I own a 68 chevelle malibu that origionally game with a 327. Then I upped it to a 350+.060". I'm going to drop in a 406 in a month or so and will need some traction tips since I know nothing about suspension.

The rear suspension is 100% stock and I'll be using pretty wide street radials. Aside from slicks and posi, what is the best way to get better traction?

Anti hop bars? Lift bars? Ladder bars?

This car will have to be 100% streetable and I am on a budget of....say...$500 for parts.

Thanks,
Casey

I see you said aside from slicks and posi. But without a posi rear I don't think you will get the expected results from the other things you mentioned. In my opinion investing in a 12 posi rear would be a good starting point.

Sorry, let me clarify. What I meant was that I am going to get posi, so I already know that will help. And that I KNOW slicks will help, but I don't have a strong enough drivetrain to support them.

So... other then those two things, what will help me out traction-wise?

I ask because when I had the 350, I'd spin my tires all the way through 1st gear and some of 2nd when I punched it from a stop. I know I won't be able to eliminate all of my tire spin and have 100% traction (especially with radials), but I want a BIG improvement... especially since I'll have a lot more torque from the 406.

posi first ... then airbags & adjustable upper control arm & boxed lower control arms start with 4-6 lbs drivers side 12-14 pass side in bags set pinion 1.5 down should be a good place to start rear swaybay isn't a bad idea eather :D

I have a 68 malibu, that was originally a 307 powerglide. BIGGEST IMPROVEMENTS i have noticed have been the SSM Lift bars Part #1312. The car planted like a mofo. I added a 7/8" Stock Rear sway bar & an 1 1/4" Sway bar from a 84 camaro and the car handles SO VERY NICE NOW.

I also replaced the springs all around with stock moog springs & replaced the upper control arm bushings with poly bushings. I have a very difficult time roasting my tires like i did before all of this.

After i installed the lift bars your car just feels like it is pushing itself into the ground, also made it handle nice since it got rid of a bushing.

Hope this helps, all i can say is i wish i did suspension first it was some of the most noticeable gains that my car has received.

I have a 68 malibu, that was originally a 307 powerglide. BIGGEST IMPROVEMENTS i have noticed have been the SSM Lift bars Part #1312. The car planted like a mofo. I added a 7/8" Stock Rear sway bar & an 1 1/4" Sway bar from a 84 camaro and the car handles SO VERY NICE NOW.

I also replaced the springs all around with stock moog springs & replaced the upper control arm bushings with poly bushings. I have a very difficult time roasting my tires like i did before all of this.

After i installed the lift bars your car just feels like it is pushing itself into the ground, also made it handle nice since it got rid of a bushing.

Hope this helps, all i can say is i wish i did suspension first it was some of the most noticeable gains that my car has received.

Which trtaction/no-hop/lift bars should I get...best bang for my buck I mean?

And, don't they replace your lower control arm?

The SSM lift bars replace the lower control arm. The Lakewood/Edelbrock "no-hop" bars bolt to the housing and move the upper control arm mounting point... From a traction standpoint, they both do similar things, relocating the "instant center" (or something like that...).

I think the SSM lift bars might be easier to install... Plus the No hops can hit the floor (trunk floor above the axle)... I have heard lots of good things about Dick Miller suspensions... Maybe search here or the web for more info...

As for upper poly bushings, I would make sure you also include a set of the rear "braces" Hotchkis or Edelbrock makes them... They will help transfer some of the loading from the upper crossmember down to the main frame... Not an improvement in traction, but a safety issue (IMO)...

My Monte Carlo has a 406 sb and weights 4000 lb with me in it, I have run 13.55 @ 104 hard on the brakes trying not to break out. My best 60' times 1.80 on DOTs, all this was done on Edelbrock No hops, boxed lower arms, adjustable uppers, and an 7/8" sway bar. To make it worst I run stiff a$$ Bilsteins for shocks. You can make a Chevelle hook hard on sticky Radials and No hops. :D graemlins/thumbsup.gif