coilover suspension vs bushing & spring upgrade

Is there that big of a difference in handling? Big bucks that can be spent upgrading. Is it worth it? My 1970 mustang will be a street car. It will not see much competition driving.

I've drivin cars with both suspension set ups, coil over and upgraded stock performance. I think the advantage to coil overs is that they are fully adjustable as far as ride height and spring rate without having to change any other major suspension components which is good for road racing and cornering. depending on the set up, some coil over kits will give you a stiffer than stock ride. when upgrading the stock suspension to a mild performance kit still using lowered leaf springs and coil springs (1" drop) will give you good performance on the street and some good cornering. the center of gravity is lower which is always good and the comfort of the ride is still pretty good. when it comes down to it, i think it depends on what your ride will be used for and how radical it is and also personal choice.

Originally Posted by camcruise

Is there that big of a difference in handling? Big bucks that can be spent upgrading. Is it worth it? My 1970 mustang will be a street car. It will not see much competition driving.

The coilover setup does make a significant difference in handling. If you want your car to handle like and 2007 Shelby or at least close go for the coilovers. If you just want to enjoy driving it around, like me, and appreciate and accept it for what it was/is, then just buy a stock front end rebuild kit. i had this same discussion with friends before I started mine. They reminded me how the original setup was kind of squirelly to drive sometimes. But to me that is what made them great. You the driver had to actually DRIVE them. They didnt drive themslves. My 2 cents.

I totally agree!

Originally Posted by migg400

I've drivin cars with both suspension set ups, coil over and upgraded stock performance. I think the advantage to coil overs is that they are fully adjustable as far as ride height and spring rate without having to change any other major suspension components which is good for road racing and cornering. depending on the set up, some coil over kits will give you a stiffer than stock ride. when upgrading the stock suspension to a mild performance kit still using lowered leaf springs and coil springs (1" drop) will give you good performance on the street and some good cornering. the center of gravity is lower which is always good and the comfort of the ride is still pretty good. when it comes down to it, i think it depends on what your ride will be used for and how radical it is and also personal choice.

thanks for your input. I guess its how much I want to pay. The estimates are around $5K. Ever heard of RRS? Their coilover setup eliminates the top A frame. This allows the shock tower to be cut down. They can supply a notch kit to do this.
This allows for more engine room.
Anyone out there used their system?