Modernizing Muscle – A Guide to Bolt-on Upgrades for Vintage Muscle Machines
Earlier this year we provided a Guide to Restoration Parts for Muscle Cars, which was aimed at helping enthusiasts keep their muscle-era classics looking and feeling like they rolled right off the showroom floor back in the day. But what if you want your vintage muscle car to handle better, ride more comfortably, and perform more like a more modern muscle machine? That’s the goal of many enthusiasts, and we’re here to help.
This guide is focused on bolt-on components that will bring your classic muscle car up to more contemporary standards in terms of performance, handling, and style without taking away from the car’s muscle car heritage. The components we’ve assembled were also designed to bolt in place (for the most part). This means that most of these upgrades can be tackled by do-it-yourself enthusiasts, and it also means they can be removed if you decide to return your car to its original roots with its OEM components.
There’s no denying the popularity of and desire for mid-’60s muscle cars, but we’re happy to report that there are plenty of other cars that can now be grouped into the category of “classic muscle,” including third-gen Mustangs and Camaros, GM G-Bodies, and more. The hot rod industry continues to deliver new and innovative parts for classic muscle cars that deliver more contemporary performance and driving experiences. Check out the components we’ve gathered below and start thinking about which ones your muscle car needs!
Gripping the Street
Looking for a proven suspension kit that bolts right in and delivers a handling and ride quality solution without breaking the bank? Ridetech’s StreetGrip kits were designed to provide a one-and-done performance handling upgrade with proven components including lowering springs, adjustable shock absorbers, high performance bushings, heavy-duty sway bars, and hardware.
Dual-rate coil springs and HQ Series adjustable mono-tube shocks are used on each corner and up front is a larger sway bar. You can also add options such as Delrin control arm bushings, taller ball joints, even tubular control arms to really get your classic muscle car to ride and handle like you desire.
Full Size Steering
Owners of 1958-64 full size Chevys will be giddy to learn about CPP’s new 575 Series Power Steering Gearbox. Designed from the ground up, the all-new steering box is designed to increase stability at highway speeds while delivering precise steering response without sacrificing comfort during everyday driving.
The gearbox features an exclusive dual thrust bearing design that improves on-center feel, has a large 75mm piston, progressive valve technology, and a quicker steering ratio to deliver precise response with comfortable assist and excellent road feel. The compact housing bolts directly in place with increased radiator clearance, making it an ideal upgrade for your big Chevy.
Classic Performance Products (CPP)
Mopar Fuel Tanks
For anyone working on the 1971-73 Mopar B-body, you might as well plan on replacing the fuel tank – especially if you plan to move to EFI. The great news is that TANKS, Inc. has you covered with an all-new, EFI-ready tank for the Dodge Charger and Coronet or the Plymouth Road Runner and Satellite.
The new 20-gallon tanks are formed from heavy duty steel then powder coated with a better-than-OEM silver finish. TANKS utilizes its GPA-series fuel pumps, available from 109-450 LPH, with internal baffling. The fuel pump and sending units mount in a recessed area, providing added clearance for fuel line connections.
Caliper Upgrades for Ponies
Looking for a simple but effective brake upgrade for your 1965-67 Mustang, Fairlane, or even 1966-67 Rancheros? If your car was originally equipped with Kelsey-Hayes brakes, Wilwood has a direct-fit upgrade kit with new calipers, pads, and flex lines. These rigid aluminum calipers replace the stock units and work with any factory-style rotor and brake pad.
The lightweight four-piston Wilwood calipers have forged aluminum bodies, stainless-steel pistons, and feature internal crossovers instead of the weak and exposed external lines. Wilwood also offers a complete upgrade kit that includes the calipers, one-piece vented rotors, pads, and flex lines. Available in Type III Hard Ano with a stock-look finish, gloss black, or red powder coat.
Modern Tech, Classic Style
Whether you’re driving a GM, Ford, or Mopar muscle car, Dakota Digital has you covered when it comes to bringing your dash into the 21st century. The company’s RTX series of gauge panels blends old-school looks with modern technology, giving you all the critical information on your powerplant at a glance.
