View Full Version : Griggs suspension??
Joker
10-19-2010, 04:20 AM
I've been looking for awhile at upgrading the suspension on my car. The Eibach suspension on the SS is not bad and definitely a step up from the stock stuff, I'm looking at an upgrade. I plan on doing a few track days a year, 5-6 at the most. Maybe a few 1/4 mile trips in the future and plenty of long trips to visit friends. I don't want to get beat to death on the streets, but I would like alittle more traction and better handling on the streets and track.
I have been reading positve comments on the Griggs Torque Arm and it's ability to add stability under acceleration and increasing forward bite.
I was thinking of doing a Griggs torque arm, then I thought about adding the watts link. I know some people on here have put on a watts link, not sure about the torque arms. Anyone have any feedback on the Griggs package for the rear?
http://www.griggsracing.com/product_info.php?cPath=4332_4309_4320_3685&products_id=443
If you have done any Griggs' stuff, did you change out the shocks if you had already upgraded them? I'm not sure if it's worth getting the Koni's that come with the package or just piecing the package together. How much of a difference does a watts link make in making the car ride rough or too stiff for a somewhat comfortable trip on the freeways and city streets?
Any and all feedback is welcome. I'm sure a good Tech thread will go unsoiled here!
CH53Driver
10-19-2010, 05:26 AM
All I can say is that when I lived in VA from 07-09 I took a road trip up to PAS outside of Richmond and got a ride in one of their Griggs Mustangs. It was not a S197, but the setup was the same as what they sell for the S197 and all I can say is WOW! That car as incredible both in the turns and with putting the power to the ground. No loss of traction, the back end never got loose, it just squatted down and accelerated like a bat out of hell when the pedal was put to the floor. I know Van is running a Griggs suspension no? Not sure if he hangs around here or not.
Tommy Gun
10-19-2010, 10:02 AM
I have a Maximum Motorsports torque arm and panhard on my track car similar to a Griggs torque arm and it's amazing w/ coil overs. :grin:
.
Darkside
10-19-2010, 11:57 AM
No regrets on the Griggs rear or front for that matter. The Darkmobile is a completely different car after the Griggs suspension went in.
Check out the Griggs site and then contact Van Collier at Revan Racing and he can get you a good deal as he is an authorized dealer.
Boston Mike
10-19-2010, 03:06 PM
No regrets on the Griggs rear or front for that matter. The Darkmobile is a completely different car after the Griggs suspension went in.
Check out the Griggs site and then contact Van Collier at Revan Racing and he can put it on my tab, as I might not even notice it .
That's nice of you Darky.
:sofa:
Joker
10-19-2010, 04:09 PM
All I can say is that when I lived in VA from 07-09 I took a road trip up to PAS outside of Richmond and got a ride in one of their Griggs Mustangs. It was not a S197, but the setup was the same as what they sell for the S197 and all I can say is WOW! That car as incredible both in the turns and with putting the power to the ground. No loss of traction, the back end never got loose, it just squatted down and accelerated like a bat out of hell when the pedal was put to the floor. I know Van is running a Griggs suspension no? Not sure if he hangs around here or not.
Thanks for the feedback on the one you rode in!
I have a Maximum Motorsports torque arm and panhard on my track car similar to a Griggs torque arm and it's amazing w/ coil overs. :grin:
So your saying that the torque arm made a noticable difference?
.
No regrets on the Griggs rear or front for that matter. The Darkmobile is a completely different car after the Griggs suspension went in.
Check out the Griggs site and then contact Van Collier at Revan Racing and he can get you a good deal as he is an authorized dealer.
Which package did you go with on the front and rear DS? I can probably only do rear suspension right now.
I have briefly exchanged some emails with Van already but I wanted some more info from people before I call him or make up my mind one way or another.
Tommy Gun
10-19-2010, 10:17 PM
We had a guy at the track this weekend w/ the full Griggs package on his car.
He broke a Heim joint in the front lower A arm. :faint:
Could have been catastrophic.
Personally, I would never use a Heim joint in such a vital location. Maximum Motorsports sells a kit that way too. I would think it's more for a race set-up where you inspect them after each race....or replace them often.
I've seen many a Heim joint break in off-road use. Enough to never want to use one.
I can only imagine one breaking at over 100 mph. :surprised:
.
Joker
10-19-2010, 11:03 PM
We had a guy at the track this weekend w/ the full Griggs package on his car.
He broke a Heim joint in the front lower A arm. :faint:
Could have been catastrophic.
Personally, I would never use a Heim joint in such a vital location. Maximum Motorsports sells a kit that way too. I would think it's more for a race set-up where you inspect them after each race....or replace them often.
I've seen many a Heim joint break in off-road use. Enough to never want to use one.
I can only imagine one breaking at over 100 mph. :surprised:
.
yea that would suck! But was he fast??? :lol:
Darkside
10-19-2010, 11:03 PM
Which package did you go with on the front and rear DS?
I went with the TT kit on both the front and rear.
Joker
10-19-2010, 11:10 PM
I went with the TT kit on both the front and rear.
Is it harsh during regular driving? How's it on the track?
Tommy Gun
10-19-2010, 11:34 PM
yea that would suck! But was he fast??? :lol:
He was fast, but he only got to drive the track one day. :banghead:
.
