More Room Better Ride?

[zslacker]

Has anyone replaced their E body front suspension with a QA1 coil over kit? I am ready to install a 6.2 Hellcat in my 1970 Barracuda and am considering making the swap. I have read positive reviews about the increased ride quality and the amount of room the kit provides for headers but have not talked to anyone who has installed one in their E body. This car will mostly be used for freeway driving, is the 5-6k price tag worth it?

 

[Challenger RTA]

You might get some info here:

G

Thread 'QA1 subframe and control arms worth the effort?'

Mar 22, 2025

Looking for feedback from those that have the QA1 stuff on their car and used it in anger at the track. I've had every intention of running the stock K-frame torsion bars, but with heavier duty aftermarket versions. I'm going to be doing auto-x, road courses, etc and want to optimize the suspension. Not interested in a coil over conversion. I've run across a QA1 setup with their tubular K frame, upper/lower control arms, bigger torsion bars, shocks, etc, and some sort of rack and pinion steering setup that I didn't see on their site. Price is pretty decent but the rack and pinion has...

• gzig5
• Replies: 9
• Forum: Steering / Suspension

 

[zslacker]

You might some info here:

G

Thread 'QA1 subframe and control arms worth the effort?'

Mar 22, 2025

Looking for feedback from those that have the QA1 stuff on their car and used it in anger at the track. I've had every intention of running the stock K-frame torsion bars, but with heavier duty aftermarket versions. I'm going to be doing auto-x, road courses, etc and want to optimize the suspension. Not interested in a coil over conversion. I've run across a QA1 setup with their tubular K frame, upper/lower control arms, bigger torsion bars, shocks, etc, and some sort of rack and pinion steering setup that I didn't see on their site. Price is pretty decent but the rack and pinion has...

• gzig5
• Replies: 9
• Forum: Steering / Suspension

Thanks, I've read those links and they are helpful however I'm trying to find someone who has installed one of these systems and used a gen 3 hemi. I'm using the measure twice cut once method so I dont spend the 5 grand unnecessarily

 

[Challenger RTA]

I'm using the measure twice cut once method so I dont spend the 5 grand unnecessarily

I get that. Just thought it might trigger someone or thing here.

 

[1moretoy]

Im installing a kit from RMS. A friend of mine just had to tear his car apart due to a cracked qa1 motor mount.

 

[6PKRTSE]

I am running a RMS AlterKation kit on my blue 70 Challenger. It's about 10 years old now with 1000's of street miles and plenty of passes with no issues. Mine has no motor mounts as I made my own front and mid plates. I like it because I was able to Weld up my 3 piece Hooker Super Comp headers 100% into one piece headers for both sides and I am able to slide them up from underneath and bolt up in about 10 mins with the engine mounted without any torsion bar interference. I am also able to run a low profile flat bottom top fuel/dragster type oil pan for no sump ground clearance issues since my car sits much lower than stock. Also, less weight, more suspension travel and double adjustable front shocks and ride height.

 

[HPP]

IMO, for a cruiser, I don't see the need for a $6k suspension system that can accommodate quick spring rate changes and provides a huge range of adjustment. Spend a fraction of that on some very high end shocks and a stepped up torsion bar, and your stock system will ride excellent and perform decently.

The lighter weight and extra room are definitely nice to have features of aftermarket systems. However, since most G3 swap kits are built around using the stock mounts, it's a negligible benefit having extra room.

A G3 Hemi is roughly the same weight as an LA small block, so there is nothing uniquely specific to using that engine other than mounts and headers.

 

[6PKRTSE]

IMO, for a cruiser, I don't see the need for a $6k suspension system that can accommodate quick spring rate changes and provides a huge range of adjustment. Spend a fraction of that on some very high end shocks and a stepped up torsion bar, and your stock system will ride excellent and perform decently.

The lighter weight and extra room are definitely nice to have features of aftermarket systems. However, since most G3 swap kits are built around using the stock mounts, it's a negligible benefit having extra room.

A G3 Hemi is roughly the same weight as an LA small block, so there is nothing uniquely specific to using that engine other than mounts and headers.

I agree, but I was able to get it all for free. So, it didn't cost me anything, but a weekend of my time. Again, I do prefer it for the reasons I listed for simplicity mainly.

 

[HPP]

I certainly wouldn't pass up installing $6k worth of nearly free parts if given the opportunity. However, if I was paying for them, then I'd be a bit more critical on the cost/benefit aspect of the purchase.

A coil spring does not necessarily ride better than a torsion spring. However, the way you control that motion can have a large impact on ride quality. Spending more on shocks can improve ride quality without spending multiple thousands on entirely new systems.