hi guys,
my name is Mike and i live in the Lancaster, PA area
i drive a '79 Z28 with the 5.7L V8 my car has 77k original miles
this car was passed down to me from my dad who bought it new back in the day.
it's been garage kept and is mostly original parts, anything that we've replaced we've kept the original parts for.
i'm looking for some advice on subtle improvements to make to the car, as i'm trying to get it out and drive it more.
my dad had the mentality that it should be looked at but not driven, i on the other hand while still having respect for it's integrity love to drive it, and feel that it needs to be enjoyed.
i am looking into improving the suspension and fuel delivery system.
as far as aesthetics i love this car just the way it is!
looking forward to contributing to the community and getting some valuable feedback.

thanks!

 

Welcome from the land of OZ

 

Welcome, subframe connectors would be my first buy if I were you. They will keep your ride from twisting and help with handling too. Not to mention if the doors close good now they won't after a few years of spirted driving.

 

welcome, I hope you enjoy your stay here at Camaro Forums.

 

Welcome to the forum, you need to post up some pics.

 

If you want to improve handling and performance I'd consider replacing the rubber bushings in the body mounts, control arms, and rear springs. The change will really tighten things up and make it handle like a new car.
I'd also consider going with HD swaybars front and rear. They wont make it ride harsh, but will assist in making it corner flatter. A good set of gas shocks will also help handling.
Welcome!

 

thanks for the welcome and the replies, i'm seriously considering polyurethane bushings, seems like an easy enough project with good results, thanks for the input!

also what are subframe connectors, and where would you get something like that?

here are some pics!

 

That car is really nice. Very well taken care of.

Sub Frame connectors, seems like these are the most popular for ease of installation and fitment.

http://www.pro-touringf-body.com/cha...omponents.html

You can also get global west ones. Alot of other kinds require you to cut your floor. I'll more than likely work on getting a set made for my car. I'm also going to get some of these caltrac type traction bars.

http://www.hotrodsandhemis.com/traction1.html

 

^ Has anybody here used these Cal Trac style traction bars on a high h.p. car? They work the opposite of regular slapper bars (sort of), where the twisting force pushes the bar forward against the front bracket, which makes the bracket pivot down and pull against the leaf spring. Having broken a front spring eye before, I'd be concerned with yanking down on the spring, which essentially is also trying to open and unwind the front bushing eye.

 

I personally don't think you need subframe connectors to improve your ride, or to kep the car from twisting itself apart. I raced my '71 for many years with a pretty stout 427 engine in it without the aid of subframe connectors. Unless you're planning pretty powerful engine and lots of drag strip time the connectors are not necessary.