horrible handling.. any advice? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Swifty · 11-04-2009, 10:09 PM

i recently switched a 250-6 banger for a 327 (pics in older post) and it has been plagued with problems. 2 months later i sit with a new cam and lifters ready for installation and a new holley double pumper in the mail, since its common knowledge used carbs are a shot in the dark. now my family have owned atleast 15 camaros, most of which late second generation. my dad claims the cars handling is laughable compared to the ones him and my mom used to drive(im the only one to ever have a big bumber car). surely there arent major differences from 74-77 to 78-81 cars, is there? i know ball joints are shot and along with that i put new rotors and pads on. i also saw that the centerlink has seen better days. are these things the reason why my camaro handles like a wasted hooker after the navy left town?

tones2SS · 11-05-2009, 01:02 PM

Do yourself a GIANT favor and go to www.detroitspeed.com and go to the products section and look up the year of your car. They are pricey, but VERY WELL WORTH THE MONEY!! Great products and great service as well. (You should see the cars they build!!)

If those are too much money, for some people they are, then I would suggest Hotchkis as well.

Hope this helps!

2Tightwads · 11-05-2009, 01:15 PM

Pedders susupension mods. http://www.pedders.com.au/

Update: I decline my above statement as I thought this was in regards to 5th Gens. as stated in the title of the website. Didn't know you folks were even over here, sweeta'! My bad!

POWERFREAK · 11-05-2009, 01:24 PM

when you swapped in the 327, should have also changed the front springs. Also, I'd at least get a poly bushing kit and replace all the warn parts (ball joints, centerlink that you mentioned). If you want spend the money, get some nice sway bars and shocks. But keep in mind it's not known to be a great handling car. I've owned a '69 Camaro and a '77 Trans-am...YES, the '77 was a MUCH better handling car.

rodimus prime · 11-05-2009, 01:25 PM

Call me crazy, but when looking for information for a 2nd gen, you might be better off looking on a 2nd gen site. Maybe? I dont know that much.

I would go out on a limb and say the car needs new leaf springs and shocks all the way around. I mean saying it handles like crap isnt very descriptive.

rodimus prime · 11-05-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POWERFREAK

when you swapped in the 327, should have also changed the front springs...I'd at least get a poly bushing kit and replace all the warn parts (ball joints, centerlink that you mentioned). If you want spend the money, get some nice sway bars and shocks.

What he said too. I thought you got a different car all together. But yeah the v8 is going to weigh a bit more so you would need stiffer springs too.

bhut · 11-05-2009, 01:38 PM

Give this a look-see. Should get you started. Yes, you'll probably spend $1500 to get it to handle decently, but you'll be thankful when it will corner, brake and generally not embarrass itself on the road. Power is nothing without control!

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tec...ade/index.html

Swifty · 11-05-2009, 03:01 PM

well it seems like it floats around and loosely wallers into a curve. i know front coils are needed to be swapped but as far as shocks i got sky jacker air shocks out back, and new Monroe up front. i reckon its just most likely the same old crap thats been thru hell and several different hairstyles and aint been greased and kept up. its my daily driver so im not going after thousand dollar set -ups, like i have on my project chevelle, which sports a fabricated truck arm system like that of the old 60's c-10 trucks and cup cars since then (smokey yunicks chevelle and Junior Johnson's impala.) this in my opinion beats any four link, sway bar hoo-ha down right.. however its difficult on sub frame cars like camaros and novas, and not worth the hours of welding and fitting. It must be pretty alright if nascar and thousands of other drivers used it for over 40 years, with little or no modification.

dan@swift · 11-06-2009, 08:06 AM

I have to agree with the Detroit Speed suggestion!! Where in the Carolina's are you? If you are anywhere Mooresville, I recommend taking a look at their shop and the ongoing projects that utilize their suspension. They have built a few 70's Camaro's that own the muscle car classes at autocross events across the country. Once their suspension is installed correctly, your car will handle like a new sports car. And if you see anything you like, give me a call, I'll get it to you free shipping, and since I'm out of state, you'll save on sales tax!!
Dan

tones2SS · 11-06-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan@swift

I have to agree with the Detroit Speed suggestion!! Where in the Carolina's are you? If you are anywhere Mooresville, I recommend taking a look at their shop and the ongoing projects that utilize their suspension. They have built a few 70's Camaro's that own the muscle car classes at autocross events across the country. Once their suspension is installed correctly, your car will handle like a new sports car. And if you see anything you like, give me a call, I'll get it to you free shipping, and since I'm out of state, you'll save on sales tax!!
Dan

You know it brother!! They OWN on the auto-x events. Their products are TOP-NOTCH!!

