Handeling

[rob]

Hi Guys,

Newbie here, and I sure would like some sound advice to help me make the best choices possible.

I have two cars in mind ( 55-57 t-birds  & 56 - 59 fairlaines ). OR   Would I be better off looking into a T-bird , Willys  KIT CAR ?
Since I plan on driving the car to as many car shows / cruse nights as gas prices will allow . And once or twice a yr. "old time drag " drag meets. I'm more concerned about street handling then the best " strip " set up .

What's the best compromise ? Ride height , shock / spring set up ?

I'm fully aware that ANY car set up for the strip will compromise it's street handling . But I'd rather not have it such a handful that the wife can't help with the long drive trips to out of town shows . Note she can handle our Shelby (68') as well as my E-250 Van , no cream puff that girl.

Is it a good rule to assume that any given gasser will handle more like a 60's pick up , then say a heavy  big block 60's ford ( galaxy ) ?


Many thanks  gentleman , I look forward to your sound advice.

[straightaxle64nova]

I've only driven my Nova, no other straight axle cars, but from my own experience, handling was not an issue for me. Sure the ride quality may not be corner-cutting, but the front suspension is still not quite as stiff as a touring car either. As for turning, I have felt a BIG difference between when I had the posi-unit in the rear as opposed to the mini-spool that I have in the car now. My wife had driven my car on 3 occasions, but refuses to drive it now with the mini-spool because of how hard it is to turn. In my opinion, the suspension will only be as stiff as the shocks that you use. Hope this helped a little, and for anyone that doesn't agree, I am by no means an expert, just my experience.