[DeputyDawg134]

Hi everybody, this is my first post,
prolly gonna upset some folks, but I am currently building a SB chevy powered '79 Trans Am. As the engine is going to be pretty stout (for a street car) I am wondering if anyone has any tips for chassis and suspension mods I can do to help it handle better. I am already looking into subframe connectors and high durometer bushings for the suspension, but was hopeful that some of you may have experience with these cars that might help. I have some experience but my knowledge is about 15-20 years out of date.

Also, as soon as the SB is finished, I am going to start building a BB to go in it next year (still gonna be a chebby motor though)

[CDJr]

Im more of a 1st gen F-body person, but I would say some weld-in SFCs would be at the top of my list, as you stated. Maybe solid subframe bushings, tubular control arms that improve suspension/steering geometry, and a pair of quality leaf springs would help also

[jimfulco]

One of Herb Adams' tricks for increasing anti-squat was to raise the mounting point of the front eyes of the leaf springs about 3/4". He used to sell modified spring brackets with the holes raised above the stock location, and I believe the tops also may have been cut out to clear the tops of the spring eyes.

This tended to lower the rear of the car a bit, so he sold heavy-duty rear shackles that were about 2" longer than stock, which also helped counter the typical leaf-spring sag common to those cars.

The increased anti-squat aided not only starting-line traction, but it also increased traction when accelerating out of a turn. Sadly, the parts are not on the market any more, but they shouldn't be hard to fabricate yourself.

[backyardhotrods]

Originally Posted by DeputyDawg134

Hi everybody, this is my first post,
prolly gonna upset some folks, but I am currently building a SB chevy powered '79 Trans Am. As the engine is going to be pretty stout (for a street car) I am wondering if anyone has any tips for chassis and suspension mods I can do to help it handle better. I am already looking into subframe connectors and high durometer bushings for the suspension, but was hopeful that some of you may have experience with these cars that might help. I have some experience but my knowledge is about 15-20 years out of date.

Also, as soon as the SB is finished, I am going to start building a BB to go in it next year (still gonna be a chebby motor though)

Sweet, I have a chebby powered poncho. 81 fourspeed SE to be exact. (Talk about pissin people off put a chebby in a SE LOL.) But dollar for dollar you can build more power with a sbc. I currently have a 600hp 406 backed by a T56 (450hp with 150 shot) I have a set of subframe connectors (that I built my self) with CE Slide a link traction bars on other wise stock worn out suspension. It hooks fair and would hook better with better tires. I like the old school look so I have stock snowflakes with 295/50R15 hancook tires. It makes a great daily driver and hooks fair when I want. Plans this winter are to upgrade all the bushings. The big block is great for power but it kinda throws the handling away a little because of the weight it makes the car want do a nose dive in the corners. P.S. I still have A/C.