dc2x4drvr

I'm starting this thread to document changes to my 442. After the Power Tour I decided to redo the suspension, brakes and wheels to make the car handle and stop better. My plans are to upgrade to SPC upper and lower arms using tall ball joints, Kore3 Z06 brakes, and Rushforth 18" wheels.
I've got a Lee S670 steering box on order, and they're calibrating my ps pump for the gear. Just got in the Pro-Forged suspension parts today, so here's my first pic.

tru-blue 442

I like. Subscribed.

oldcutlass

I got a free set of proforged steering linkage for my car to be a test mule for their 67 stuff. It's been on there a while now and functions very well.

oldzzy

Can't wait to see the changes!

dc2x4drvr

Could this be the wheel? I met Jason Rushforth- Rushforthwheels.com

on the Power Tour, fun to hang out with, and an awesome wheel designer..This wheel reminds me of the SSI.

tru-blue 442

That is a nice wheel.
What is the size?

dc2x4drvr

I'm going to run 18x8 and 18x10's

therobski

Good choices, it will handle like a slot car!

dfire25

I like those. Do they make a 17"? I might go with these from Centerline, but they are really expensive.

tru-blue 442

^^^Those are even sweeter.

dc2x4drvr

Prepare to be sticker shocked, none of the quality forged wheels run less than 5-6 hundred each..I like 18's cause there seems to be a much better tire selection, 17's might be tougher to find decent sizes for our cars.

dfire25

Don't I know it! The Centerlines are $365 for 17X8's and $409 for 17X9.5's. 18's where in the 5's I think. I was able to find a decent tire selection for the 17's though.

Funkwagon455

The improvements should make for a very capable as well as more practical car, especially combined with the gearbox. Gee, what's next? Port fuel injection?. For some reason, I had assumed that this car already had a quick ratio steering box. Really nice!

dc2x4drvr

Actually, Chip rebuilt the original box years ago, and converted it to a fast ratio box, but, I've never liked the finger tip steering effort. No EFI

dc2x4drvr

A buddy just sent me this photo shopped pic. The brakes need to be black or silver.

Funkwagon455

Lance,..hanging out at the bait shop.... Looks really sharp either way man...

dc2x4drvr

The dog dishes have been on the car since 2000, time for a change. That pic was shot during Power Tour at a great breakfast place, after that we headed to Norwalk.

Texas442

I like the looks of the 18's repro SSI shown here: Maybe someone can photoshop this on your car:

dc2x4drvr

I looked at that wheel, it was in the running, but there are so many similar 5 spokes I decided not to do another SS1 wannabe...

dc2x4drvr

Here's pics of some parts that arrived, only problem is I have to install them
The hood hinges were restored by Wilson Antique Auto Parts with new rivets, which are close to OEM. I had White Post redo my booster under warranty.
Lee mfg. supplied the S670 blueprinted steering box and re calibrated the PS pump, the gear requires a new rag joint to fit the A Body intermediate shaft.

therobski

Now the fun begins-I will meet up with you this week and bring you the Pitman arm puller. Car with steer like a go-kart when your done, lookin' good!

dc2x4drvr

I installed the Lee steering gear and Pro Forged steering parts, I like the E coating, should hold up for a long time.

dc2x4drvr

Here's my brake booster fresh from a replate on the front to fix the stain left after my MC started leaking. Nice rainbow. Sorry the pic is upside down, darn IOS...

therobski

Looks really good Lance, I just got out of the heat myself. Going to cool off and update my thread as well.

dc2x4drvr

The Rear Nittos arrived, 305/45/18's should fill out the wheel well

oldzzy

Those rear tires are going to look awesome on your car!

cdrod

What headers are you running? Looks like you have a lot of ground clearance.

oldzzy

I believe he's running American racing headers. I have them also, and they tuck up nice to the floor/cross member.

gearheads78

Welcome to the dark side Lance

sammy

Subscribed....

dc2x4drvr

ARH stainless headers, perfect fit, my 7 qt. is the lowest point. I'm planning on no lower than 5 1/2" at the crossmember.

dc2x4drvr

Thanks, the wheel well is so long I wanted to fill it, got the tire size from Joe Lincoln who has a cool lime green vert.

dc2x4drvr

Yah know after installing the 5 speed things just snowballed. I've tried to stay close to stock for 19 years, but after driving the Power Tour at 75-80 in 5th, I decided I wanted a better handling and driving car.
Get ready, this winter I'm going roller with better heads

oldzzy

That should really wake the car up! I would love to see a video of your car running.

Texas442

Lance, are you keeping a spread sheet with part numbers and cost of all the suspension and brake components you may share in the future?

dc2x4drvr

Ok Ali, I will post my costs,, my initial estimate was 7k, almost half of that is the wheels.
I think whatever I spend will add value if done right..

costpenn

Lance, you might have told me before, but who's blue engine paint dud you use, and are you happy with it?

dc2x4drvr

Olds blue from supercarsunlimited, I've tried almost every Olds blue, nothing else is close for color match or performance.

dc2x4drvr

Someone asked about the Olds blue, here's a pic..

dc2x4drvr

I measured my rear back space today, looks like 5 1/2" might work, but going to spec 5 3/4" , really don't want to roll the fender lips. I borrowed the tool from Gearheads78, thanks Richard
Sorry about the side shot