Torsion Bar vs Coil Over

[Michael4yah]

I have a 90s Contemporary Chassis that has a Torsion bar suspension. Its in need of a new body. (had a slight disagreement with a guard rail) Id like to hear how others feel about the torsion bar suspension. Especially if they've driven both torsion and coil over and what their impressions were or differences are. Ive actually heard that some prefer the torsion bar suspension especially with a big block. Whattya think? Keep it, or is it worth it to change to a coil over?

[mickmate]

I feel the standard torsion bars from XKE ride a little harsh in the CCX. I would like to try a softer bar but really prefer the ride and adjustability of coil overs.

[Michael4yah]

Thanks Nick, How have you been? Are ya tard of winter yet? How are those scratch built cars coming? By the way, that Contemporary Cobra Coupe on ebay has torsion bar suspension. On a normal contemporary jag set up are the front and rear tracks different? Thanks Michael

[RICK LAKE]

Michael4yah Mike it's about ride and handling. Torsion bars are softer feel of suspension than coil springs. If you are just a cruiser, and all the suspension parts are in good shape stay with what you have. If you are looking for a LITTLE bit better handling, buy shocks with double valving for both dampening and rebounding. A QA1 shock would be a good replacement for the front end and give you about 500 combos of adjustment to get the car to handle a little better. If you are looking for a canyon carver, you be looking at a high twist torsion bar custom, and special shocks. At this point coil over is going to be the way to go. I have 2 dually, one has coil springs and the other is torsion bars because of 4 wheel drive. The shocks and arms are the same for both. With a empty truck the torsion rides alot smoother, with full loads like 5 wheel trailers on them the coil springs ride like a caddie. Both truck run the same tires too. You can make the coil over setup work as good if not better than the torsion bars but will take some work and a couple of spring changes to get the ride you are looking for. You would only need to buy one pair of shocks, the rest will be adjustments and feeling of the car. If you are runing a BBFE, look for a spring rate of 375-425 if you are looking for a good handling car. Rick L.