Front Clip Question: Need Your Help

[hotrdblder]

lol, have you driven a dse or 21st century car? i have driven a dse speed 3 equipped 1st gen, then directly after drove a 21st century equiped car, i am no race car driver, however i would pick the clipped car everytime, felt way more comfortable driving the clipped car harder, it felt like it wanted more, meaning it was easier to push harder, i am sure the camber gain, bumpsteer etc is similer to a well built stock sub, however it did not feel that way driving aggressive.

[Steve Chryssos]

Current "on paper" geometry comparisons ignore important aspects such as front steer vs. rear steer as well as torsional rigidity of stock stamp & weld 40 year old frame rails vs DOM tubular frame rails.

Assuming that both designs offer equal grip, a GOOD aftermarket clip still wins because it is easier to drive hard. By eliminating the pitman arm, the idler arm, the center link, and pointing the steering arms forward, the GOOD aftermarket clips practically drive themselves. "On Paper" bump steer, camber gain and caster comparisons fail to tell the "Front Steer" story. Also, I hate driving my car on paper because they don't make large enough sheets. And paper can be very slippery which is dangerous. There are very good reasons why almost all modern cars are front steer. It's okay to admit that GOOD aftermarket clips have their place, because there is still one hugely important difference:

Given that both designs work extremely well--and they do, the difference comes down to money. You can build up an excellent handling stock clip in stages, while the aftermarket clips require an up front, lump sum expenditure. If you can afford the one time, lump sum tin for a GOOD aftermarket clip, do it. You won't be disappointed. Also, if you will be paying labor to cut & weld an OE clip for coil over conversion, GOOD aftermarket clip can quickly become less expensive.

If, on the other hand, you can only afford to buy bits and pieces in stages and will be doing the work yourself, then upgrade a stock clip. They haul ass and cost less substantially less--especially if you avoid coil over conversion. Start with ATS spindles. They are the single most important upgrade to a factory clip. And they are the single most developed part available for factory clips. I'll take coil springs over coil overs any day of the the week.

Given your requirements, your options are wide open. It boils down to whether you have $4-$6K today or in stages. Just don't let anyone tell you that GOOD aftermarket clips are a waste.

the car is going to be something i can cruse around it but i want it to handle pretty well too, i would prefer not to have to spend any more than necessary in order to make it handle well, so i guess if i had to choose a number it would be someplace between 4 and 6gs