QA1 subframe and control arms worth the effort?

[gzig5]

Looking for feedback from those that have the QA1 stuff on their car and used it in anger at the track. I've had every intention of running the stock K-frame torsion bars, but with heavier duty aftermarket versions. I'm going to be doing auto-x, road courses, etc and want to optimize the suspension. Not interested in a coil over conversion. I've run across a QA1 setup with their tubular K frame, upper/lower control arms, bigger torsion bars, shocks, etc, and some sort of rack and pinion steering setup that I didn't see on their site. Price is pretty decent but the rack and pinion has me intrigued because I was planning on probably going to a Borgeson box. I want to think that R&P should be a nice upgrade from the old numb PS box and compete with the Borgeson. Can someone talk me into or out of this kit? I surely don't need to spend more money, and my front suspension has be completely gone trough. I have a set of QA1 thrust arms ready to go in, so what would the tubular kit with their control arms do for me, in reality? Better castor adjustment?

 

[Kuruton]

I don't have the rack and pinion, but do have the k frame + uca and lca and sway bar. I would absolutely recommend them if you care about performance over keeping everything stock. For me, it made cornering much more solid and got rid a lot of the floaty feeling steering. I haven't tracked it but I drive a lot in some famous mountain roads out here and it made a huge difference.

 

[PLUM_72]

Look at the old Hotchkis E-Max Challenger and the Chenoweth Challenger. Both of these ride on a relatively stock K-Member and do VERY well at autocross events. Sadly the E-Max is MIA (I think). The aftermarket K members, and those with coil overs, seem to be just another way for you to part with your money. We all like different stuff so do what makes you happy.
https://www.autoblog.com/news/review-1970-hotchkis-e-max-dodge-challenger-causes-smiles-lasti
https://www.holley.com/blog/post/_7...3hew8yeAyYdM7GZDmMF6P-uideihaFruH4V0Nl-mQZQ0j

 

[gzig5]

Yes, I was aware of both of these cars and hope to approach their level of success. For this deal, it was less about the tubular K-frame and more the included QA1 upper and lower arms, double adjustable shock, bigger torsion bars, etc, and the R&P steering kit that are included. I've got a set of the Hotchkis rear springs already and spring relocation brackets to give room for bigger meats.


I found out that the R&P is a Unisteer Kit. Any experience with them? I found some posts from 10-15 years ago that were not exceptionally flattering. There is an option to swap back to the stock steering.

 

[Xcudame]

There has been numerous threads on making Mopars handle. May 70 Challenger can take any 35 mph corner at 70 mph and it's scary close to stock (Big torsion bars, QA1 shocks, Moog offset upper control arm bushings, stock front and rear sway bars and Hemi/440 leaf springs)! To answer your question, I think the stock K-frame with reinforcements (search this site) and the QA1 upper control arms, reinforced stick lower control arms, and QA1 shocks will do what you want. Visit Firm Feels website for other handling goodies! Shocks and tires are the biggest handling improvements. There's a reason why every NASCR team has a shock team auxillary.

 

[gzig5]

There has been numerous threads on making Mopars handle. May 70 Challenger can take any 35 mph corner at 70 mph and it's scary close to stock (Big torsion bars, QA1 shocks, Moog offset upper control arm bushings, stock front and rear sway bars and Hemi/440 leaf springs)! To answer your question, I think the stock K-frame with reinforcements (search this site) and the QA1 upper control arms, reinforced stick lower control arms, and QA1 shocks will do what you want. Visit Firm Feels website for other handling goodies! Shocks and tires are the biggest handling improvements. There's a reason why every NASCR team has a shock team auxillary.

Thanks for the reply. Your setup is pretty much where I was headed until I ran across this deal. Got the Moog bits, have done the lower arms, car came with sway bars, and recently snagged a set of QA1 thrust arms. Really just need the upper control arms, good shocks $$, and torsion bars. The QA1 upper arms, double adjustable shocks and FF 1.18 torsion bars would run about $2200. I can get this whole kit for $2500. With everything that is included it's at least a 50% savings over buying separate, but there are some components I wouldn't need/use. The R&P steering kit is probably going to foul with my Hooker headers, but I can still do a Borgeson box. Be a PITA to sell the extras but It would almost pay for the stuff I keep. Would have jumped on it already but just spent $6k on my 340 rebuild and dyno (460hp/440lb-ft) and my wife is looking at me funny as I explain the great "opportunity".

 

[Challenger RTA]

deal.

Sometimes a deal is not a deal when you get done!

 

[gzig5]

Sometimes a deal is not a deal when you get done!

Believe me, I am well aware of that. Doesn't stop me though!

 

[Xcudame]

When I first modified my 70 Challenger's suspension 40 years ago, QA1 (Firm Feel, Bilsteins, etc.) didn't even exist. I ran KYB shocks as they were the first shock that was better than the typical Gabriel or Monroe shock. Obviously QA1 or Bilsteins are much better, but they didn't exist! Keep in mind that factory Mopar suspension is very good with just a few tweaks. Just look at the CHP Dodge Polaras! Huge car that actually handled quite well!

 

[jsand]

I have a complete QA1 system on the front of my Challenger minus the rack and pinion. I really like it for the ability to really tailor the alignment specs. I am actually looking at installing the complete system with the Rack & Pinion on my 71 C10. I cant seem to find much information on the R&P that QA1 is using.