Edited - removed question about where to look for some beginner info after seeing the posting in the Sticky Notes section...sorry about that.

Hello, I just spent an hour reading posts and realized that there is a lot more to this than I know,

I have an 86 Berlinetta stock 305 ci and all original parts with 20k miles. just a cruiser, no racing. Not sure how to describe the ride, you guys probably already know based on what it is, I just know i would like to improve it. it seems a bit "washy" going around turns, maybe "bouncy" when crossing uneven roads, is "stability" what i'm looking for? and it's just a touch "saggy" in the rear, could use a little lift, and seems to sit a little high in the front, so i would like to raise the rear and lower the front just a touch for looks, not sure if that has anything to do with the way it rides and handles.

Is that the common experience for these cars with low miles but old age setting in on the 80's technology parts? can i get significant improvement in handling? What would you recommend?

Any thoughts, comments, or feedback would be great.
Thanks!

 

Easiest option is to install a set of new rear springs. Not hard to do at all...

 

These cars suffer badly from the stock springs sagging very normal. I would say go take a ride in a local iroc or formula and see if thats more to your taste cause im guess your car has base suspension so that would be a good place to start for ideas.

 

Berlinetta had the softest suspension of any Thirdgen. IIRC at least your 86 has a rear sway bar,... the 82-84 didn't have any rear sway bar at all.

Get rid of the stock 27mm front sway bar and install at least a 32mm (Z28). They made front 34mm, & 36mm in solid or hollow too. Also install the largest rear sway bar you can find, 23mm for most Z28 and Trans AM,...... IROC had a 24mm and (only) 85 Trans am had a 25mm. I'd also recommend new end-links with POLY bushings all around. The sway bars will better stabilize the car around the corners better but the suspension will still be kinda' soft due to the original "luxury" springs the Berlinetta used. I'd replace them with at least Z28 rated springs, ( front and back) or IROC springs if you don't mind a "stiff" ride.

 

Another option I will offer up since your not after a corner carving monster would be eibach pro kit springs followed up with a 34mm front and a 22mm rear sway bar both hollow then the big money hit struts and shocks you really get what you pay for here so koni yellows are the go to for both ride control/comfort and performance. Next you will be looking at tires and maybe wheel options lol.