I am driving a '64 Wildcat with stock setup including tire size. The springs are original but the shocks are new(er) replacement Monroe's. I have 215/75/R15's on steel wheels. What I am trying to achieve is to lessen that floating effect when I take it down the highway. The car is actually too smooth. I am looking for ideas on how to stiffen the ride. Perhaps upgrade the wheels and tires to, say, a 235/60/R17 or how much would replacing the springs change things, are there stiffer springs out there?
Changing springs can sometimes change your stance. Also I don't know if performance springs are available for a Wildcat. But these might help: * Shocks- larger diameter, heavy duty shocks. * Polygurethane bushings- on the front swaybar links and tighten the links till they are well squeezed. * Polygraphite bushings (graphite, not urethane) on all the control arms, front and rear, upper and lower, and snug them down. * Low profile radial tires with a little extra air. These should make a noticable difference.
Springs that old are no longer within the original specifications. They are cheap to purchase and this would be a good time to replace them.
There was a great article in magazine a few months ago where they took an old A-body and ran it through a bunch of tests with all different kinds of suspension components. What was interesting was the standard rear sway bar ended up being junk when compared to the type that has links that attach to the rear axle, instead of just bolting directly to the lower trailing arms. A hollow front bar was used and they had great results with it, and not harsh on the street. Wish I could find that article again- it was a good one. I think they did the testing with a Chevelle. If I can find it I will post it here.
I did a set up back in 1989 on my 71 Skylark, it was from H-O Racing. I got stiffer and slightly lowered springs, poly bushings and large sway bars on the front and back. Also with this set up I used 1977 Camaro front brakes that consisted of the front steering knuckles with the disc brake set up. I use adjustable shocks too. The car handles like my 92 Mustang GT convertible. The only thing that I would do definitely is I would use the greasable bushings. This was not available when I did my car. My car handles great. The article came from Hot Rod magazine June 1987 and was written by Marlan Davis. The article was called Knuckle Sandwich, A+ handling for 64-72 GM intermediates.