TA219 · 11-06-2009, 07:36 PM

If you want some inspiration check out www.pro-touring.com

DSE is great stuff, but they are expensive. Hotchkis makes some good stuff, Air ride suspensions are performing very well, QA1 coil overs are very easy and popular, BMR makes some good stuff, there are several aftermarket sub-frames, a-arm packages,.... there are so many options... Also, camaros.net is a great place for 1st gen people; however, that is a purist group. Pro-touring.com is where its at for making the best of your 1st gen!

GrnMchin · 11-06-2009, 09:16 PM

As stated above

DSE
Global West
Etc.
Another web sight for help.
http://www.lateral-g.net/

67ss&99ss · 11-07-2009, 10:34 PM

My uncle bought a 78 Z28 new and still has it. When he was looking at Camaros at that time, he drove a berlinetta and a Z28. He has always told me that the handing was SUPERIOR on the Z28. I've drove his 78 many times and the car handles amazing. The only thing he's changed on the suspension since new were the shocks. If you could find a wrecked Z and get the components off of it, I think you would be happy. Subframes would also help out.

the best second gen site I've found on the net is www.nastyz28.com

teppy · 02-19-2010, 02:30 AM

i was thinking maybe the stock wheels doesn't work with this skyjacker lift. im not technical when it comes to this so better take your car to a professional mechanic.

11-04-2009, 10:09 PM	#1
Swifty Casue six aint enough Drives: 1967 GMC pickup/ 366 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Carolina Posts: 16	horrible handling.. any advice? i recently switched a 250-6 banger for a 327 (pics in older post) and it has been plagued with problems. 2 months later i sit with a new cam and lifters ready for installation and a new holley double pumper in the mail, since its common knowledge used carbs are a shot in the dark. now my family have owned atleast 15 camaros, most of which late second generation. my dad claims the cars handling is laughable compared to the ones him and my mom used to drive(im the only one to ever have a big bumber car). surely there arent major differences from 74-77 to 78-81 cars, is there? i know ball joints are shot and along with that i put new rotors and pads on. i also saw that the centerlink has seen better days. are these things the reason why my camaro handles like a wasted hooker after the navy left town?

11-05-2009, 01:15 PM	#3
2Tightwads Banned Drives: 2002 LS1 swapped into a 1994 Z Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 386	Pedders susupension mods. http://www.pedders.com.au/ Update: I decline my above statement as I thought this was in regards to 5th Gens. as stated in the title of the website. Didn't know you folks were even over here, sweeta'! My bad! Last edited by 2Tightwads; 11-05-2009 at 04:28 PM.

11-05-2009, 01:24 PM	#4
POWERFREAK I.AM. Drives: 2011 2SS/RS/A6 cammed-n-whippled Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NY Posts: 2,638	when you swapped in the 327, should have also changed the front springs. Also, I'd at least get a poly bushing kit and replace all the warn parts (ball joints, centerlink that you mentioned). If you want spend the money, get some nice sway bars and shocks. But keep in mind it's not known to be a great handling car. I've owned a '69 Camaro and a '77 Trans-am...YES, the '77 was a MUCH better handling car. __________________ NY5thgen.com

11-05-2009, 03:01 PM	#8
Swifty Casue six aint enough Drives: 1967 GMC pickup/ 366 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Carolina Posts: 16	well it seems like it floats around and loosely wallers into a curve. i know front coils are needed to be swapped but as far as shocks i got sky jacker air shocks out back, and new Monroe up front. i reckon its just most likely the same old crap thats been thru hell and several different hairstyles and aint been greased and kept up. its my daily driver so im not going after thousand dollar set -ups, like i have on my project chevelle, which sports a fabricated truck arm system like that of the old 60's c-10 trucks and cup cars since then (smokey yunicks chevelle and Junior Johnson's impala.) this in my opinion beats any four link, sway bar hoo-ha down right.. however its difficult on sub frame cars like camaros and novas, and not worth the hours of welding and fitting. It must be pretty alright if nascar and thousands of other drivers used it for over 40 years, with little or no modification. Attached Images

