According to the guys over at Spohn Performance – who specialize in everything suspension for virtually everything domestic – one of their more frequently asked questions is, “What’s the difference between the standard crossmember mounted torque arm and your Pro-Series crossmember mounted torque arm?” In order to address that question, they’ve provided a guide on their website to compare and contrast the two pieces so that you, the consumer, can make the right buying decision, the first time. Spohn has been manufacturing F-body torque arms for the 1982-2002 Camaro and Firebird for more than ten years, so to say they’re among the authorities on these cars would be an understatement.

In comparing these two torque arms, it really all comes down to the amount of horsepower one expects to plant to the ground, or rather, just how much stress that torque arm will undergo. With small tire F-bodies knocking on the door of the six-second zone these days, components that can cope with that load are becoming more and more a necessity. Enter the Pro-Series torque arm.

For those familiar with GM F-body cars and their suspension design and geometry, you know that they sport just one ladder bar (or torque arm) that prevents the axle from rotating. In essence, it’s a 3-link setup in which the entire load is placed on one single torque arm. Spohn Performance has found over the years that the weak link in F-body torque arms is the pinion angle adjuster, which, it if bends and fails, will twist upward or snap instantly. And because many drag racing organizations require a “stock style” suspension, these cars must retain the single torque arm setup. Thus with the Pro Series piece, Spohn Performance has set out to beef things up for cars that need the added strength and longevity. Spohn indicates that some of their customers have run in the 7-second zone zone for several seasons on the standard arm, so while failure under extreme stress isn’t necessarily a guarantee, peace of mind is always a good thing.

Spohn advises that those with cars running 11 seconds and slower with an automatic transmission are just fine with the standard torque arm, however, those running 10.99 or quicker or utilizing a manual transmission with an aggressive clutch performing high RPM launches should step up to the Pro-Series unit.

Earlier this year, we installed a complete Spohn Peformance suspension upgrade, including a new torque arm under our Project “No Bucks” 1991 Camaro RS. If you missed it, head on over to StreetMuscleMag and check it out