Quote:
Originally Posted by Warpath Pontiac
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 build plan looks solid, and you'll be happy with the SBC springs, the Pontiac 350 and the stock iron Chevy 350 are similar in weight. If you want to go a little lower, the 3" spring works well. What is your current height on stock springs from the center of the wheel well opening to the ground? One thing people don't think about is 35 year old cars often have settled several inches over the years, so a 1.5" drop spring actually doesn't lower the car much if at all.
As for shocks, if you can swing it spend a few extra dollars and go for a true high-quality high-performance shock. You'll be glad you did. Our HPS1000 is made in Germany by Bilstein and valved to our specs, so its a great choice, but no matter which way you go avoid the over the counter auto parts store stuff.
Sounds like a really fun build, and '69 Firebirds are really cool looking cars you don't see as often. Post pics as you go forward with the project!