Popular Upgrades for ’68-’72 GM A-Body Cars

Engine Upgrades

The engine is the heart of any car‚ and A-body owners often seek to boost performance․ Popular upgrades include swapping in a larger displacement engine‚ such as a 400 or 454 cubic inch big block‚ or adding performance parts like a high-flow intake manifold‚ headers‚ and a camshaft․

Suspension Upgrades

The suspension of a 68-72 GM A-body car is a crucial component for both handling and ride quality․ Upgrading the suspension can significantly improve the car’s overall performance and driving experience‚ whether you’re aiming for a sporty handling feel or a more comfortable ride․ Here are some popular suspension upgrades for these classic cars⁚

Coil Springs and Shocks⁚

The stock coil springs and shocks in these A-body cars can be quite soft‚ resulting in a bouncy and unstable ride․ Upgrading to aftermarket coil springs and shocks can dramatically improve handling and control․ Consider options like⁚

• Lowering Springs⁚ These springs provide a lower ride height‚ improving the car’s stance and lowering the center of gravity for better handling․ Popular brands include Eibach‚ Hotchkis‚ and QA
• Performance Shocks⁚ Replace those worn-out stock shocks with performance shocks designed for better damping and control․ Brands like Bilstein‚ Koni‚ and KYB offer excellent options for A-body cars․

Sway Bars⁚

Sway bars‚ also known as anti-roll bars‚ help reduce body roll during cornering․ Upgrading to thicker sway bars can significantly improve handling and stability‚ especially on a car that has been lowered․ There are aftermarket options for both front and rear sway bars‚ available from companies like Hotchkis and Energy Suspension․

Bushings⁚

Over time‚ suspension bushings wear out‚ leading to sloppy handling and excessive noise․ Replacing worn bushings with new polyurethane or rubber bushings can restore the suspension’s responsiveness and tightness․ Consider upgrading to polyurethane bushings for added durability and reduced noise․

Control Arms and Ball Joints⁚

While not as common‚ upgrading control arms and ball joints can further enhance the car’s handling and stability․ Consider options from companies like Hotchkis‚ Moog‚ and Energy Suspension․ Look for control arms with adjustable ball joints‚ which allow for fine-tuning of the car’s alignment․

Adjustable Suspension Components⁚

For those seeking the ultimate in handling customization‚ adjustable suspension components are available․ These components allow for fine-tuning of spring rates‚ ride height‚ and shock damping‚ providing a tailored setup for specific driving preferences․ Companies like QA1 and Ridetech offer adjustable suspension systems for A-body cars․

Remember‚ when upgrading the suspension‚ it’s essential to adjust the alignment after installation to ensure proper handling and tire wear․ Consider a professional alignment service after any significant suspension upgrades․

Interior Upgrades

The interior of a 68-72 GM A-body car can be a canvas for personalization‚ allowing you to transform the driving experience from basic to luxurious․ Whether you seek a classic restoration or a modern touch‚ there are numerous interior upgrades to consider⁚

Seats⁚

The stock seats in A-body cars‚ while comfortable for their time‚ may lack the support and features of modern seats․ Consider these options for an upgrade⁚

• Restoration⁚ If your original seats are in decent condition‚ they can be restored to their original glory through reupholstery‚ foam replacement‚ and repair․
• Replacement⁚ If your seats are beyond repair or you desire a more modern look and feel‚ aftermarket replacement seats are available․ Companies like TMI Products offer a wide range of seat styles to match your preferences․
• Custom Seats⁚ For a truly unique interior‚ consider custom-made seats․ A specialist can create seats tailored to your size‚ comfort‚ and style‚ offering a personalized touch to your A-body․

Dashboard⁚

The dashboard can be a focal point of the interior․ Consider these options for upgrading⁚

• Restoration⁚ A thorough cleaning and restoration of the original dashboard can bring back its original charm․ Consider replacing cracked or faded parts with new or used replacements․
• Replacement⁚ Aftermarket dashboards are available in various materials‚ such as woodgrain‚ carbon fiber‚ or even custom-painted finishes․
• Custom Dash Kits⁚ Dash kits offer an easy way to refresh the dashboard with new trim pieces‚ gauges‚ and accents․

Gauges⁚

Stock gauges can be basic and lacking in information․ Consider upgrading to aftermarket gauges for improved functionality and aesthetics⁚

• Performance Gauges⁚ Gauges like boost pressure‚ oil pressure‚ and water temperature can provide valuable insights into engine performance․
• Custom Gauge Clusters⁚ Replace the entire gauge cluster with a new unit that offers a modern look and more information‚ often with integrated features like digital displays and Bluetooth connectivity;

Steering Wheel⁚

The steering wheel can be a significant element of the driving experience․ Consider these upgrade options⁚

• Restoration⁚ A thorough cleaning and restoration of the original steering wheel can bring back its original look and feel․
• Replacement⁚ Aftermarket steering wheels are available in various materials‚ styles‚ and sizes․ Consider options with wood‚ leather‚ or even racing-inspired designs․

Carpet and Floor Mats⁚

Fresh carpet and floor mats can significantly improve the interior’s appearance and comfort․ Consider replacing the old carpet with new‚ high-quality carpet sets‚ and choose durable and stylish floor mats to protect the new carpet․

Remember‚ interior upgrades should be tailored to your personal preferences and budget․ Whether you’re aiming for a classic restoration or a modern touch‚ there are countless ways to personalize the interior of your 68-72 GM A-body car․