Dakota packs these gauge kits with modern technology including Bluetooth programming and high-definition TFT message centers that can be configured to display just about any piece of driveline info desired. Dakota also makes it easy to adapt EFI or cruise control with their expansion modules and Velocity Commander cruise control. Proudly made in the USA since 1986.
Frame Braces for GM A-Bodies
Even though the Chevelle, Cutlass, LeMans, and Skylark are on based on full body-on-frame designs, their old A-body chassis can still have a considerable amount of flex. especially when combined with today’s power levels and advanced tire technology. When you’re ready to add stiffness to your 1968-72 GM A-body, check out Summit Racin’s Frame Brace Kit.
Summit’s kit ties the chassis together into a rigid structure similar to a full custom frame, but at a fraction of the price. The kit is computer-designed, bent, and fixture-welded using high-quality DOM tubing and plate steel. It locates off the factory frame holes, requires no tricky measuring, and includes an adjustable transmission crossmember and exhaust hangers.
Quicker Ratio Steering
One of the most effective upgrades you can make to your muscle car is to improve the steering feel with a quicker ratio gearbox – even pulling into your driveway you’ll feel a difference! Borgeson Universal has been studying steering systems for decades and offers a quick-ratio power steering box that replaces the factory Saginaw/Delphi 800 boxes used in the GM cars.
Borgeson’s Street & Performance power steering box has a quicker 12.7:1 ratio with a firm, modern steering feel. The all-new unit is designed to bolt directly in the stock location and even accepts the original power steering pitman arm. In just an afternoon, you can make your 60-year-old steering feel modern and stable.
Electronic Ram Induction
Inspired by the cool looks of Chevrolet’s vintage mechanical EFI systems of the early-’60s, FiTech’s Ultra Ram is a great way to add EFI to your small- or big-block Chevy. The Ultra Ram is a complete induction system based on a trick sheet metal intake manifold that is finished in a durable satin black coating.
The forward-facing, cable-driven throttle body, 92mm on the small block and 102mm for the big block, is included along with the fuel rails, injectors, sensors, harness, and ECU to get your engine fired up and running with EFI. The SBC intake system supports up to 600-horsepower and up to 800 for the big-block.
Third-Gen Rack and Pinion
Looking to upgrade the steering feel and performance of your 1982-92 Camaro or Firebird? Flaming River can help bring your turning up to modern standards with its Power Rack and Pinion Cradle Kit.
Flaming River’s rack kit is a direct-fit upgrade that replaces the factory steering box and drag link while incorporating the original mounting points for a bolt-in fitment. A travel bar design maintains the original pivot geometry and turning radius, plus the kit functions with the original power steering pump and stock steering column. Flaming River offers its Power Rack Cradle Kits for a number of muscle car applications.
Cruising on Easy Street
Stepping up to fuel injection is likely one of the first things you consider when it comes to modifying your muscle car. Edelbrock’s latest EFI system, the EZ-Street, is a throttle body designed with classic carburetor styling cues but packed with advanced fuel injection technology.
At its core, the system uses closed-loop, self-learning technology to fine-tune fuel delivery automatically, so no laptop or custom tuning is required. Initial startup is handled through a calibration wizard, and the Bluetooth tuner app provides real-time monitoring, data logging, and adjustments from any smartphone or tablet. The EZ-Street will support up to 650 horsepower and only requires a few wires to connect.
Mustang Instrumentation Overhaul
Classic Instruments now has all the first-gen Mustangs covered thanks to the company’s latest direct-fit gauge package for the 1971-73 models. This kit features an electronic speedometer and quad gauge (oil psi, fuel level, temp, and voltage) along with a smaller tachometer framed in the center.
Classic’s Mustang kits feature the company’s Zeus Speedometer Technology, meaning the cluster requires no external control boxes and works directly with ECM or VSS signals. Mounting hardware, a wiring harness, and all other necessary sending units are included. The fuel gauge is calibrated to 75-10 ohms, and Classic includes a black oxide finished trim ring for installation into the original cluster and bezel.
