Firebird suspension update
 

I am going to be ordering all the parts to rebuild and update the front suspension on my '69 Firebird this weekend and I just wanted to make sure i'm headed in the right direction.

-I'm going to reuse the factory control arms and get polyurethane bushings and new ball joints.
-1-1/8" Hotchkis front sway bar
-Hotchkis subframe connectors
-Hotchkis SBC front springs (or would the big block springs be better for an A/C equipped car?)

and any opinions on shocks? I was thinking some KYB GR2s, but I really have no idea what to do when it comes to shocks.

The Hotchkis stuff is good. I don't think you'll get a good response about KYB. Here's a thread from pro-touring.com where they talk about KYB shocks: http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66695 Give Frank a call, he'll hook you up with the parts you need. He's ProdigyCustoms on that thread and his phone number is listed in his signature.

Pontiacs are about the weight of a small Chevy.

Polyurethane bushings are not too popular here because they tend to bind. Most guys try to use Delrin bushings as near as I can tell.

Don

Wouldnt Delrin bushings mean I would have to jump to Tubular control arms?

I'm just trying to do a big bang for the buck front suspension upgrade that will make my 'bird handle better than it currently does. Would I see that big of a difference with delrin bushings in a car that will see mostly street use and some autocross down the road? And I dont mind spending the extra money, but would tubular control arms with delrin bushings be that noticeable of an upgrade? Also, I hate the phrase "While your at it", but would it be worth it to do the Guildstrand mod while I have the suspension torn apart?

I'll give Frank a call this afternoon. I'm sure he can point me in the right direction.

It seems to me that the best "bang for your buck" is to do a quality rebuild of your existing components. Add to that good quality shocks, springs and a good alignment and you will be amazed at what a difference it will make. Also a good steering box, very important. (don't forget the rag joint and subframe bushings, all of it makes a difference)


I have no experience with Delrin bushings yet, but since you stated you will be driving on the street most of the time I wanted to tell you I have read and been told that the Delrin bushings DO transmit A LOT more harshness from the road. If you want to keep your ride quality good there MAY be a better choice.
I am NOT an expert on this. Just my .02.

Good luck with what ever you decide.:cheers:

Global West sells Delalum bushings for stock upper and lower control arms. I once suggested to Mark at SC&C that solid bushings would give a harsher ride and he gave me quite a lecture about how they would not, the opposite in fact if I remember the conversation.

Don

screw ride quality.:_paranoid

Haha....Ive had to live with boatlike handling for the past 3 years with that car. With me wanting to drive the car faster and take turns harder now, i dont think im all that safe where i'm at now. I think i'll have to let you drive it when everything is all done.

and thank you Frank for setting me in the right direction. Looking forward to ordering the stuff this weekend and getting it on the car ASAP.

Don't use poly bushings in the control arms. Use oem style rubber bushings of cash is tight, or get global west "del-a-lum" bushings if you can afford them. For shocks hotchkis has specially valved bilsteins that are perfectly matched for their springs and id highly recommend them. Ive heard that the edelbrocks are valved pretty good for springs with some rate too them as well.

Dont be concerned about solid bushings on a street car. I have solid bushings in the upper and lower a-arms and my car rides better than it did with all the oem stuff.