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Originally Posted by tyoneal
That being said, what would make it handle better?
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The formula specified wil provide significant gains over stock 60's technology. Beyond the formula specified--or one that is similar--gains for a street car would come in small percentages relative to the changes made from stock 60's technology. And those advanced changes are rarely realized on the street. The biggest gains would come from:
1) Driving school.
2) Extensive chassis reinforcement
3) Multiple sets of wheels and tires: Street, Road Race/auto-X, Drag
4) Multiple sets if springs
5) A reduction in engine output from your specified formula.
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Originally Posted by tyoneal
Is this the same as making it more fun to drive? (Loaded Question)
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Depends on the venue. We keep coming back to this: Street or Track? You don't have to pick one, but you must prioritize. More fun on the track might mean (depending on your personal preferences) less comfort. Not less handling. Less comfort.
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Originally Posted by tyoneal
How far can you go and remain practical for the street? (Please be specific)
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Again, subjective. Optimized spring rates and shock settings for the track wil negatively impact ride quality. Large bumps, potholes and the up and down motion from speed bumps will feel like you are in a covered wagon or a cement truck. Race tracks are not known for these types of surfaces. Short sidewalls will transmit each and every road irregularity through the car. Every pebble. Every expansion joint. A roll cage will make it more difficult to get in and out (especially out) of your car. With a roll cage, servicing the cockpit (especially under the dash) will be a real pain in the ass.
Inversely, a good, firm street setup will seem unstoppable on a back road. 75 mph in a curve recommended at 30 will be a blast. On/off ramps will make you giggle. But that same setup will usually reveal itself as "soft" on an Auto-X course where steering input is most frequent. And on a road course, cornering loads will elicit the same result.
No amount of number crunching or parts research can compensate for good practical driving experience and wrench turning. The internet has facilitated research to the point where it is easy to get hung up on data, comments, and opinions. Don't fall into that trap. Prioritize your goals, do you best to choose parts and systems that make you happy, and pull the trigger. Spend the money, make the parts fit, cry about the do-overs, and--most of all--drive the car. By your third build, things will come into focus. The car you are planning now will merely constitute practice. You will more than likely derive pleasure from the overall experience. But over time, you will learn and do things differently. You'll learn way more from seat time than from building and buying. Like a junkie, you will either kick or want more.
There is no such thing as BEST in hot rodding. Only good, better, and different. No speculation there. Just practical experience.