1966 Satellite weight loss for handling

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Old 06-26-2012, 03:17 AM
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1966 Satellite weight loss for handling

Looking to develop a 1966 or 67 Satellite for a weekend cruiser and occasional work car. WI want to start with a car, preferably a Hemi with 4 speed, that has been restored and make further improvements;

These are my perceived issues:

From what I read these are front end heavy, and handling and braking have a less than ideal reputation, so my main question is:

How much weight I can trim by going to aluminum parts and or tubular bits.

Are there any disc brake replacement kits that will help, and possibly also save some weight?

Ditto other suspension upgrades?
I noticed for example that the 67 GTX had heavy duty torsion bars and anti sway bits as an upgrade for the 440 Commando. Are such parts interchangeable with 66 B Bodies?

With these upgrades I am hoping to shave a lot of weight and improve handling and the car's center of gravity.

Am I thinking along correct lines here?

If money were no object, what would you do? [How's this for an all in one question!]
Old 07-03-2012, 05:49 AM
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I am not familiar enough with the B body interchange to say if the 66-67 has bits that are interchangeable as far as HD sway bars etc.. The aftermarket is where I think I would search anyways, as they usually start with the hd parts and improve on them.. The aluminum parts ie: heads intakes etc will shave quite a few pounds, as will tubular stuff if its avail. If not it maybe you can fab it yourself. Aluminum brackets braces even fenders if money is no object. Fiberglass hood etc... Not sure of the starting weight either.. probably in the 3800 up range... I am surprised no-one else has taken a bite and replied....
Old 07-03-2012, 10:30 AM
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Torsion bars fit at least 66 to 72

K members fit 66 to 71 or maybe 72, can't remember for certain. Hemi K members are different, but I believe smallblock and BB V8 K members will fit either engine. There were SEVERAL differences ("beefiness") but most of that is minor

PLEASE do NOT buy an original restored hemi car and chop it up. ANY 66-7 B can be "converted" (clone if you like) to be a hemi car and do what you want

You really should get a copy, either old or new of the Mopar Performance "Chassis Book."
Old 07-03-2012, 06:02 PM
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Personally I would build one from a BB motor car, NOT an original Hemi car. Anything Hemi is expensive. For a Hemi Start with aluminum Heads, Manifold, water pump, WP housing, fiberglass hood & bumper., battery in the trunk. Also a late model 5 speed trans (overdrive for street) As to brakes It only depends on what you want to spend $200 or $2K+
Old 07-11-2012, 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 440roadrunner

PLEASE do NOT buy an original restored hemi car and chop it up. ANY 66-7 B can be "converted" (clone if you like) to be a hemi car and do what you want

You really should get a copy, either old or new of the Mopar Performance "Chassis Book."
X-2 TWICE... Clone one, then mod it as you are cloning. Besides a True Hemi car is going to be BIG bucks to start with.
Old 07-11-2012, 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by nrand

If money were no object, what would you do? [How's this for an all in one question!]
Have a chassis company build a state of the art road race tube chassis and 'skin' it in the sheetmetal of my choice.

You ask...

Maybe hit up "The King" @ Petty Garage...

http://pettys-garage.com/

Last edited by MrOldart2U; 07-11-2012 at 03:55 PM.
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