Alfetta GT with GTV6 torsies, good?

Grant · #1 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 06:05 PM

Hi folks. I'm looking to lower an Alfetta GT, but I figured, while I'm down there, might as well look into other suspension related jobs that could be done.

So those with GTV6 torsion bars, was the improvement worth the time to change the torsion bars out? I know on a stock GTV6, the car was quite supple, but I'm hoping it will work out to be more sporty on the lighter GT.

So, if it's a worthwhile upgrade, does anyone have GTV6 torsion bars to sell? I'm also looking for used working SPICA shocks from a GTV6 as well. I thought those were great.

Thanks.

**sfalfa** · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 09:25 AM

Hey Grant - before you buy GTV-6 torsion bars - measure the one's on there, they are Shankle bars, according to my receipts, and when I had the car lowered it handled great.

Grant · #3 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 09:37 AM

Thanks for the heads up Jeff. They still seemed a bit soft so I really didn't know. I'm guessing your GT rode a lot firmer than the sedan then?

I'll have my dad measure them tonight.

**sfalfa** · #4 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 09:56 AM

Yeah - it's much firmer than the sedan. But when you lower it with the Shankle springs - it's really firm (though maybe not as firm as you're used to!)

**sfalfa** · #5 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 09:57 AM

P.S. if you lose the Koni red's on it - you should send them down to BB'er Ennio in Peru - he's been looking for a set for his GT for awhile now.

Grant · #6 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 10:22 AM

OK, thanks again for the tips. I'm guessing that means the reds have been NLA for a while then, yeah? When you had the car down low, was there a lot less body roll or was it about the same?

**RossoGTV4Me** · #7 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 02:55 PM

Grant,

If you are going to larger GTV-6 bars, I need a set of Shankle bars for mine..so let me know

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grant

Thanks for the heads up Jeff. They still seemed a bit soft so I really didn't know. I'm guessing your GT rode a lot firmer than the sedan then?

I'll have my dad measure them tonight.

**sfalfa** · #8 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grant

OK, thanks again for the tips. I'm guessing that means the reds have been NLA for a while then, yeah? When you had the car down low, was there a lot less body roll or was it about the same?

Ezra · #9 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 06:16 PM

I am planning on doing the swap also. I was planning on putting GTV6 torsion bars, cut rear spring and sway bars on my Alfetta GTV. Anyone have any advice? thanks, Ezra

sidewaysalfa · #10 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 10:59 PM

I just checked my GTV6 bars - about 26mm. Stock Alfetta GT about 21mm (cheep-O calipers)

My TT Alfetta had the GTV6 T bars and Shankle springs. I thought it rode a little harsh for a touring car, but I thought they contributed to some super on-track performance. It also had a Milano rear sway bar and a Shankle front sway bar.
I drove that car to Las Vegas and to Laguna Seca several times and I was certainly aware of the stiffer bars and springs.

I want to keep my 76 GT stock so it has a nicer ride for wine touring, etc. And it sure makes on-track driving a little more exciting what with the door handles scraping on the pavement in turns!

Grant · #11 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 01:15 AM

I'm pretty sure the GTV6 torsion bars are like 23mm. 26mm would be larger than Shankle Sport torsion bars, at 25.4 mm. The super sports, which I was running on my Verde, were 27mm, and twice the rate of the stock bars.

I'm really curious what my dad finds out about the torsion bars already on the car..

Grant · #12 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 05:03 PM

Jeff.....SWEEEEEEEEET. I just measured the torsion bars myself .. 1 inch diameter.

25.4 mm torsion bars! The previous owner definitely time trialed this car, huh? This thing is set up with all kinds of goodies.

For a run down, the car has:
25.4mm torsion bars,
27mm shankles sway bar
Shankle "Blue" rear springs
Koni red's all around,
and a cambered DeDion tube!

Not counting the engine/shifting upgrades...

Jeff, I know you want the Shankle stuff back if I don't use it, but I'm afraid someone is going to have to pry it all away from my cold, dead fingers. I love this stuff!!

I will definitely let your buddy know if I end up not using the Koni Reds. I still think the Spica shocks would work out better for a sporty, yet firm ride. The car crashes over bumps like my Verde does...

Anyhow, thanks again for introducing me into the world of Alfettas!

Potenziato · #13 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 05:44 PM

The shankle catalog shows three upgraded bar sizes for the Alfetta. The SuperSport recommendation was to use 27 torsion bars on the front. The stock bars are 69 lbs./ in!!!

FSM72GTV · #14 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 06:14 PM

Grant:

A while ago I had a 79 Sprint Veloce which I swapped out the torsion bars and rear springs for ones from an 83 GTV6. I lowered the front about 1.5" from stock height and added the Shankle front and rear sway bars. I also had the front end sway bar supports reinforced, since the Alfetta body was a little weak for this upgrade. To round things out, I replaced the bumpers with the light weight euro style.

It was a big improvement over the stock setup and very little compromise in comfort, IMO. I believe that the 85-86 GTV6 sway bars are of different length than the 83's and may not fit the Alfetta. I'll try to find pictures.

Good Luck!

Frank

Grant · #15 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 06:45 PM

Thanks Louis, I didn't have information on the Alfetta stuff. Looks like Shankle even recommended GTV6 torsion bars as an upgrade?? Cool stuff.