69E Torsion bar size and other questions

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I'm planning a suspension upgrade on my E in the future including turbo tierods and Koni struts in the front with all new hardware, adjustable spring plates in the rear. Whole car will be lowered.

Questions
this is already a light car, what would be a better match, 21/27 bars or 22/27 bars. Car is getting 205/55/15s on deep 6s in the front, 225/50s on the rear.

Bilstein sports on the rear are only available for 72-73 cars. Is there any way to make these work for my 69?

Perhaps the most important question: should I stick with 19/24 bars left over from my 84 and invest the torsion money into sway bars, of which the car has none. If so, recommendations?

[RPMClassic]

Shawn -

I've got some bigger torsion bars left over from a previous racecar. Not sure of the sizes off the top of my head - come on over a take a look. Normal frequent flyer discount applies. Jim 781-801-3678

[IROC]

IMHO, unless this is going to be a track car or your roads are really smooth, the 22s in the front are a little stiff. I have 22s in the front of my 2400lb '76 and they can be tiresome on rough roads.

I'd say 21/27s...

Mike

[RallyJon]

Bilstein sports on the rear are only available for 72-73 cars. Is there any way to make these work for my 69?

The 72- shocks are a lot longer. You'd need to swap in later banana arms to use the later shocks or you'll have no jounce travel.

[Chuck Moreland]

Sounds like a steet only car? I'd go 21/27 if you want more control than the carrera bars offer. And I'd go with HDs, not sports.

[dmcummins]

I'm currently going through mine also, 73T. After reading previous post I am going with Bilstein HD all around with 21/26 torsions. I am also adding sway bars. I picked up some used sways for not alot of money. Im still waiting on the brackets to weld up on the rear. I currently have everything apart and replacing all the bushings while I'm at it. I figured I might as well go with the sway bars too.

The car handled very poorly when I picked it up so I don't know what effect each part will have but every bushing and shock was shot.

Ive got to get mine back together as its taken me longer than I expected. I'm waiting to get the A-arms powdercoated. I figure while everythings apart I may as well make it look nice too.

Good luck. You know you'll get hit with the "while your in there". I always do.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks everyone for your good thoughts. Looks like I will be going with:

digging around Jim Logan's treasure trove to see what we come up with, if nothing, then

21/27s (will have to find used)
Koni struts up front
new ball joints/castle nuts/strut pins
turbo tie rods
Bilstein HD in the rear
Adjustable spring plates
lowered all around

Any thoughts on a front sway bar?