PSMCR 2002

[Seattle Sam]

Rob,
You are right about the four-speed - a much more brutal launch, which can shock that rear suspension into massive hopping. With the boxed arms, polys, and no-hop brackets my Chevelle runs a 12.98 @104, no sign of wheel hop any more (although it is an auto).
I believe it's important to "tighten up" all aspects of the rear suspension, and the boxed arms and poly bushings go a long ways to accomplishing that. I wasn't too thrilled about drilling my housing for the no-hop kit, but I was definitely thrilled with the results. That kit relocates the upper arm rear mount upwards; the good news is there are also BOLT ON brackets that relo the lower control arm rear mount downwards to achieve the same effect. This is a very common traction trick on fourth gen Camaros.
BMR Fabrications http://www.bmrfabrication.com/A-Body.htm USED to sell these brackets under part number CAB-004, I would give them a call and see if they have any around (picture attached). I also put in the air bags, then took them out as I didn't like the street ride (too much rear bounce). But there is nothing like a passenger side bag to keep the chassis square on launch. Here are a couple of set-ups that have worked for people. http://www.chevelles.com/racing/tricks.html
Hope this helps!
-Sam

[L78Impala]

Rob,
here are the photos of the 65 Vette / Impala exhaust manifolds.

they can be found in the Paragon Parts

catalog.http://www.corvette-paragon.com/

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....0000095a~AAQLT

&

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....0000095a~AAQLS

The above are links to photos of both the left and right hand manifolds.

I hope this works. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]
Billy

[John Brown]

Rob, take this from an "old" low buck racer. Believe the guy that said to lower the rear of the car. It worked for me on a 68 Chevelle (4sp), 78 Malibu (4sp) and 85 Monte SS(auto). Best of all it's cheap, and if you dont like it, you haven't cut up your car.

[Chevy454]

John:

I've heard that very thing from several other Chevelle guys, and Dave (NeatSS) and I have had this very discussion. The A-bodies are VERY sensitive to ride height, and it seems the lower, the better. Our '69 L-78 car sat low, but looked great, and didn't hop. My LS-6 sat high, and hopped like it was mad at the world! Anyone had any luck with new springs that bring the car down a tad, but will work with my F70-15s?

[JoeC]

I believe the pinion angle has a lot to do with wheel hop. I see many cars run adjustable control arms so you can change the pinion angle at the track.