Lets start with tires & wheels. Simply upgrading from 13in rims to 14in or 15in rims and the correct tires to fit the wheel wells will improve handling greatly. The original tire/rim combo has a large sidewall tire that will flex excessively during cornering. The idea is to have short sidewall tires, and larger diameter rims help achieve this.

Springs control the ride height of a car, not the shocks. If your rear springs are weak, replace them. If the torsion bars sag, don't just turn them up. Install heavy duty bars for improved handling. With the springs in good shape, lower the car approx. 1 1/2 to 2 inches. This is done by adjusting the torsion bars in the front and by using lowering blocks in the rear. This lowers the cars center of gravity, thus making it handle better. Good gas shocks are a must. Adjustable shocks are a good idea too.

Most of the 64 to 66 Barracudas and Valiants didn't get anti-sway bars, so adding one to the car is a must. Install a front anti-sway first keeping the diameter at approx. 1 in to 1 1/8 in. Install a rear bar with a smaller diameter than the front bar. Also using polyurethane link bushings instead of rubber will increase the anti-sway bars effectiveness.

Check the front end pieces. Replace all worn parts (ball joints, tie rod ends, etc.) And check the steering box for excessive play. If everything is ok, then install polygraphite control arm bushings. Polyurethane will squeak while driving and even though you can install grease fittings to these bushings, polygraphite is self lubricating. These bushings won't have much deflection as the original rubber ones deflect a lot.

By making one or all these upgrades, the handling of your car will greatly improve. You may not be able to out corner that Porsche, but you might take that Camaro!

- Roger Kizer