This may sound strange but, what do we need to do to make our '68 car handle as good as our '04 Focus (bone stock). It came to mind as there is a stretch of road that I have driven both cars at similar speeds and the Focus feels better. Now, I realize that there is a huge difference in the cars (age and technology) but are there a few things that we can do to improve the '68? Don't get me wrong, it drives nice but it could handle better IMO.
Here is what the convertible has done to it so far:
Heidts M11 front end (already installed before we bought it)
Poly bushings in the tubular A Arms--as per Heidts recommendation
Drake Monte Carlo Bar
KYB Gas-Adjusts shocks (new in 2012)
Welded in subframe connectors
New Grab-A-Track 4.5 leaf springs (stock height)
Good rubber left on the tires
Not looking to autocross this car but I would like it to feel as good as the Focus--can this be done on a reasonable budget?? I know that a set of Bilstein shocks would help but I hate to pull off the KYB's that only have 500 miles on them--they made a huge difference over the old worn our Monroes. Looking for suggestions.
My '64 1/2 vert. Ordered May '64. D code 4 speed, handling package, caspian blue, accent group, Ford blue manual top.
'68 vert. driver. Owned since '77. C code AT, AC, PS, P disc B, PT lime gold, standard black interior and top. NOS RF fender and left quarter.New top and folding glass.
Definitely a different post. I had a pocket full of suggestions until I saw you had a Heidt's, then all that went out the window. Funny, the proponents of MII swaps usually seem to go on and on about how well they ride and handle. (I am not a fan.)
"Feel" is very subjective. To me the feel and handling of a Focus (excepting the SVT's) is just barely adequate for a compact FWD car with McPherson struts. I can't really get my head around a comparison between one and a vintage Mustang.
I hate to bring up removing the MII and going back with stuff more resembling a stock suspension but I don't really know what else to suggest. Plus I'm not at all sure that would even achieve what you're after. So I'm no help at all I guess. Definitely interested in what other folks might suggest though.
So you already have a Mustang II front end kit? From what I hear, that's supposed to improve the ride and handling on these older Mustangs. I've been looking at the kits for my '66, but I haven't had the opportunity to experience that yet.
That said, did the alignment shop know about the different front end, and have they setup them up before? The Mustang II setup is different and I would expect some differences when it comes to the alignment.
If you don't have sway bars, that will definitely help.
Definitely a different post. I had a pocket full of suggestions until I saw you had a Heidt's, then all that went out the window. Funny, the proponents of MII swaps usually seem to go on and on about how well they ride and handle. (I am not a fan.)
Gypsy, I'm interested to hear why you're not a fan. I haven't done the swap yet, but I have been looking at the kits. Some good feedback, especially from someone who doesn't like them would be valuable info to me at this point.
I heard the KYB Gas-Adjusts shocks aren't the best riding and feeling shock.
I think Koni's,although more expensive, would wake the car up big time.
I know they did on my '67coupe I had as a teen.
Put a set of Koni's on and sell the KYB's here on the forum or Craiges list.
Did you do the Shelby drop yet?
You do not mention export brace either.
Also a 1" front sway bar would be better then stock.
Lynn
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'99 GT automatic
CDC Shaker scoop, K&N Filter
MAC cat back
Max Speed 1 ½” Lowering springs
KYB GR2 shocks and struts
Cobra front brakes
Well, I'm still quite "green" when it comes to vintage cars. On other applications, Hellwig is a trusted name that I personally have had good results with, and it appears they have products for the classic Mustangs too.
A quick look though, Heidts offers a sway bar kit. Might be good to get some feedback from others that have used various brands, and the results they experienced, since I have no real-world comparison advice.
LOL, can't say I have. I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that it doesn't exactly feel like it is on rails (??).
It was a beautiful car. So here's the picture: 5,000 pounds. 125hp straight 8. No power steering, no power brakes, Dynaflow no shift 1 speed torque converter.
The turn signal was a warning light of possible eventual change in direction. The pedal on the right was the loudness control...pushing on it made the humm louder. The old Super and Roadmonster had the softest springs/ride of any american car, a Caddy rode like a truck but handled sporty compared to a big Buick!
If you turned a corner at 15 mph the tires would howl and the body would lean about 30 degrees!
Surprisingly those big old Buicks had pretty good brakes. They saved the crummy brakes for the smaller 60s cars. Special, F85, Nova, Maverick etc.
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Expecting Too Much From Suspension??
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