What is your interest in having a bolt-on A-Arm front suspension???

[Cohibra45]

Guys,

I have been talking with Jason (Volksdent) and also with John Busceme of XV Motorsports about the possibility of designing and marketing an a-arm bolt on system for the aircooled VW community.

My question and also John's is do you think it is a viable marketing venture. I realize that there are a lot of possibilities. Jason and Eyeball Engineering both have I believe the right idea of being able to use as many VW/Porsche parts as possible to minimize the costs to the car owner. Also, having a bolt on system that can be converted back to torsion bar is the way to go.

A little background on John Busceme of XV Motorsports. I first saw his 'business' on "Dream Car Garage" of the Speed Channel. His approach to changing a Challengers front torsion suspension to unequal lenght a-arm set up was done extremely well. I was so impressed that I purchased his DVD on the whole series of his build and testing. Please go to http://www.xvmotorsports.com/ and check out his company. I talked with John a little the other day and we would have to do a lot more discussion on the particulars, but rest assured, if he were to get involved, it would be done 110% correct.

I guess the main concern would be for everyone involved is costs as always . I can see the base system eventually being the cradle/a-arms/steering rack. Having different options or combinations of springs/shocks available being the main cost variable. Possibly having different steering box/rack options is another thought.

This is just a thought and I am in the infancy stages of seeing what can be done; if anything.

Your thoughts and constructive input is greatly appreciated. Also, how much in very rough costs would you be willing to spend?

Thanks,

Kelly (Cohibra)

[Pillow]

Kelly,

Sounds like a great project! Thanks for taking the initiative with Jason on this project.

I am definately curious to see what comes of the project. If it makes the car handle better I am game!

The price point would be flexible. If the kit came with a custom brake set (like Wilwood calipers and rotors) it could definately be a higher $ sale due to the added value... It is always a hard sell when you get 2 control arms for $1000!

I think design wise it has to be bolt on w/o cutting up the car. Reversible is always a bonus as well.

Thanks!

[ricola]

I also get questions about my wishbone design fitting earlier cars but the torsion bars are closer together, so maybe keep in mind the option to adjust the jig to cater for early/late chassis?
Rich

[Panelfantastic]

Take a look at the current offerings for the street rod market. If you haven't planned on spending $1500-$2500, you are kidding yourself. Obviously, those guys have their kits down to a generic, mass produced package and they still ain't cheap.
How would this package compare in price and complete-ness? How many parts will the end user have to source? Will the spindles accept diff brake setups?
I think offering a stripped down kit and a full tilt kit would be good if possible but not sure how feasible? too many options might make it harder to keep your costs down.

Whatever the outcome, count me in!

Jeff-

[The Pirate]

Anything that uses off the shelf stock parts will be the way to go. I am trying to develope something similar for supers. The only non stock part will be the actual A arm and the mounts for it, the rest will be off the shelf bushings, ball joints and break parts. The one I am building will allow an owner to conver back if they wish.

[ichbro]

That will be good. I am looking forward to get one.