What exactly did that setup have compared to the standard suspension? Is there an upgrade kit so I can install all the components into a '65 Valiant hardtop? Does it make a big improvement? My Valiants handle nicely already at reasonable speeds.

Basically:
273 HP V8
Heavier torsion bars
Higher rate rear leaf springs
Sway bar
Firm Ride shocks
14X5.5" rims with 6.95X14 Blue Streak tires
Tach, badges, ...

http://www.geocities.com/frozen_bohemians/formula

The handling components weren't a bad package for '65, but you can get much better tires, wheels, and shocks in today's aftermarket. There are also several choices in front and rear springs and sway bars as well. And then, there are assorted bushings, fancy control arms and struts, steering boxes ... and don't forget the brakes!

I wouldn't look very hard for Formula S parts. Decide what you really expect from the car, do a little research here and elsewhere, and put together your own kit.

Just Suspension, PST, Mancini Racing, and who knows else all offer kits from bushings only to pretty complete suspension rebuild sets.

_________________
"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

There is a book called "Mopar Suspensions" by Mike Martin, that I learned a lot from. I haven't seen it in print for a while.

I'm pretty sure it had the 0.870" torsion bars, and five leaf rear springs. Definitely had the Kelsey-Hayes 4-piston front discs and a front sway bar.

I've sort of recreated this on my Dodge Dart with more modern parts - same springs, but there's an Addco sway bar, KYB shocks, and 11.75" front discs. It definitely handles much better than stock, but it's pretty softly sprung compared to a modern car.

_________________
"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

Somewhere I have the 1965 Hot Rod magazine article about the Formula S Barracuda. I modelled my 65 hardtop after that lengthy road test. I dont recall the details.....(over 50 , newly wed).

On my car I used gas shocks, PST sway bar, 5 leaf spring, 14 x 8 wheels and 235/60/14 radials , 1976 UCA, splindles rotors calipers and 10 rear drums.

The car is the best handling/stopping car in the fleet save my sweeties AWD turbo Talon with 255/55/16 tires.

The Formula S stuff pales in comparison to modern stuff.

Hey! ...dont forget the stripe! http://www.earlycuda.org/tech/stripes.htm

_________________
Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

"Definitely had the Kelsey-Hayes 4-piston front discs and a front sway bar."

My 65 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S came with 10 " drums and 14" mag style hub caps. Disc brakes were an option.

Interestingly, the 14" caps were actually the 13" caps sitting inside a 14" ring. Only the ring affixed the cap to the wheel.

--Walt Jackson

_________________
Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

_________________
Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

The Kelsy Hayes were dealer installed in 65 and IIRC from the factory 66-72.

I stand corrected. Thanks for clearing this up.

_________________
"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair