First Gen Suspension Upgrade Path
   by Rotary Rocket
   rotaryrckt@aol.com

   How are your tires? Getting old? Consider an upgrade to 205 tires (admittedly a bit of a stretch for the stock 5.5" rims, but still do-able), and even larger rims if you've got the cash. 15 x 7 is a nice, fuss-free rim size for the first gens. Get some nice tires, too. Don't settle for whatever trash your local tire salesman is peddling as "high-performance." I prefer Yokohama AVS-intermediates. Great traction for a tire used in fairly dry climates (I'm in Southern Cal), and they average ~$85 each for 205/60-13's.

   Next, I'd replace all the OE bushings (front: control arms & tension rods, engine mounts; rear: trailing links and Watts links) with polyurethane ones. The stock ones were acceptable when the car was brand new, but there's a good possibility they're shot by now, and the poly bushings make the car incredibly responsive. Bear in mind that poly bushings will increase the harshness of the ride a noticeable amount. Sorry, nothing's free. :-) Be sure to inspect your tie rod ends and ball joints, and keep your steering box adjusted. Relacing the rod ends and ball joints is tedious, labor-intensive work, but really doesn't require all that much skill. You'll save a bundle doing it yourself, too. Just make sure you have the correct tools and lots of space and time.

   Next, upgrade the sway bars. The front bar is the most important in a tail-happy vehicle such as the first gen. Suspension Techniques offers a non-adjustable front bar and a three-way adjustable rear bar (~$200 for both). Most manufacturers include new poly bushings for use with their bars. After that, it's time to look into lowering springs (usually less than $200 for all 4 corners). Stay reasonable, and don't lower the car more than about one inch if it's going to be street driven and you want to keep things simple. Reputable manufacturers include Suspension Techniques (my brand of choice), Eibach, and Racing Beat. There are others, though.

   Finally, replace those nasty, probably-worn-out-by-now strut cartridges (front) and shocks (rear). The best bang for your buck will come from the Tokicos. If you can afford it (and your '7 is capable of it... '79-'80 owners must first upgrade their strut housings), go with the Illuminas on all four corners. The Illuminas are 5-way adjustable. Really sweet! If you can't afford a full set of Illuminas, go with the Blues (non-adjustable, but still good) in front and the Illuminas in back. If that's still too much, go for Blues on all four corners. If you're completely impoverished ("economically disenfranchised" is what we call it here in the People's Republik of Kalifornia), you'll have to settle for a full set of KYB's ("keeps ya' bouncin'") or something similar.