68 Firebird street suspension.

[bimmen325]

Hello everyone,
I just purchased a 68 firebird with all drum brakes and stock suspension. The brakes are terrible and barely stop the car, I ordered a disk brake conversion http://www.mattsclassicbowties.com/contents/en-us/d2365.html from Matt's. I want to do the suspension next and I have searched and read alot of information here, but what would you recommend as a good street set-up, I would like to drop the car perhaps 2" or 3", but still have decent compliance. Car will be a daily driver.
I could really use some help here as this is my first classic and up to this point it has been more modern Porsches. It's a big difference, but I really love what you can do with them and I have never had so many people honk, wave and ask questions about this car. Every time I stop to fill-up on gas I get at least a few questions.
I think I will enjoy my first ponycar. Thanks for any help you can give me.

[scherp69]

What's your budget? If you want a bolt on kit that will lower the car and handle, get the Hotchkis TVS kit. It performs well and isn't going to break the bank. It's probably the best bang for your buck set up. http://www.hotchkis.net/6769_camarofirebird_3_drop_tvs_system_small_block. html

Add a set of subframe connectors, http://www.hotchkis.net/6769_camarofirebird_sub_frame_connectors_coupe.htm l , some solid body mounts and some good shocks and you'll be laughing for less than 3k for everything.

If you're budget will allow more, lots you can do.

[bimmen325]

3k is about what I want to spend, I told the wife I wouldn't get too crazy on mods, but everything shiny calls out to me.

[scherp69]

Another option you could look at would be Speed Tech Performance. Their Road Assault kit has upper and lower control arms, coil overs and a sway bar for $1875 http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=133/category_id=237/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd133.htm Add a rear sway bar http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=247/category_id=237/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd247.htm and an ATS steering box http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=215/category_id=271/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd215.htm and some rear shocks to match the front and you'll still be under 3K.

Give Frank (goes by ProdigyCustoms) a call. He will set you up with a great package that will meet your budget.

[bimmen325]

Another option you could look at would be Speed Tech Performance. Their Road Assault kit has upper and lower control arms, coil overs and a sway bar for $1875 http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=133/category_id=237/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd133.htm Add a rear sway bar http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=247/category_id=237/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd247.htm and an ATS steering box http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=215/category_id=271/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd215.htm and some rear shocks to match the front and you'll still be under 3K.

Give Frank (goes by ProdigyCustoms) a call. He will set you up with a great package that will meet your budget.

I am reading through your build and I have to say "You have skill" that is a nice build.

[bimmen325]

I was reading about the pozzi's using the ridetech coilover suspension and I think that sounds pretty good. Is it to much suspension for a street car that will never see an autocross?

[marolf101x]

It's true that our system can handle it's own on an autocross or road course event (especially when outfitted with triple adjustable shocks) but the system was designed primarily as a "street" suspension which is easy to install (no need to cut up the subframe or the body), provides geometry vastly superior to the stock suspension, provides the ability to easily alter the ride height with the true coil-over design, and provides the best ride quality possible (which is why we use Hyperco springs and a high performance monotube shock absorber design).

Though $3800 is a little on the high side of your budget you do get a lot for the money (upper and lower arms, spindles, 4-link, coil overs, etc). You can check it out here:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspension-systems/vehicle-packages/1967-1969-chevy-camaro-firebird-complete-coilover-system.html

I don't think this is too much for a daily driver Pro Touring car. . .I think it's exactly what a Pro Touring car is!

[BMR Sales]

Hello everyone,
I just purchased a 68 firebird with all drum brakes and stock suspension. I want to do the suspension next and I have searched and read alot of information here, but what would you recommend as a good street set-up, I would like to drop the car perhaps 2" or 3", but still have decent compliance. Car will be a daily driver.


One option is our torque arm suspension kit eliminates your factory leaf springs and provide great lateral stability for hard acceleration. The centered suspension articulation gives you bind-free handling. Our 6061 billet aluminum Watts link eliminates any “side-to-side” movement of the rear end. The Watts link also features a greasable internally fluted Delrin bushing for longevity and is double-shear supported.

Our kits adjustability is a primary benefit since every component is completely adjustable. For instance, the torque arm itself provides pinion adjustability while the control arms length is adjustable and have multiple mounting holes plotted in an arc to provide adjustment for anti-squat characteristics.

You can also select your ride height by selecting your mounting hole location that fits your needs.

Here is a link to a install that Super Chevy did awhile back:

http://www.superchevy.com/technical/chassis/suspension_steering/sucp_0905_first_gen_camaro_watts_link_torque_arm_i nstall/index.html