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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 214
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Posts: 214 |
Has anyone here done anything to improve their suspension & cornering ability in their FB?
I'm sick of having to slow down to a crawl for basic turns around town!
1968 Firebird 400 Convertible Original: Engine, Intake manifold, Heads, Body, Stereo, 3.08. THM400. Engine rebuilt by Ken Keefer early 2012. New: Holley 4bbl 670 HP, hidden iPod setup, RobbMC mini starter, A/C, front disc brakes
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,719
Power Member
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Power Member
Joined: Jan 2002
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I have installed Global West tubular upper and lower control arms on mine along with the thicker 1-1/8 inch stabilizer bar, poly bushings and Edelbrock IAS shocks.
I replaced the OEM power steering box with a fast-ratio unit.
If I had to do it again today, I would up my combo to add the coil-over shocks and del-a-lum bushings.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 214
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Posts: 214 |
Salmon38! How did you like the result of the new control arms, stabilizer bar, bushings, and shocks?
Was it noticeable?
How did it affect cornering and general ride?
Did clearances change?
Did the leave the same springs in place?
Any interesting gotchas?
Coil-over shocks and del-a-lum bushings - would these just be to upgrade the experience?
1968 Firebird 400 Convertible Original: Engine, Intake manifold, Heads, Body, Stereo, 3.08. THM400. Engine rebuilt by Ken Keefer early 2012. New: Holley 4bbl 670 HP, hidden iPod setup, RobbMC mini starter, A/C, front disc brakes
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,049 Likes: 10
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,049 Likes: 10 |
if you want to flatten out your cornering, add a rear swaybar set-up.
-Jeff
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 266
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Posts: 266 |
And Subframe connectors make a HUGE difference in a 'vert. not just with cornering but all kinds of driving. Its like a different car.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,719
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Unfortuately I drove my car all of about 10 miles before I completely diassembled it. So I have no real "before" experience. But I can tell you it handles pretty nicely now. The coil-overs would provide for easy ride height and stiffness adjustments Suggest you try out this website for good discussions and findings on 1st Gen F Body handling: Pozzi Racing
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,495 Likes: 1
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Premium Member
Joined: Aug 2002
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I'd bet if you looked up PST or looked through a HPP mag you will come up with a package deal for suspension upgrades. Of course you could do a little or you could go all out. Just depends on what you're after. It's abit like drag racing though. Once you get the fever there's no stopping till you're out of money. And then there's just waiting until you get more. (Ask me how I know)
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 150
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I vintage raced back in the 90's with 69 TA front springs that had a coil cut out, 1" front swaybar and 81 WS6 rear springs. All with Poly bushings. When I just installed the 461, the front springs flattened out and I replaced with the Eibach pro springs and KYB shiock on the front. Perfect stance, and doesn't drag the headers on many but not all speed bumps. The ultiamte suspension is relocated upper A-arms, Global west springs and QA1 shocks, major overkill for a street car. Also Subframe connectors are an awesome addtion to stiffen up the car. I just reinstalled mine after 15 years and it really helps stiffen the car.
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 214
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 214 |
Thanks for the tips!
As for package deals... I haven't scoured the net yet, but I do see a Detroit Speed kit series in the NPD catalog. Level 1, 2, 3 ($2090, $2653, $3650)
That final $1k jump is just with the addition of tie rod ends, tie rod adjusters, and a steering gear with rag joint and pittman arm. Could that legitimately add $1k??
1968 Firebird 400 Convertible Original: Engine, Intake manifold, Heads, Body, Stereo, 3.08. THM400. Engine rebuilt by Ken Keefer early 2012. New: Holley 4bbl 670 HP, hidden iPod setup, RobbMC mini starter, A/C, front disc brakes
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 214
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 214 |
Ended up ordering some items... (most of this stuff needed to be replaced on my car anyways)
Detroit Speed Weld-on subframe connectors Camaro Performance 1 1/8" front sway bar Camaro Performance 7/8" rear sway bar KYB front shocks KYB rear shocks Eaton (Detroit Spring) Multi-leaf (Standard 5 89lb) springs Rubber bushings (They didn't have the poly ones with graphite in them)
1968 Firebird 400 Convertible Original: Engine, Intake manifold, Heads, Body, Stereo, 3.08. THM400. Engine rebuilt by Ken Keefer early 2012. New: Holley 4bbl 670 HP, hidden iPod setup, RobbMC mini starter, A/C, front disc brakes
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 232
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