11-06-2009, 09:16 PM	#12
GrnMchin Not easy being Green Drives: 67 Nova SS Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 2,256	As stated above DSE Global West Etc. Another web sight for help. http://www.lateral-g.net/ __________________ The 68 Camaro build project

11-05-2009, 01:02 PM	#2
tones2SS Drives: '13 Roush S3 '16 Ram Sport 4X4 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 3,100	Do yourself a GIANT favor and go to www.detroitspeed.com and go to the products section and look up the year of your car. They are pricey, but VERY WELL WORTH THE MONEY!! Great products and great service as well. (You should see the cars they build!!) If those are too much money, for some people they are, then I would suggest Hotchkis as well. Hope this helps!

11-05-2009, 01:25 PM	#5
rodimus prime Account Suspended Drives: Cargo van. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Metal Metal Land Posts: 1,247	Call me crazy, but when looking for information for a 2nd gen, you might be better off looking on a 2nd gen site. Maybe? I dont know that much. I would go out on a limb and say the car needs new leaf springs and shocks all the way around. I mean saying it handles like crap isnt very descriptive.

11-05-2009, 01:38 PM	#7
bhut Drives: 2010 Camaro 2LT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 128 View My Garage	Give this a look-see. Should get you started. Yes, you'll probably spend $1500 to get it to handle decently, but you'll be thankful when it will corner, brake and generally not embarrass itself on the road. Power is nothing without control! http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tec...ade/index.html

11-06-2009, 08:06 AM	#9
dan@swift Drives: 1967 Chevy II Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 81	I have to agree with the Detroit Speed suggestion!! Where in the Carolina's are you? If you are anywhere Mooresville, I recommend taking a look at their shop and the ongoing projects that utilize their suspension. They have built a few 70's Camaro's that own the muscle car classes at autocross events across the country. Once their suspension is installed correctly, your car will handle like a new sports car. And if you see anything you like, give me a call, I'll get it to you free shipping, and since I'm out of state, you'll save on sales tax!! Dan

11-06-2009, 07:36 PM	#11
TA219 Drives: 2010 SS - 1967 327 Coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Springfield, Mo Posts: 28	If you want some inspiration check out www.pro-touring.com DSE is great stuff, but they are expensive. Hotchkis makes some good stuff, Air ride suspensions are performing very well, QA1 coil overs are very easy and popular, BMR makes some good stuff, there are several aftermarket sub-frames, a-arm packages,.... there are so many options... Also, camaros.net is a great place for 1st gen people; however, that is a purist group. Pro-touring.com is where its at for making the best of your 1st gen!

11-07-2009, 10:34 PM	#13
67ss&99ss Andy Drives: a few muscle cars Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 24	My uncle bought a 78 Z28 new and still has it. When he was looking at Camaros at that time, he drove a berlinetta and a Z28. He has always told me that the handing was SUPERIOR on the Z28. I've drove his 78 many times and the car handles amazing. The only thing he's changed on the suspension since new were the shocks. If you could find a wrecked Z and get the components off of it, I think you would be happy. Subframes would also help out. the best second gen site I've found on the net is www.nastyz28.com __________________ 1967 Camaro SS: 406 sbc, 522 HP/514 FT LBS\|Muncie 4 speed\|Posi\|3.73s 1969 C/10: 350\|Turbo 350 1972 Nova: 350\|Turbo 350 1974 'Cuda: 340\|4 speed\|Dana 60\|4.10s\|Posi 1999 Camaro SS: Longtubes\|True Duals\|Lid\|LS6\|TT2s

02-19-2010, 02:30 AM	#14
teppy Drives: Red hot Camaro Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Posts: 2	i was thinking maybe the stock wheels doesn't work with this skyjacker lift. im not technical when it comes to this so better take your car to a professional mechanic.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Maximize Your Suspension ~ Hotchkis Swaybars, Springs and Chassis Braces!	Circuit Motorsports	Suspension / Chassis / Brakes	99	05-24-2010 04:21 PM
I need some advice on the color selection here.	13F20	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	33	02-14-2010 04:31 AM
Camaro Handling, Shut up already.	Dan3	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	160	09-06-2009 11:11 PM
Need some help, Camaro 5! Need dealer repair advice...	scotchsride09	Off-topic Discussions	5	06-05-2009 04:58 PM
Need some advice >.>	Shadowsong	Off-topic Discussions	11	09-23-2007 01:24 AM