My 1980 Firebird 'floats' over the asphalt when I'm going just 56 mph. The engine was replaced by a reconditioned 1965 Corvette 327 (350 hp), new headers, naft pump, oil pump, carburator, power steering pump, I have new rims and tires (255-60-15), thicker saybars front and rear, new shock absorbers and leaf springs, 2500 stall converter, basically everything is new, neatly aligned and all. Yet the car starts to 'float' at the front at 56 mph. It becomes dangerous to steer because the steering wheel feels much too 'light', just like the power steering is working too hard... Now the 327 is about 3,14 inch shorter and 30pounds lighter than the 301, but that would normally not be a problem. So what can it be?? Help!

 

Improper alignment can cause this problem too.

This is also a site form 1982-1992 GM f-bodies.

 

you didn't mention tie rods, ball joints and other steering parts, what condition are they in? the rear suspension can also have an impact, is that all new? these cars actually handled very well back in the day - I used to drive a friends quite frequently. are all the front ground effects in place, 3rd gens have some stuff in front on the bottom that makes them a bit more aerodynamic.

 

echo the alignment piece - you've mentioned it has been neatly aligned but to what specs? By example my thirdgen was initially aligned to toe with the wheels pointing out at the front slightly and which made it feel floaty above speeds of 50mph