From Mark Savitske's book.

[BuickOldsPontiac]

so what does this guy propose for gbodies without spending thousands on an aftermarket chassis

Without giving the whole book away, this is what I took away from it...

The primary two are fix the front suspension geometry and select a set of springs and shocks for your goals. Then make sure the rest of what you do complements your setup. All of which he discusses. The only area I think the book is weak in is the lack of actual numbers. He will discuss (for example) that the caster and camber are not right in a car but never mentions numbers. Either what they where from the factory, what they should ideally be (he does show generic ideal geometry though), or how much certain fixes improve them. Then again I am an engineer and like numbers and formulas.

The real important take away is you can set up a car to handle well and still have a nice ride, they are not mutually exclusive.

 

[oldtinsmith]

so what does this guy propose for gbodies without spending thousands on an aftermarket chassis

Without giving the whole book away, this is what I took away from it...

Have you read Fred Puhn's book? Lots of formulas in there for you ! I really like GBF,GBC,& MR, they were the first forums I signed up on. Great people! I like the tech sections on Lateral-G, Pro-touring, MonteCarlSS, and a few of the Australian V-8 forums. I began looking at those sites to see who they talk about or ask about when it comes to handling issues. I guess some people think I'm a little "snobby" for not just accepting that 30 year old performance handling technology is the "in" thing for a 30 year old chassis! I like the saying "cheap ain't fast and fast ain't cheap (or something like that!). IMO, that might also be said about performance handling too! I don't have alot of money, so when I spend some I only want to do it once if possible.

Doug

 

[BuickOldsPontiac]

Without giving the whole book away, this is what I took away from it...

Have you read Fred Puhn's book? Lots of formulas in there for you ! I really like GBF,GBC,& MR, they were the first forums I signed up on. Great people! I like the tech sections on Lateral-G, Pro-touring, MonteCarlSS, and a few of the Australian V-8 forums. I began looking at those sites to see who they talk about or ask about when it comes to handling issues. I guess some people think I'm a little "snobby" for not just accepting that 30 year old performance handling technology is the "in" thing for a 30 year old chassis! I like the saying "cheap ain't fast and fast ain't cheap (or something like that!). IMO, that might also be said about performance handling too! I don't have alot of money, so when I spend some I only want to do it once if possible.

Doug

No I haven't yet, but I have added it to my list of books to buy!

 

[BuickOldsPontiac]

I don't have alot of money, so when I spend some I only want to do it once if possible.

Doug

Same here. By the time I actually get around to buying a g-body, I want to do it right and do it once. That is until I have the money for another one!

 

[othtim]

so.....what can we actually do? I'd like to find some numbers so that it's not just like "buy this part!" it'd be nice to see some why instead of just "what to buy".

 

[oldtinsmith]

so.....what can we actually do? I'd like to find some numbers so that it's not just like "buy this part!" it'd be nice to see some why instead of just "what to buy".

Yup, the same question I asked when I wanted the best "bang for my buck" when I first started with these forums. As far as numbers, I never found any for a one size fits all! That's why I bought some books and I'm still doing research with my computer. I've been told more often then not to be honest with myself and KNOW exactly how my El Camino will be driven ( mine will be a daily driver, hauler, & trailer puller), what kind of roads/highways it will be driven on (mine will be mostly driven on highways from about 45 to 70MPH ) and, most times it'll be running empty. I drive over 100 miles a week on the interstate and need to be able to do safe evasive driving because of the idiots talking on phones or playing their electronic toys while they drive. ...The F-41 suspension would be an improvement over stock but IMO, it's like putting a bandaid on a cut needing stitches. ...I haven't bought any suspension parts as of yet (been researching for well over a year now!) because my ride is an El Camino with its differences (longer wheelbase, a slightly worse front to back weight ratio, the roll axis, etc.). ...All I can suggest is to get a book to learn the terminology (like caster, camber, toe, bumpsteer, ackerman, roll axis, roll center, and on and on1)! Call as many suspension manufacturers as you feel you need to and compare what each one says, and ask them questions! IMO, if you know how it works, you'll be able to tell who's trying to blow smoke! ...Good luck with your research!!!

Doug