Exterior Upgrades

The exterior of a 68-72 GM A-body car is a canvas for expression‚ allowing you to personalize its look and enhance its visual appeal․ From subtle refinements to bold transformations‚ there are numerous exterior upgrades to consider⁚

Paint and Bodywork⁚

A fresh coat of paint and meticulous bodywork can dramatically transform the appearance of your A-body․ Consider these options⁚

• Restoration⁚ If your car has original paint‚ a full restoration can bring back its original shine and color․ This involves stripping the old paint‚ repairing any body damage‚ and applying multiple layers of new paint․
• Repaint⁚ If your car has been repainted before or you want a different color‚ a repaint can freshen up the exterior․ Choose from a wide range of colors and finishes to match your style․
• Custom Paint Jobs⁚ For a truly unique look‚ consider a custom paint job․ This can involve intricate designs‚ special effects‚ or even airbrushing to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece․

Wheels and Tires⁚

Wheels and tires play a crucial role in the exterior’s appearance and performance․ Consider these options⁚

• Restoration⁚ If your original wheels are in good condition‚ they can be restored to their original glory through cleaning‚ polishing‚ and possibly re-chroming․
• Replacement⁚ Aftermarket wheels are available in a vast array of styles‚ sizes‚ and finishes․ Choose from classic-inspired wheels that complement the car’s era or modern designs for a more contemporary look․
• Tire Upgrade⁚ Consider upgrading to performance tires for better grip‚ handling‚ and braking․ Choose tires that match your driving style and preferences․

Exterior Trim⁚

The exterior trim can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your A-body․ Consider these options⁚

• Restoration⁚ Restore original trim pieces through cleaning‚ polishing‚ and possibly re-chroming or re-painting․
• Replacement⁚ Aftermarket trim pieces are available for various areas‚ including bumpers‚ grille‚ window moldings‚ and side trim․
• Custom Trim⁚ Consider custom-made trim pieces for a truly unique look․ You can find companies that specialize in creating custom trim‚ allowing you to personalize your car’s exterior․

Lighting Upgrades⁚

Upgrade the lighting for improved visibility and style⁚

• Headlights⁚ Replace aging headlights with brighter and more efficient LED or HID bulbs for improved visibility․
• Taillights⁚ Consider upgrading to LED taillights for a modern look and increased visibility․
• Auxiliary Lighting⁚ Add auxiliary lighting‚ such as fog lights or driving lights‚ for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions․

Remember‚ exterior upgrades should be tailored to your personal preferences and budget․ Whether you’re aiming for a classic restoration or a more modern look‚ there are countless ways to personalize the exterior of your 68-72 GM A-body car․

Performance Enhancements

Beyond the visual appeal‚ many A-body enthusiasts seek to unlock the car’s full performance potential․ Here are some popular performance enhancements for these classic machines⁚

Engine Tuning and Upgrades⁚

The engine is the heart of performance‚ and numerous upgrades can unleash its power⁚

• Performance Camshaft⁚ A camshaft with higher lift and duration can increase horsepower and torque by optimizing the timing of valve opening and closing․
• Headers and Exhaust System⁚ Headers replace the restrictive factory exhaust manifolds‚ improving exhaust flow and increasing horsepower․ A high-flow exhaust system further enhances performance․
• Intake Manifold and Air Filter⁚ Upgrading to a performance intake manifold and high-flow air filter improves airflow into the engine‚ boosting power and efficiency․
• Fuel System Upgrades⁚ A high-flow fuel pump and larger injectors can deliver more fuel to the engine‚ supporting increased power output․
• Engine Management System⁚ A programmable engine management system allows you to fine-tune the engine’s parameters‚ maximizing performance and efficiency․

Transmission and Drivetrain Upgrades⁚

The transmission and drivetrain play a crucial role in transferring power to the wheels⁚

• High-Performance Transmission⁚ Consider a stronger‚ more efficient transmission‚ such as a manual gearbox with close-ratio gears or a performance-oriented automatic transmission․
• Limited-Slip Differential⁚ A limited-slip differential improves traction and handling‚ especially during acceleration and cornering․
• Axle Ratio⁚ Changing the axle ratio can affect acceleration and top speed․ A higher ratio improves acceleration‚ while a lower ratio increases top speed․

Suspension and Handling Upgrades⁚

A well-tuned suspension enhances handling‚ stability‚ and overall driving experience⁚

• Coilovers⁚ Adjustable coilovers allow you to fine-tune suspension settings for optimal ride height‚ spring rates‚ and damping․
• Sway Bars⁚ Thicker sway bars reduce body roll during cornering‚ improving handling and stability․
• Bushings⁚ Upgrading to high-performance polyurethane or spherical bushings reduces flex and improves steering response․
• Brakes⁚ Upgraded brakes with larger discs‚ high-performance pads‚ and braided steel lines provide improved stopping power․

Weight Reduction⁚

Reducing weight is essential for optimal performance⁚

• Lightweight Wheels⁚ Lightweight wheels reduce unsprung weight‚ improving handling and acceleration․
• Lightweight Components⁚ Consider replacing heavy components like the hood‚ trunk lid‚ or seats with lighter alternatives․

Remember‚ performance upgrades should be done strategically and progressively to ensure a balanced and enjoyable driving experience․ Consult with experienced mechanics and enthusiasts for advice and guidance on achieving your performance goals․