Tubular K-Member Question

[Performance Red]

Hi everyone, I have recently been looking at purchasing a tubular k-member (PA Racing) and have a few questions about them, whats the main difference between mild steel and chromoly? My car will be a street driven car that will see the 1/4 mile track every other week or so. I want something that will be lighter then the factory K without being to weak for regular street driving. Should I be looking at a mild steel one or a chromoly one? I have read good things about the PA Racing K member, and since I do not plan on doing any road racing I have no need for a road race k member (ie MM or Griggs). Any help is appreciated.


Thanks, Andy

 

[02dragGT]

I have the PA in mild steel, I was told by Jason at PA and others that it was better for street driving. I rarely street drive my car any more so I kind of wished I had gone with the chromoly. Reguardless it fit great and I'm very happy with it.

 

[Performance Red]

One last question, if you go with the tubular A-arms you need to purchase coil-overs also correct? Or is there a way to get tubular a-arms with spring perches? Once again thanks for the help.

 

[JohnyD05]

One last question, if you go with the tubular A-arms you need to purchase coil-overs also correct? Or is there a way to get tubular a-arms with spring perches? Once again thanks for the help.

I am pretty sure someone offers tubular a-arms with spring perches. i saw it as an option somewhere. maybe MM?

 

[02dragGT]

PA will sell it to you either way, perches are an option. I got the perches on my K and used my stock A's for now. This coming winter I plan to do tublar A and coil-overs so I'll just cut the perches of the K

 

[Performance Red]

Last question, is there any fabrication neccessary to use the PA K-Member with the factory a-arms? or will they bolt right in? Would the 03-04 cobra a arms be a worthwhile upgrade until I can afford the coilovers and a-arms? Also how is the camber with the factory a-arms on the k-member?

 

[02dragGT]

The factory A-arms fit perfectly no problems at all. I had to grind one bolt head flange a slight amount for clearence. I had a friend align the car when I was done, he spent a little extra time but got it perfect. We did have to grind the strut tower on the pass side to improve the clearence. I have BBK CC plates on mine.

I'm not sure if the Cobra arms would be any better, I think if your going to put any money in arms I'd get the tubelars from PA

 

[Dark Knight GT]

I'm not sure if the Cobra arms would be any better, I think if your going to put any money in arms I'd get the tubelars from PA

I agree. It's always a good rule of thumb to run the same brand of A-arms with the same brand of K-member that you're running so you know it's going to fit, and work with it.

Also, I would just save up my money until I could afford the coil over setup as well. After all, when you drop the k-member and a-arms out, it's very little extra work to replace the struts, and convert to a coil over kit. Might as well do it while everything is apart.

 

[Torinalth]

honestly, if this is going to be a street car i would heavily recommend the MM K member, for racing it really doesnt matter, and i hear PA is a favorite, but for safety i would seriously consider changing brands.

the MM K member is welded with gusseting in critical areas for the event of a crash. it will weigh more then the PA by a little bit, but it will be safer for street times incase you ever have to USE the K member for its OTHER intended purpose.

the MM K member allows you to use their A arms, stock A arms, or cobra A arms. MM A arms must use coilovers, no option for spring perches. PA and one other company do have this option available, but its kinda redundant. I would get the K member, but hold off install till you can afford the A arms, and coilovers... and tie rod ends...

anyhow, just something to think on. I am a big fan of MM, but i do have my reasons, i'm not just a fanboy.

Torinalth

 

[Rocketman]

I went with the PA Racing mild steel K and would not change a thing. I also used my stock A-arms. I also had to grind the top of the stock A-arm a little for clearance on the passenger side. DS fit just perfect. I have no regrets with my set-up. Took a lot of weight off the front end.