Cooling with Copper & Brass
If you’re planning to add more power to your street machine, you better plan to have a cooling system that is up to the task. Johnson’s Radiator Works has you covered with a new brass four-core radiator. Offering 40-percent increased cooling efficiency over aluminum, each radiator is designed as a direct replacement for a simple installation with no modifications required.
Johnson’s newest application is a dual-cross flow radiator for 1982-88 GM G-Bodies and is available for small- and big-blocks as well as LS/LT swaps. The radiator is based on a 2.75-inch thick copper core and .040-inch deep draw one-piece brass tanks. Johnson’s even backs up their work with a five-year warranty!
Strength and Handling for Novas
Not only does the team at Scott’s Hotrods ’N Customs build some incredible cars and trucks, but they also design, engineer and manufacture their own line of suspension kits, complete chassis, and front clips. The company’s latest IFS kit is for 1975-79 Novas and will change the way your car handles while producing a superior ride quality.
The Nova IFS Clip is designed for serious performance and features Scott’s proven suspension geometry, delivering improved steering response, better road feel, and increased stability at all speeds. Each unit is fully TIG-welded and fabricated to provide a structural upgrade built to handle real horsepower and real road conditions. It’s compatible with a wide range of drivetrain setups.
Interior Updates
Upgrading your muscle car with improved performance and handling is just part of the equation – you also need to think about aesthetics and comfort. This is especially important when you’re behind the wheel, which is where LeCarra and Lokar can help.
LeCarra’s handcrafted steering wheels will help transform your 60-year-old interior to deliver a more contemporary experience with a wide selection of wheel designs and leather wrapping colors. Down below, a set of Lokar’s Restomod series of machined aluminum throttle pedal and matching pedal pads provide not only great looks, but also an improved grip and feel. Available for most popular muscle car applications in brushed or black anodized finishes.
Mopar Bolt-in IFS
Don’t even bother with trying to modify the stock front suspension of your 1970-74 Challenger or Cuda, or 1968-70 Charger. Do yourself a favor instead and give Heidts Suspension a call. Heidts’ PRO-G IFS (MO-100) system is designed to bolt-in to your classic Mopar.
The Heidts Mopar IFS system is based on the company’s heavy duty crossmember and adjustable tubular control arms. Double adjustable coil-overs are supplied for custom tuning to match your performance goals, along with Wilwood disc brakes, power steering and 2-inch drop spindles. Heidts designed its PRO-G IFS kit to be installed in a home shop and even allows you to go back to a stock suspension setup down the road if the need arises.
Column Sense
Ididit’s Pro-Lite Column will make a big difference in the feel of your steering action, while coming in at half the weight of an average column. Yet it does not sacrifice functions needed for the street, including self-canceling turn signals, four-way flashers, and horn wiring.
Ididit also designed the Pro-Lite with enhanced safety thanks to 5-inches of collapsing area. The column is designed to work with most quick release steering wheel hubs and Ididit offers other wheel adaptors separately. The unit installs easily using your original dash mount and Ididit’s plug-in wiring connectors and is available for many popular muscle car applications.
SpeedRay Suspension Upgrade
The C2 and C3 Corvettes were fine performing machines back in the day, but are relics compared to today’s performance expectations. The good news is that Detroit Speed has everything you need to transform your C2 or C3 Vette into a modern performance machine with their Full Vehicle Kit.
Engineered as a system, the Full Vehicle Kit brings includes the SpeedRay front suspension, DECAlink rear suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and coil-over shock control to deliver sharper turn-in, improved traction, and confidence on the street or track. Three available levels cover everything from refined street cruising to all-out competition. DSE’s ZR Differential completes the package with a 12-bolt design, 33-spline Truetrac, and multiple gear ratio options.
Top End EFI
Holley has simplified EFI upgrades with its new Holley EFI Top End Kits, delivering a complete, matched induction and fueling solution for LS, LT, SBC, BBC, and even small-block Ford engine platforms.
