i just got their new catalog in the mail... much better than their previous catalogs. lots of new stuff. and, i'm kind of bummed out that my TCP LCA's don't have the new pivot socket and grease-zerk fitting. anyone else get that feeling when buying performance parts?
Yes, I was glad to see that they expanded their product line but very disappointed in the price increases. Specifically, their manual rack and pinion saw a $200 price jump from $1200 to $1400.
Additionally, their front coilover system increased by nearly $300 ($2200 to $2485). Granted, they are now selling this unit with double adjustable shocks, the extra $300 still bums me out.
At first, I was definitely going to use all TCP products from bumper to bumper, but all that may be changing. TCP's price increase have caused me to be a bit more open minded when designing my suspension. I must say, in spite of the price increases, they offer an outstanding product line.
Just my .02
I don't know what that is but I want it.This is an example of one of our pallatech machine fixture loading systems. It's a dual-level, 12-fixture, elevator and track loading system that can accommodate 48 individual fixture faces. This particular one handles fixtures for our largest horizontal machining center, which holds about 140 tools.
... are you going to develop a rear sway bar for the rear pushrod suspension system...
We've been extremely busy with multiple projects in each of the three product lines, so the rear pushrod anti-roll bar hasn't exactly been a front-burner item. However, it is on our to do list. I'm pushing for something similar to the sliding-link adjustable anti-roll bar we have for the g-Bar system. Since we already make usable or similar components, it should cut down on our time to get it into production once we get started.
... with the coilover setup (looking at the front) what reason do the coilovers have to be mounted the way they are? ...if they were the other way up it would reduce unsprung mass ...
The VariShock body and most of the valve mechanism is machined from aluminum, compared to the steel piston and jam nut at the opposite end. The difference in weight between the two ends isn't as large as you might think. The shock can be mounted inverted without any issues for a minor improvement in unsprung weight, but you'll lose the convience of having easy access to the adjusting knobs.
Has anybody gone from an 'Opentracker' rollerised type suspension system to TCP and can advise whether there is a significant handling improvement ?
My 66 GT has boxed LCA's and UCA's, rollerised spring perches and LCA, shelby drop, 600lb springs, revalved koni's, bump steer kit, rollerised shelby quick steer kit, rollerised strut rods ,1 1/4" sway bar at the front with standard 66 GT manual steering box . Also G/w subframe connectors. Rear has 150lb leaf springs, Koni's, underide bars with rod ends, heavy shackles and delrin bushes. All of this stuff is from Cobra Automotive.
My car had the stock A code 225 hp engine and I used to think my car handled reasonably well. I've just installed a 450hp crate engine and now (predictably) find I've got more hp than handling and want to go to the next stage in the never ending quest for upgrading.
I like the TCP approach because they seem to offer integrated solutions, and seem to undertake a research and development approach prior to releasing stuff onto the market.
Can anbody advise whether there will be any significant gains in handling if I replace my current systems with TCP products in the front and rear suspension along with their power steering rack ?
You've gone so far with the front suspension that the difference up there won't be drastic, but it would be nice to gain the adjustability. Probably not worth chucking all of those high-end parts.
IMO, you'd get a lot out of the rack & pinion. More positive feel with better feedback and precision.
Any of the TCP rear setups will locate your rear axle far better than the leafs will (yielding more predictable handling), and I'd wager that you'll gain back ride quality at the same time. You'll also be able to hook that 450 hp up in a straight line.