can a big car be made to handle?

[aidanfancystang]

I have a larger 60's ford car and am just wondering if it can be made to handel and perform reasonably well. has anyone done any larger cars out there?

[tommycomfort]

Bill Howell is sporting around in his huge Dodge Charger and commonly in the top ten at pro-touring events.

[mc84_zz4]

Some of these old cars weigh less than the newer cars now...lol
The sky is the limit is you have deep pockets, or some talent and time to adapt in some mods.
There are several vendors with offerrings, I am not too versed in Ford aftermarket stuff, but I am sure there are some Mustang/Crown Vic/Lincoln/Thunderbird parts that may work nicely in there.
It may not win the autocross next month, but it will be a lot cooler to drive a classic that can boogie.
BTW, what big Ford is it? Galaxie? TBird? There are Torino and Mustang projects fusing in modern Cobra parts in here that will get your attention.
Check out the Project Update section, you will find plenty of info.
Here are 2 recent threads that came to mind:
https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?46489-TwinTorino
https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?83703-1957-Ford-Ranchero-Pro-Touring

More threads with the work Torino:
https://www.pro-touring.com/search.php?searchid=1092216

[aidanfancystang]

its a 61 t bird, I have already done air ride, elimnated the leaf springs and gone with a 2 link and pan hard bar.
but I am wondering if a 4 link would work better.

[MonzaRacer]

In rear for handling Id do some up dates to 3 link and a Fays2 Watts link. Make sure you have front scienced out for proper bump steerand camber gain.
As for large car handling talk to Bret Voekel over at Ridetech, his wifes Bonneville is plenty large and seems to handle well enough and its probably still Cool Ride set up,,, as a full one set of ShockWaves would be even a few steps better.
Since you have air ride already its simply a matter of making sure its a properly built system such as Ridetech systems are. There are many that are simply to lower a car with little ot no handling value.
Heck I have a 78 C10 with Cool Ride and parallel 4 link and it handled great when I had it running last. And this was on plain old Indy 500 255 70s .
One of my projects in the works right now is an 84 Caprice, its going to run either a 402 or 454 BBC and Cool Ride, Corvette brakes and repro Vette Wheels in 18s,,,,and turbos in future.

[68Formula]

New Camaros and Challengers are nearly the same length, width and weight as a 61 T-Bird. They are not pony cars anymore. If they can get those fatties to handle, you should be able to as well.

[aidanfancystang]

problem is the new gen stuff also has millions invested to make them handle right off the show room floor.
I have an old car with old technology and am certain im the only one whos crazy enough to want to make one of these handle corners like its on rails.

[68Formula]

Two books I recommend:

Chassis Engineering by Herb Adams
How to Make Your Muscle Car Handle (Performance How to) by Mark Savitske

These will help you get up to speed quickly. And of course check the suspension forum and advanced forum every day for updates.

[66SuperSport]

The Roadster Shop has a new "big" Ford their doing a complete chassis for. I'm sure it will handle just fine when it's done. The size of the body is not entirely the problem, it's the long wheel base and weight that usually goes along with it that puts the larger vehicle at a disadvantage from a racing standpoint. A '61 Starliner will never out handle a '69 Camaro if equipped with similar suspension, but I think a modified big car could easily out handle a lot of stock '60s and '70s cars for sure.

[JEFFTATE]

Back in 2002 , Jeff Schwartz had the 1982 Cadillac Fleetwood called "Cadillac Attack" ?
That was a big car that handled well .
Heres a link :
http://www.schwartzperformance.com/projects.aspx?projectid=22

[Apogee]

There are a lot of higher-performance, solid handling 1991-1996 B-bodies running around as well and they're pushing mid-4000 pounds with a driver, so don't let the size and weight keep you from building a cool ride that can push the envelope. It will never be a Lotus, but you can't pile your whole family and the dog for a road trip into a Lotus either.

Tobin
KORE3

[zombiekiller]

you sure can. I'm chugging alone with my galaxie project. I wouldn't put it past my Gal to weigh more than your bird.

As others have said, many new cars are as heavy or heavier.

the absolute WORST case would be that your car handled better than before.

The only problem is, you're going to have to strap on your engineering hat, as there is super limited marketplace support for 60s fords outside of the mustangs. the more big iron we bring back, the more demand will be there for these companies to start mass producing stuff for them.

[1969CamaroRS]

I think this Video speaks volumes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH2wdj7INwQ&noredirect=1

[The Stickman]

Yes
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/njmp1a-1.jpg