foxlovescars

Without particular bias shown to the car you own right now, a question for those of you that have owned both chassis styles:

I have a restored '68 Cutlass S holiday sitting in my garage right now. I am looking at purchasing a '70 442 with the 455 ci engine. Of course, there is the weight difference between the two engines, but is there THAT much difference between how the two cars drive and handle because of the newer chassis (frame and suspension) of the 1970?

Thanks in advance,
Frank in Virginia

oldcutlass

The weight is negligible. The difference is in the sway bars and spring rates as far as the ride. I like the 68's body style.

chadman

I prefer the 68-69 cars. I think they are better looking plus I really don't like the interiors on the 70-72 cars. Ride and handling wise I don't see a noticeable difference.

vette442

I have (and have owned) two '68 posts, a '70 convertible, and eight '72s (plus a few '70-'72 non-runners). Other than interior/dash feel, I have never noticed a significant difference in how they drove and handled.
Terry

BlackGold

Maybe the model year doesn't matter much, but you should notice a big difference between a plain Cutlass and a 442 with it's handling package.

joe_padavano

The basic chassis and suspension geometry is identical for 1968-1972. The differences are spring, shock, and sway bar tuning. They will all handle the same if equipped the same.

foxlovescars

Thanks for the candid answers guys. I purposely did not mention that the Cutlass S in my garage is a convertible. I bought it for the price, looks and because I've never owned a classic ragtop. There is considerable cowl shake and it is heavier than a hard top. Maybe my answer should be to add a rear sway bar to my convertible. Anybody else out there want to weigh in on the question?

Thanks,
Frank

joe_padavano

Get a 1.25" front bar from a second-gen Trans Am. Get an aftermarket rear bar of at least 1" and preferably 1.25", along with the proper boxed lower arms. Be sure your suspension parts (ball joints, tie rods, bushings) are in good shape. Get a quick ratio power steering box. Get good gas shocks and good tires.

smash72

Does it have a fiberglass aftermarket hood ? Those are notorious for coming out of alignment messing with the duct work.