Drove the Valiant to the scales today....as a comparison, I've also listed my 68 Barracuda which is the 'same' car except different engine/trans, etc.
It's interesting that both cars have approximately the same weight distribution (54/46).
It's not as easy to explain why the cuda is heavier on the back axle. Both cars have 8-3/4" rear ends and 10" brakes. The cuda has lighter wheels by a little.
As for the front axle, the cuda has an aluminum headed 499" big block and 727 trans as compared to the iron 225 / 904. The cuda also has a much bigger radiator, heavier carb, etc. But it has manual steering and the Valiant has power steering.
One thing is for sure - the Valiant has a Miracle Suspension. I call it that because on the highway, at 75MPH, it drives straight and very smoothly. If you turn the wheel to the Left a little, it goes to the left a little. Same for the Right. If you push the brake pedal, the car slows down. That is the Miracle - anyone who has read any magazine or watched any TV show in the past 15 years knows that these cars came with near-death suspension and brakes and the only solution is to have the boys at Gas Monkey weld a new frame under the car.
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