concern but does it transmit any additional unwanted "feel" i'm really attracted to these and once i finish up some other things i'll get back to doing the suspension the 98 and from what i've read on corral's road racing forum i've been interested in the panhards or watts for a while.
I just don't like doing things that make me cringe when i have to take someone for a ride in my car(read take granny to the store)

 

[Magic]

Any pics with the tailpipes? I would like to see what was required to make them clear the panhard bar.

 

[ReplicaR]

I'll take some later. To be honest, it was pretty involving. You have to pass them above the panhard bar bracket, which requires pretty complex piping, which will not come out once it's all welded up. Hopefully I'll never have to remove the tips, because if I do, I will have to cut it and reweld it or get flanges installed. The space is very tight.

 

[mich_666]

i really want to do the whole suspension on my car. Control arms and all. best of the best for some track contender handling. i just dream of the maximum grip box from MM.

 

[ram360]

I got mine used. Got it for 170 shipped. I track my car pretty often, so I want this on the track, but it's not a bad addition on the street to be honest. The car just feels a lot more solid. Almost BMW like lol

that's def good to know...

 

[GDTrumbo]

AW YOU CHEATED! I did mine in my garage.... by myself. 11.5 hrs. Plumb bobs and all.

Now everyone, don't get the wrong idea. This unit will fit with the stock exhaust in place and it does transmit some axle noise to the frame. I actually found there to be more noise after I installed the MM LCA's.

GT

 

[ReplicaR]

I don't have factory exhaust. I have Bassani Catback.

 

[GDTrumbo]

Yea, I saw the pic's. It seeemed, from others posts, they kinda had the idea that the exhaust had to be modified in all cases.
MM says it will fit with all OEM factory tail pipes and some aftermarket catback systems.
The panhard kit is awsome. You'll like it on the track I'm sure.

GT

 

[Paul]

AW YOU CHEATED! I did mine in my garage.... by myself. 11.5 hrs. Plumb bobs and all.

Haha me too. That sucked. LOL

Cool mod ReplicaR. Be careful, it's starting to become a real racecar!

 

[GDTrumbo]

I love mine. Very "balanced" feel to it now.

GT

 

[Win]

Good info i will have to put this on the list of to do's thanks.

 

[ReplicaR]

Cool mod ReplicaR. Be careful, it's starting to become a real racecar!

Yeah, it's a real slippery slope that I'm standing on. I'm trying to do one step at a time and work out the bugs with everything before the next mod is on. I've modded the car before way too quickly, to the point that there were so many issues, that it was not pleasant to drive anymore. I'm real particular about fit and finish, so if something gets done, I usually make sure it gets done well.

 

[Dalamar]

nice pix Replica.
you gonna put any paint under there?


I had to custom build my axle-over tails.
it's tight going around the panhard frame.

 

[Paul]

if something gets done, I usually make sure it gets done well.

Words to live by!

I'm the same way.