HOW to make a gbody handle

[pontiacgp]

The issue wasn't entirely about horsepower, arguably, but of aerodynamics: The squared-off backlight that GM's G-bodies all shared created rear-end lift at 200mph. In corners, the GM drivers had to back off, for fear they'd hang the tail out into the wall

So, in the waning days of divisional autonomy, Pontiac and Chevy each created their own separate G-body aero treatment

http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/200 ... ture8.html

 

[oldtinsmith]

The issue wasn't entirely about horsepower, arguably, but of aerodynamics: The squared-off backlight that GM's G-bodies all shared created rear-end lift at 200mph. In corners, the GM drivers had to back off, for fear they'd hang the tail out into the wall

So, in the waning days of divisional autonomy, Pontiac and Chevy each created their own separate G-body aero treatment

http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/200 ... ture8.html

I'm not disputing anything you've said, really I'm not! I assumed the thread he started was about a primarily street driven Monte (he never really said what his planned usage would be). If he's planning on driving the Monte 150 to 200 MPH then he SHOULD do a lot of research on building his car correctly for handling, aerodynamics, and most important safety (not just for himself but, other people too). There is no wrong or right information as "food" for research. One can "learn" from ALL information. I said I didn't agree that his car was lifting from aerodynamics (or lack of) because I thought he was talking about street speeds (or slightly above LOL) . A cars handling can be greatly affected by body aerodynamics, but, this has a small effect at road speeds (lets say below 100 MPH). Drag, downforce, yaw, and lift are the aerodynamic forces on a car. That said, I think his Monte's fishtailing at "certain" speeds and getting very "light in the rear" when they reach "certain" speeds are more about suspension set-up.Maybe very good shocks (maybe adjustable coilovers?) and a better tire compound for his driving style would be a BIG improvement. ... Who knows, maybe we could all get on the same page (if you will) if we knew more precisely how the Monte will be used.

Doug

I would have replied earlier but, my daughter called to tell me about the house they're thinking about buying.

 

[pontiacgp]

The speed they are talking about are with cars that have been heavily modified to handle speeds. Even at highway speed the G body design lightens the car in the rear. On the highway when it's raining the rain on the back window will flow up.

sidenote, congrats on you daughter's pending purchase.....

 

[UMI Sales]

Was-up Gbody forum,It has been a while since i Have been on here.I came back to ask the pros out there who has more knowledge then me ,about what it take to make these g body handle good.I have a 80 Monte Carlo and 80 Pontiac lemans,what are some mods that can be done to make these cars handle at least like the newer model cars.If any body out can shine some light on this topic i really would appreciate it.

UMI Performance has been running our Green Machine at various national events this season with great success.

You can see our recent Optima Ultimate Street Car pics here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 642&type=3

For good handling we would add some spindle height up front, most economically with tall ball joints. Then some good sway bars, springs and shocks.

We can do the mods in a budget friendly order so your car gets better and better.

ramey

 

[307 Regal]

From my experience:
Aftermarket sway bars are an awesome upgrade.
But,
I'd start with new shocks. Doesn't even have to be anything fancy. Just make sure you're not driving on blown-out shocks. I say springs too, but front springs are pretty "involved" to change, especially if you only wrench casually and don't have many tools or a good place to work. I'd hold off on springs (at least up front) until you decide to do a full front-end rebuild. (Meaning of course bushings, ball joints, steering, etc.)
Anyway, after you have good shocks in, if you still want more then I'd say go for some sway bars. My sway bars (ironically from UMI who just posted) are one of my favorite upgrades. They really help flatten out the car in turns, even if you already have a factory handling package like I did.
Be advised: There is a chance that your front sway bar bolts can strip out (of the frame) with a stronger front bar. This has happened to others, including me. I re-tapped the frame to (I believe) 7/16" fine thread. Since then the car has seen tons of (spirited) street driving and has been shown no mercy at 4 autocross events. And it's still holding up great.
The best thing about sway bars is that they give that flatter, racier feel while making turns; and yet, in my opinion, they don't negatively impact ride comfort.

 

[oldtinsmith]

sidenote, congrats on you daughter's pending purchase.....[/quote]

Thanks! If they end up getting this house, they will have bought more house in 10 years than I have bought in 50 years! LOL!

Back to this thread.
In your racing life, have you heard of Ron Sutton? He has helped a Monte Carlo owner build a great handling (auto cross/street) car.over on ProTouring.

Doug

 

[Kansas Bu Wagon]

Was-up Gbody forum,It has been a while since i Have been on here.I came back to ask the pros out there who has more knowledge then me ,about what it take to make these g body handle good.I have a 80 <span class="skimwords-potential">Monte Carlo</span><span style="position: absolute;"></span><span style="position: absolute;"></span> and 80 Pontiac lemans,what are some mods that can be done to make these cars handle at least like the newer model <span class="skimlinks-unlinked">cars.If</span> any body out can shine some light on this topic i really would appreciate it.

UMI Performance has been running our Green Machine at various national events this season with great success.

You can see our recent Optima Ultimate Street Car pics here: <span class="skimlinks-unlinked">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152788810293643.1073741855.105161448642&type=3</span>

For good handling we would add some spindle height up front, most economically with tall ball joints. Then some good <span class="skimwords-potential">sway bars</span><span style="position: absolute;"></span><span style="position: absolute;"></span>, springs and shocks.

We can do the mods in a budget friendly order so your car gets better and better.

ramey

So your 1/2" taller ball joints can be used with stock upper and lower a-arms, or do they have to be used with yours (or other companies) a-arms?

 

[kad5118]

thanks for the reply folks i am not trying to go 200 miles per hour as mention in the early above post.I just want the car to handle well with the new power that is has. it has what are some the shock brands that some of y'all are using.Some had mention something about a different steering box in the previous post.

 

[GuysMonteSS]

If you want to take the time to read through this,here is my suspension upgrade blog;
http://guysmonte.blogspot.ca/2014/07/my ... rades.html
I did these upgrades over a number of years.My Monte handles surprisingly well,especially taking into consideration it has a bit extra weight up front with the big block.There are corners on the back roads I travel that I can take a lot faster than before some of these upgrades.
The best upgrade was the Street Comp Stage 2 Plus kit I got from SC&C.
Guy

 

[kad5118]

If you want to take the time to read through this,here is my suspension upgrade blog;
http://guysmonte.blogspot.ca/2014/07/my ... rades.html
I did these upgrades over a number of years.My Monte handles surprisingly well,especially taking into consideration it has a bit extra weight up front with the big block.There are corners on the back roads I travel that I can take a lot faster than before some of these upgrades.
The best upgrade was the Street Comp Stage 2 Plus kit I got from SC&C.
Guy

your write up is awesome