How should my duster handle

gregcon said

I certainly don't care what someone does to their car...but I do think too many people seek to modify their car to the point where it no longer even represents what a classic Mopar is. The big, thin steering wheels of the 60's, and the properly assisted steering, is part of the character of the cars. I remember when the modern fat, small diameter wheels were introduced and wondering why anyone would want that. It screams 1987 Chevy Cavalier to me.

Make the car steer like a modern car. Add low profile tires like modern car. Add a super stereo system like a modern car. Put in modern seats and dash. Swap out the engine and trans for a modern car's. After a while....this is your 1970 Duster:

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As someone who owns a '70 Duster with fat torsion bars, front and rear sway bars, wide modern tires on 18" wheels, firm-feel PS box, fairly aggressive alignment with plenty of caster and camber... It does NOT feel like a modern car. It handles and performs like one, but still feels like a classic Mopar. It's hard to describe in words so all I'll say is, don't knock it until you try it.

Being able to feel the feedback in the steering wheel as the front tires begin to slip in a hard turn is awesome. Also being able to feel the feedback in the brake pedal and easily modulate the braking force with manual front discs is fantastic. Can't get manual brakes in any modern car. BTW my steering wheel is smaller than stock but still thin, I also hate the fat poofy wheels on modern cars.

The "experience" of driving a classic Mopar *to me* is more about the direct feel of the engine and chassis transmitting everything to your hands, feet and butt so you KNOW exactly what the car is doing at all times. Modern cars have too much NVH mitigation built in for that to work as well, everything is numb whether the steering is firm or not, unless maybe you're driving a Miata.

Much more to this than meets the eye.