New MAGNUMFORCE K-MEMBER

[Steve P.]

Please forgive me if someone has posted this and I missed it. I just came across this today..

YT-link :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UEKYJ198RA


PROs / CONs ??

I am liking everything I see here including the steering block @ the tie rod ends. I'm still not sold on an uncovered joint for street use.

I only question the angle of the upper ball joint as seen while driving.

Would also like to know the weight.

[69chargerboy]

Thats a nice setup. Like the music too.

[Steve P.]

I spoke with GLENN at MF yesterday. He tells me this is a much stronger K than stock. All chrome moly  including the machined steering block/arm. Says the complete system is between 20-30 pounds lighter than the stock complete system. (I think that is all in the brake hardware).  The complete system, (all parts including anti-sway bar, brakes, hardware and powder coating), runs around $5,000.00.

He tells me the old TUBULAR K is about 150 pounds lighter than all stock. Though it seams like I remember an old article that said it was closer to 100 pounds lighter.  I feel any lost weight in the front end is a good thing and the more the better, but I've never been too interested in their old tube K. This new one though heavier, I like.

I also spoke with him about redesigning the spindles so they have their own steering arm and nothing added or welded to it. He assures me that the owner has been looking into it, but they have a schedule of what comes first and next, but it is on the list.   

[HPP]

I would be concerned about putting all my spring loads into the shock tower. The picture of this unit shows some upper support bars but the video does not show them being installed. I would think putting suspension load into that area will, over time, hammer the inner fenders and lead to panel mis-alignment or worse.

I agree the weight  saving is probably all in the brakes, so I'd guess it to be no more than 30# total, maybe closer to 20#. $5k to loose 20 #, not a very good return on investment, IMO. Certainly coil overs have an advantage in tunability, but how many guys here use their cars in an environment where 10 minute springs changes and suspension adjustments are necessary? Yes, it has some revised geometry, but with some attention to detail, you can reduce the few shortcomings of the stock set up for very little cost in dollars and a few days worth of time.

[Steve P.]

Actually the video DOES show them installing the shock tower braces. And though I agree the small drop in weight is not huge, I feel the front steering and R&P steering along with the rigidity added to the nose it all huge. Going to front steer allows a large volume oil pan without having it drag on the ground. Street cars around here with 7 qt. deep pans cannot drive down some streets or into many parking lots. 

If the numbers are correct and somehow I can't see how it is only 20-30 pounds when you consider the weight of losing a very heavy power steering box and 2 torsion bars and everything is Chrome Moly ~v~ stamped steel. The power rack weighs much less in comparison.

Though this may not be a big enough weight drop for drag racers, I think the guys that are heavy into cornering might think this is perfect. Maybe the big money show guys as well..

[HPP]

Its an additional option out there for bolt in upgrades. That is never a bad thing to have.

QA1 is also close to releasing their revised K frame design with tubular arms and a few other tricks. Times are good for mopar suspension choices.

[Steve P.]

From what I have read, QA1 has bought up CAP. They are redesigning CAPs design and should be out soon.  

Magnum Force use to sell QA1 springs and shocks, but since the buyout of CAP they moved to another company to provide these components.

Link to QA1's factory. Video on building a mustang K-member.

http://www.qa1.net/news/2013/07/05/qa1%E2%80%99s-made-in-the-usa-k-members-2/