Each kit includes a Holley intake manifold, throttle body, fuel injectors, and the correct throttle cable bracket, eliminating the guesswork of sourcing compatible components individually. Available with Hi-Ram, Lo-Ram and Ultra Lo-Ram intake manifolds, multiple injector sizes, and natural or black finishes, these kits provide a turnkey solution that save you time and money while getting your EFI swap done properly. Holley
Cast Iron Flow
Making the move to an LS in your classic muscle car but prefer not to go with tube headers, or maybe there’s not quite enough clearance? Patriot Exhaust has the solution with its LS Cast Tubular Manifolds. Designed to be compact and durable, these manifolds maximize engine bay space while delivering a leak-free seal. Each manifold includes 304 stainless steel reducers for added exhaust routing flexibility and is available in raw cast, high-temp black, or Patriot’s premium Metallic Ceramic Thermal Barrier Coating for superior heat management, corrosion resistance, and long-lasting performance.
Mopar Leaf Spring to Coil-Over
QA1 can help convert the rear suspension of your Mopar A-, B- or E-Body from its factory leaf spring setup to a modern coil-over. The triangulated four-link design delivers a more planted feel with more room for larger wheels and tires by correcting the wheelbase.
The QA1 system delivers a modern driving experience on the street and its enhanced tunability provides maximum performance on the autocross, road course, and even the drag strip. The entire system is powdercoated for protection with great looks and includes all hardware along with options for single or double-adjustable coil-overs.
Spark Leads
Looking to relocate the coil packs on your LS swap? Taylor offers its Spiro-Pro 8mm LS Spark Plug Wires in a universal, 36-inch length so you can route, cut, and crimp the wires to match your application.
The Spiro-Pro wires feature a highly conductive spiral-wound core with excellent RFI/EMI suppression while being able to withstand temperatures up to 600-degrees F. The wires are available with multiple boot configurations, including optional ceramic boots rated to 2,000-degrees for extreme heat protection. Taylor has pretty much any hot rod engine covered when it comes to universal or custom plug wire applications.
Low Back Pro Seats
Planning to build your muscle car into a road trip warrior? Chances are the original seats have long lost what little cushion or support they once offered. TMI Products offers a number of direct-fit muscle car seats designed with the support and adjustability desired in a modern muscle car.
TMI’s Pro-Series Universal Sport Low Back Seats are hand crafted in-house with a focus on quality. Each seat is fully assembled and ready to bolt-in with TMI’s mounting brackets. TMI offers an almost unlimited number of color and pattern combinations, materials, and stitching to help create the modern performance muscle car interior you desire.
Front Disc Upgrade
Baer has everything you need to update the braking performance of your classic muscle car. The company’s 13-Inch SS4 Front Brake Kit is available for a number of popular applications and is based on their proven four-piston S4 caliper that puts the squeeze to a one-piece slotted 13-inch rotor.
Baer’s S4 caliper features DOT-compliant dust and weather seals and uses the popular DR1 type pad. The billet aluminum hubs come assembled with premium bearings packed with Redline synthetic grease and billet dust caps. All mounting brackets, stainless braided hoses, and hardware are also included. The 13-inch SS4 is designed to fit most 17-inch or larger wheels.
Drop it Right
One of the first things you’ll need to do to bring your muscle car into the 21st century is to get it closer to the ground. Speedway Motors offers a direct-fit G-Comp Spindle for GM F-, X-, and A-bodies with a 2-inch drop. Not only will you instantly have a nicer ride height, but Speedway also built in handling advantages.
The G-Comp spindles are forged from 4140 steel to deliver great strength, plus the upper ball joint location is raised to provide added negative camber gain to improve handling. Speedway designed the spindle to bolt to stock control arms and it even accepts the original disc brakes.
Track Time System
If you’re looking for a perfectly balanced suspension overhaul for your first-gen Camaro or Firebird, check out the Track Time System from Speedtech Performance. This complete system is lighter than the original components, helps correct geometry issues, and is completely adjustable to dial-in for your specific application.
The Track Time Package includes Speedtech’s proven ExtReme Front Subframe system that has custom tubular lower and upper control arms with enhanced geometry, adjustable coil-overs, C7 spindles, and a power rack. The Torque Arm Rear suspension is designed to maximize traction and stability, reduce wheel hop, and deliver full suspension articulation for smooth operation and improved ride quality.
