Torsion bar size

[Rdchallenger]

Does anyone have experience running the PST 1.03 size torsion bar (or a different company of that size) while running a small block just for street use? Was it too harsh of a ride? Good for just normal driving? Too much spring?

I was going to go with the MP .096 but I don't believe they are made anymore as everyone is out of stock. Is it considered a big jump from that size to 1.03?

[Those]

I've been running the PST 1.03 bars for two years. For me the ride is much better especially on these great Pennsylvania roads. The car feels much more stable on the little bumps and much better cornering. I have a 70 series tire on the front so the extra sidewall probably helps with the ride.

[Rdchallenger]

I've been running the PST 1.03 bars for two years. For me the ride is much better especially on these great Pennsylvania roads. The car feels much more stable on the little bumps and much better cornering. I have a 70 series tire on the front so the extra sidewall probably helps with the ride.

And I'm sure the WV/MD roads I have here compare greatly to yours hahaha. Not running adjustable shocks or anything with with them are you? I just have regular KYB gas shocks.

[Dakota]

I have .96 bars under my 340 in a 70 Challenger.  I also have a full set of US Cartool products and a couple items from Firm Feel to tighten up the ride.   Running on 245/55 tires (17" front, 18" back) along with front and rear sway bars, the ride is plenty firm for street driving in my experience so far.    If it cornered much better, I'd have to get new seats because the stock ones aren't big on lateral support. 

[Those]

No adjustable shocks but they are Hotchkiss so they were not cheap. I actually removed KYB shocks for the Hotchkiss ones. That also was a nice improvement.

[70Barracuda]

I have Firmfeel 1.03.  Perfect!

[70vert]

I have Firm Feel 1.06 bars, 70 Challenger with 440 auto. I was amazed at how much better the ride it. I would highly recommend the 1.06 especially if you have a 440 (heavy), or give the FF a call and they can recommend based on your specs and expectations. They have great products & experiance.

[MOPAR MITCH]

I've run many different size TBs.  Stepping up from ANY OE bar will be noticeable, but when you're staying in the low range, say that 1.03 TB, the ride is not harsh at all.

As others have mentioned, the profile of the tire (70-60-50-and less) will make the change more noticeable.  Taller sidewalls absorb the bumps; shorter sidewalls can absorb the bumps as well, so a harsher ride will become the ride.

Your shocks will make a difference, as well.  You pay for what you get.  Today's multi-adjustable shocks are worth every bit of their expense.

While torsion bars hold up the front end, they also factor in body lean and, especially, front end dive.

I've said many times... don't be afraid of larger TBs.  The factory OE sizes were very weak, even the Hemi/T/A-AAR-4406 TBs (all the same) were weak.

IF and when you replace with something like the 1.03, you may say WOW!   And, you'll further say..  '"this isn't bad at all... I should've gone larger."

Consider about 1.12-1.15-1,18 for street with a BB engine... and you'll see how much better they are vs something still small like the 1.03.   You will not regret going larger than 1.03.   FF's 1.18 are great for street with a BB.

A long time ago I stepped up to the max size 1.24" and they are the best setup ever made for my car and intentions... still streetable and not extremely harsh... I can drive it anytime.. anywhere (obviously, avoiding very rough roads and potholes, etc).   Choice of tires, air pressures, shocks, sway bars.. they make the total package worth it. theI've stepped up toBetter yet, consider

[dodj]

The pst 1.03 will work well for you. If you want even better cornering ability, as Mitch said, don't be afraid of going larger. 

[Rdchallenger]

I've run many different size TBs.  Stepping up from ANY OE bar will be noticeable, but when you're staying in the low range, say that 1.03 TB, the ride is not harsh at all.

As others have mentioned, the profile of the tire (70-60-50-and less) will make the change more noticeable.  Taller sidewalls absorb the bumps; shorter sidewalls can absorb the bumps as well, so a harsher ride will become the ride.

Your shocks will make a difference, as well.  You pay for what you get.  Today's multi-adjustable shocks are worth every bit of their expense.

While torsion bars hold up the front end, they also factor in body lean and, especially, front end dive.

I've said many times... don't be afraid of larger TBs.  The factory OE sizes were very weak, even the Hemi/T/A-AAR-4406 TBs (all the same) were weak.

IF and when you replace with something like the 1.03, you may say WOW!   And, you'll further say..  '"this isn't bad at all... I should've gone larger."

Consider about 1.12-1.15-1,18 for street with a BB engine... and you'll see how much better they are vs something still small like the 1.03.   You will not regret going larger than 1.03.   FF's 1.18 are great for street with a BB.

A long time ago I stepped up to the max size 1.24" and they are the best setup ever made for my car and intentions... still streetable and not extremely harsh... I can drive it anytime.. anywhere (obviously, avoiding very rough roads and potholes, etc).   Choice of tires, air pressures, shocks, sway bars.. they make the total package worth it. theI've stepped up toBetter yet, consider

But as I said, I have a 340 SB. If I had say a 440 I'd definitely step it up more than the 1.03. Later down the line I may update my shocks but the main thing at the moment is to just being able to drive it enjoyably once it's finally restored. I've also added a sway bar something my car didn't originally come with so definitely excited about that once the car is finished too since I didn't get to experience that upgrade before the resto began.

[Skdmark]

PST has a sale for 10% off on torsion bars through 12/28

Code: TBCA10OFF

[Rdchallenger]

PST has a sale for 10% off on torsion bars through 12/28

Code: TBCA10OFF

That's what led me to this question 

[Brads70]

 I would definitely go for the PST bar over the Mp bar. 

[jordan]

Torsion bars hold your car up.  Yes they soak up the bumps and road irregularities, but you most likely feel the crap KYB shocks.  Those things are way harsh.  I have 1.10" bars with my big block.  Holds up the front just fine.  Could have gone larger without issue.  Your shock is what you feel the most.  Get the best ones you can afford.  With larger TB and excellent shocks, your car will drive smoother, quieter, and corner better.  Never once heard someone complain that their expensive shocks that are calibrated correctly or that are adjustable were not worth it. 

[HP2]

Think of your suspension in engine terms...shocks are like the cam, they determine the operating range and control of the suspension components.