Getting the modern day feel...
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 833
Likes: 17
From: The Jersey Shore
Car: 1991 Firebird Convertible
Engine: 5.7 L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt Posi
Getting the modern day feel...
So I have a 91 Vert and have done a bunch of upgrades over the past few years. Engine swap, Trans build, rear swap, full interior, paint... too much to list. Iv done some basic suspension stuff like KYB front struts, bilstein rear shocks, rear springs, full replacement of tie rods and drag links etc... rear control arms, panhard bar, front wonderbar. but still my daily driver 2000 v6 mustang with 170k just drives smoother. Probably because technology in the vehicles just improved so much over those 9 years but what kind of suspension upgrades will just make the car ride more like a modern day vehicle? I mean it handles great, i can whip around turns and so on but im just talking about overall ride feel....
Last edited by insomniac; Aug 27, 2014 at 05:57 PM.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 31
From: Macon, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: Getting the modern day feel...
Our front suspension geometry doesnt lend itself to having a nice ride AND nice handling. You can compromise both and get to a happy medium, but the design just isnt very well optimized for both like modern cars are.
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 20
From: PNW
Car: 91 Black Formula KR
Engine: 305 TPI R69/G92
Transmission: Astro A5-Pro 5.0-McCleod
Axle/Gears: US Gear 3.42 Eaton True Trac
Re: Getting the modern day feel...
You mentioned a lot of things, but some where missing... and it seems every little bit helps... I got my 91 Formula with 150k on the odometer and tired stock suspension...
I did much of what you said, new springs, Bilstein's all around, Founders 3 way LCA's and Panhard, totally rebuilt 10 bolt rear end with premium parts, Spohn Torque arm, Spohn & Alston SFC's (T top Car), Wonder Bar, Jamex STB, Global West Del Lum A Arm bushings, Poly engine / Trans mounts and poly end links and sway bar bushings all around....
Now, it's riding as smooth as my Honda Accord (ok, a 93 with newer parts) I do have sound deadening material in the Bird and didn't lower it.... But it's amazing at how it rode tired at 150k and how it rides now with pretty much everything gone over...
Rafael
I did much of what you said, new springs, Bilstein's all around, Founders 3 way LCA's and Panhard, totally rebuilt 10 bolt rear end with premium parts, Spohn Torque arm, Spohn & Alston SFC's (T top Car), Wonder Bar, Jamex STB, Global West Del Lum A Arm bushings, Poly engine / Trans mounts and poly end links and sway bar bushings all around....
Now, it's riding as smooth as my Honda Accord (ok, a 93 with newer parts) I do have sound deadening material in the Bird and didn't lower it.... But it's amazing at how it rode tired at 150k and how it rides now with pretty much everything gone over...
Rafael
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,228
Likes: 1,156
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Getting the modern day feel...
Do you have subframe connectors??
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 833
Likes: 17
From: The Jersey Shore
Car: 1991 Firebird Convertible
Engine: 5.7 L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt Posi
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: CT
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: '96 T56, Hurst Shifter, Mech VSS
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: Getting the modern day feel...
Ive been on a quest for this for a long time. I have found that these cars set up to handle like a slot car, ride like crap. In reality I think the ticket is bone stock with good adjustable shocks will allow the car to ride well and handle great too.
I also feel that bushings have a ton to do with smoothness on these cars. If i were to do it over, I would have just done all rubber bushings, new stock strut mounts, stock moog springs and a good damper like bilstein or koni. All that paired with a good "performance" oriented alignment is the best for these cars.
I also feel that bushings have a ton to do with smoothness on these cars. If i were to do it over, I would have just done all rubber bushings, new stock strut mounts, stock moog springs and a good damper like bilstein or koni. All that paired with a good "performance" oriented alignment is the best for these cars.
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