Darkside
10-20-2010, 02:32 AM
Is it harsh during regular driving? How's it on the track?
I don't think it is all that harsh for regular driving. You feel the road a bit more, but for the massive increase in handling, its worth it.
I haven't had the opportunity to track the car yet.
Joker
10-20-2010, 02:40 AM
I don't think it is all that harsh for regular driving. You feel the road a bit more, but for the massive increase in handling, its worth it.
I haven't had the opportunity to track the car yet.
Thanks for the feedback. Now I have to see if I can swing it......................
stsltd
10-21-2010, 04:42 PM
I would highly recommend that you make the opportunity to take a ride in one or more Griggs equipped cars, both on a track and on the street - on the west coast Ii would go straight to Bruce Griggs - that will give you first hand ( and seat of the pants) feel for the significant level of improvement as well as the change in streetabilty their system makes - I too went to Performance Auto Sport in Virginia, certified Griggs dealership and had the chance to ride in a couple of Griggs cars -
From that trip and several discussions with them and Griggs, I made the decision to go with the Griggs GR40 SS kit but upgraded the rear to their TT set up with a watts link - have had the car on road course ( VIR) but mainly street, taken on long road trips - the upgrade in handling is amazing, still very streetable,
My experience is that both PAS and Griggs work very hard to make sure you get what you need, will not sell you parts you don't need -
If you ever get to the east coast, let me know - I'll take you for a ride...
Dave
Joker
10-21-2010, 05:07 PM
I would highly recommend that you make the opportunity to take a ride in one or more Griggs equipped cars, both on a track and on the street - on the west coast Ii would go straight to Bruce Griggs - that will give you first hand ( and seat of the pants) feel for the significant level of improvement as well as the change in streetabilty their system makes - I too went to Performance Auto Sport in Virginia, certified Griggs dealership and had the chance to ride in a couple of Griggs cars -
From that trip and several discussions with them and Griggs, I made the decision to go with the Griggs GR40 SS kit but upgraded the rear to their TT set up with a watts link - have had the car on road course ( VIR) but mainly street, taken on long road trips - the upgrade in handling is amazing, still very streetable,
My experience is that both PAS and Griggs work very hard to make sure you get what you need, will not sell you parts you don't need -
If you ever get to the east coast, let me know - I'll take you for a ride...
Dave
Dave,
Thanks for the info! Glad to hear how you upgraded your car and how much you like it. SS front and TT rear. Good info!
Griggs is about 3 hours away from me so it's not a huge deal to go up there and check it out. I just might have to do that soon.
If I'm ever back east I'll definitely look you up. Thanks again.
Robert
stsltd
10-21-2010, 07:33 PM
Robert
Performance Auto Sport is about three hours away from me - was a good trip and gives you a real appreciation of what everyone is talking about - I actually went down on my birthday, took the day off - ended up being one of my more memorable as I got to ride in three griggs cars, sit around the shop for a while and talk cars with the guys there and then driving home made for a great day...had meant to mention - definitely talk with Van and get his ideas but also, check in with Colin Sebern (Cortex Racing, used to be with Griggs, still affiliated I believe)
Dave
We had a guy at the track this weekend w/ the full Griggs package on his car.
He broke a Heim joint in the front lower A arm. :faint:...
Personally, I would never use a Heim joint in such a vital location. Maximum Motorsports sells a kit that way too...
.
Maximum doesn't sell any front A-arm with a heim joint. Only bushing choices are poly or Delrin...
http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/images/front_susp/MMFCA-2.jpg
Tob
Darkside
10-22-2010, 08:36 AM
Thanks for the feedback. Now I have to see if I can swing it......................
If you are ever in Florida, let me know and we can take the car out for a spin and you can see how the full TT suspension feels.
I feel like I owe you for that avatar you use. :boink:
Tommy Gun
10-22-2010, 12:16 PM
Maximum doesn't sell any front A-arm with a heim joint. Only bushing choices are poly or Delrin...
http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/images/front_susp/MMFCA-2.jpg
Tob
:oops: I thought they did.
I have the Delrins pictured above. :grin:
The Bone
10-22-2010, 01:12 PM
Robert if you go to griggs let me know maybe I can make the trip with you
Joker
10-22-2010, 03:46 PM
Robert
Performance Auto Sport is about three hours away from me - was a good trip and gives you a real appreciation of what everyone is talking about - I actually went down on my birthday, took the day off - ended up being one of my more memorable as I got to ride in three griggs cars, sit around the shop for a while and talk cars with the guys there and then driving home made for a great day...had meant to mention - definitely talk with Van and get his ideas but also, check in with Colin Sebern (Cortex Racing, used to be with Griggs, still affiliated I believe)
Dave
Very cool! I'll probably start calling around next week and talking to people. I will see if I can get ahold of Colin also. I remember seeing him over at TS all the time.
Thanks again for the info Dave. :tiphat:
Joker
10-22-2010, 03:47 PM
If you are ever in Florida, let me know and we can take the car out for a spin and you can see how the full TT suspension feels.
I feel like I owe you for that avatar you use. :boink:
LMAO. That's a deal!
Joker
10-22-2010, 03:48 PM
Robert if you go to griggs let me know maybe I can make the trip with you
Sounds good Art. It will probably be towards the middle of November if I go up there. I'll let you know one way or another though.
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