lift-off tommorow, barring things unforseen or acts of god. all things on chassis are stock, sway bar, control arms, etc, etc. i want my '71 chevelle to be a driver, which leads to my question: are there things that i really should beef up suspension wise? i do want a nice riding car, but i'm not emerson fittapaldi.

Have you considered a "G-Machine" handling kit for the suspension ? That is the best way to improve road handling and "manners". You should also seriously consider getting one of those complete front end kits from Performance Suspension. They are all inclusive and a good value for everything.

Here is a few items that should be considered in order of effectiveness.

* Boxed rear control arms (upper & lower)
* Poly-Graphite bushings (control arms)
* Poly-Graphite body mounts
(Graphite don't squeek, pure poly-eurathane does)
* Variable Rate coil springs (all 4 corners)
* Monroe Reflex shocks @ minimum, koni adjustables better

If you haven't lifted the body yet you might want to make some measurements from frame to pinch weld and rear tire clearance on both sides. You might want that info later on.