Pontiac Firebird 1967-2002 Birds of a feather flock together

Questions after first non-white knuckled drive

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Old 05-07-2009, 07:53 AM
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Default Questions after first non-white knuckled drive

why does the back end snake around whenever ya hit a moderate bump in the road? is it over sprung to compensate from squatting when u get on it hard?
is it just me being a wimpy girl or is the turn signal switch abnormally stiff?
and who the heck designed that cup holder in the center console?? hehe
Old 05-07-2009, 10:21 AM
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1) Hitting bumps when "getting on it" will cause it to move around. The stiffer suspension will do that.

2) The turn signals can be hard to move. I push my down near the base so as not to break the damn thing off.

3) Whoever designed the cupholder with the M6...is an idiot.
Old 05-07-2009, 11:12 AM
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lmao, ive notice both 2 and 3 on that list.
Old 05-07-2009, 11:47 AM
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I agree with #3! hahaha!
Old 05-07-2009, 11:48 AM
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The extra un-sprung weight of a solid "live" axle in the rear makes these cars more susceptable to rear-shift when going over bumps, especially when hitting the bump mid-turn when the car is leaning on the axle. The bump sends the entire axle moving up and its mass makes it hard for the suspension to keep it in contact with the road, so the tires leave the road for a split second and that's when you feel the rear shift. IRS cars do this much less because of much less unsprung weight and when hitting a bump w/ one tire it doesn't upset the traction of the opposite tire.

ALL solid-rear axle cars do this, not just F-bods.
Old 05-07-2009, 12:50 PM
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Thanks Johnny. I know on my old cars I notice it but not nearly as bad as the WS6. I think the suspension in the old cars is a bit more forgiving.
Old 05-07-2009, 07:04 PM
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The fat low profile tires and semi large rims also help with that drifting feeling on solid axle cars.

And #2 I totally agree, for some reason that really annoys me.
Old 05-08-2009, 07:18 AM
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Another few things I noticed on the way home...
Im not abnormally tall or fat, but why does the steering wheel have to be against my legs to feel comfortable in my hands? I tried moving the seat lower but thats not really an option as it doesnt go any lower? maybe the seat is too thick? maybe my legs are too long? i dunno.
Has anyone tried wrapping the door panels where the cracks are with leather that matches the dash? that would look sharp.
I really love the fact the ttops lock in in the trunk. Thats sweet.
I did start using the turn signal at the base instead of the end of it.
My very favorite part of the car is all the old style touches. The old keys, the old steering column, the old style door handles... man is that sweet!!!!




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