What first?

[twoformulas]

Hello all:

I want to improve the handling of my '75 Firebird and want to know which order to do modifications. In other words, which mod will show the greatest improvement, and then the next greatest improvement, etc. Assuming you are starting with a car with no mods, what order would you do?

Lower profile/better performing tires
subframe connectors/solid body bushings
performance shocks
g-braces
solid or del-a-lum control arm bushings
aftermarket upper control arms
what else??

Thanks, Rick

[SHANE 73Z]

Hey Rick,

The first thing that should be done is to give the existing components a good inspection. Go through the steering, suspension joints and check for slop & wear.

IF you find they need replaced that is the place to start. If you get it all torn apart you might as well use the good stuff if you can afford it. You might as well do the springs & shocks since you have it apart. After that wheels/tires are easy enough, along with the body mounts & SFCs. You can then bolt on the arms & additional chassis bracing.

If the stock stuff is good:
body mounts & SFC, chassis braces
wheels/tires
bushings, springs, shocks, arms

I went through my suspension twice, before I figured it out. Depending on your starting point it varies a little. I almost forgot the what else...

You are probably going to want to inspect the power steering system. Along with the suspension work, now would also be a good time to plan/consider future mods such as brakes, rear end work, tranny swap etc. If you plan ahead you dont have to do stuff over & over.

Shane

[Marcus SC&C]

As Shane said first go over the whole car and fix anything that needs it,replace bushings that need it etc. Your name suggests that it`s a Formula so it`s already got quick steering,firmer springs and big swaybars. Every one of those cars I had was flexy without subs so that`s one of the very first things I`d do. Chassisworks is supposed to have new subs out soon (G Brace) that incorperate a big X brace under the chassis. That should add a LOT of extra rigidity.
If the springs are still in good shape I`d do a really good set of performance shocks next. If not do the springs first. Bilstein or Koni in non adj. or Varishock in adj. would be my top choices. Yes I know people usually leave that for last but it`ll make a big difference in both ride and performance. Next I`d do a set of our adj. upper arms to allow for better alignment specs. These cars respond really well to more + caster and - camber. The above mods will help just as much with 235-60-15s as they will with 275-40-17s.
That would be my next step,modern performance wheel and tires.
Now you have a lot of other options,higher rate performance springs with a little drop (gravity has probably already lowered it some) ,geometry enhancers like our tall upper ball joints,more chassis bracing etc. They`ll all be icing on the cake. The cool thing is that these cars handle pretty decent in even stock form so mods like these really turn them into serious corner carvers. Mark SC&C

[Lowend]

I'll agree with basic maintence and replacement of worn components (tierods, ball joints ect).
I'd say from there your #1 step towards making the car handle well is replacing the factory subframe bushings with solid units. Yes its a huge pain in the ass; but without a soild connection between the body and subframe all the other suspension stuff is a waste of money

[twoformulas]

Shane, Mark and Lowend, thank you for your suggestions. I rebuilt this car about five years ago and replaced the ball joints, bushings (stock replacements) and all of the steering linkage, so I know I have a good base to start with.

I think I will start with firming up the chassis/subframe first and then move to the shocks, upper control arms, and better wheels and tires. Shane, I'm glad you mentioned brakes too. I have the parts to change out the rear end to discs and am currently looking for spindles to do the B-body 12" upgrade to the front brakes. Thanks again guys. Rick