Ride Height Worries (81 Camaro)

[JJ Cam]

I have been looking at getting the Hotchkis stage 2 kit for my 81 Camaro. It has a 2 inch drop in the front and 1.5 inch drop in the back. I am just worried about it lowering my car too much and my wheels not being able to fit in the wheel wells. I have 245/45 R18's all round on the car now which are the same height as the stock wheels were. Just wondering what others have done with their cars. Would I need to raise the wheel wells/stretch out the fenders and quarters? Would love if anyone could help.

[Bryce]

245s are on the narrow side compared to most 2nd gens around here. I think most are in the 275 fronts and 315 rear range.

But I suggest calling hotchkis with you tire size and backspace and get their buy in.

[JJ Cam]

Thanks Bryce, I decided on 245's as of now just for the cost factor. Figured I would focus on lots of the more important parts of the build rather than the tire size. Will probably go larger tires later on.

[Henesian]

How high are the headers and subframe off the ground?

[BMR Sales]

We offer the most well-balanced, easy to install rear suspension available for the 1st & 2nd generation Camaro/Firebirds. Using our proven track record in torque arm development and application we developed a torque arm conversion kit that brings modern suspension technology to these cars.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/6769framenobackground-1.jpg (http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/BMR-Suspension/media/67%2069%20F%20body/67-69framenobackground.jpg.html)

Here is a VERY informative tech article written by our R&D manager explaining what it does:
Torque Arm Suspension Systems - Chevy High Performance Magazine (http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/tech/chassis/suspension_steering/1206chp_torque_arm_suspension_systems/)

The guys at V8TV recently shot a great install and results video of our kit on a customers 71 Firebird:
1971 Pontiac Firebird BMR Torque Arm & Baer Brakes Install Video V8TV - YouTube (http://youtu.be/NRKGqDRSLgc)

Here is a video of a customer who got 2nd place in Street Machine Class at Kansas Good Guys last Summer. He was running air over shocks built for ride quality not performance and had not adjusted the roll center via Watt’s Link….. he should be able to cut some major time off just by addressing these issues.

Camaro Autocross Kansas City 5 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf9qK5GLD-Q&feature=relmfu)


Here is a install article that Super Chevy did a few years back:
BMR Rear Suspension Install - Strong Arm - Super Chevy Magazine (http://www.superchevy.com/technical/chassis/suspension_steering/sucp_1111_bmr_rear_suspension_install_strong_arm/)



We offer a Torque Arm kit for the stock GM 10 & 12 bolt rear differentials and a kit for guys who want a Ford 9". The Ford 9” kit includes a bare Strange housing for $600 more than the 10 & 12 bolt kits. Take a look at the link below detailing an install that a Pro-Touring member completed with our Ford 9 in. kit in his 1973 Firebird:

BMR Torque Arm Installed on my 73 Firebird - Page 2 (https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?80483-BMR-Torque-Arm-Installed-on-my-73-Firebird/page2&highlight=TORQUE+ARM)


The owner of the 73 Firebird made the following comments to us:

“I've put 4000 miles on it and drive it at every possible opportunity. No track time yet due to other commitments but there is always this spring. I still have to play with the shock settings to soften up the launch, it is just incredible how the car reacts from the factory setup. The rear stays planted no matter if it's in the corners or straights. I've had ZERO issues with the entire setup, I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY with it. I hope to get some auto-x & road course time this spring.”

I still can't thank you all there enough for everything, the kit really changed the car into a ride that I truly enjoy driving.”


Our entire 67-69 suspension system was recently showcased on Two Guys Garage as well:

BMR Suspension Torque Installation on Two Guys Garage EXTENDED CUT - YouTube (http://youtu.be/n60dENFWPFY)

[Jon @ Hotchkis]

Hey JJ! Thanks for considering our TVS kit.

Like Bryce mentioned 245's are an easy fit on 2nd Gens (with the correct wheels of course). Without measuring your car, and only looking at the picture, you should be fine. I assume your tires don't rub on anything currently?

How much clearance does your exhaust have?

Thanks,

[JJ Cam]

Hey JJ! Thanks for considering our TVS kit.

Like Bryce mentioned 245's are an easy fit on 2nd Gens (with the correct wheels of course). Without measuring your car, and only looking at the picture, you should be fine. I assume your tires don't rub on anything currently?

How much clearance does your exhaust have?

Thanks,

Thanks for the reply! The wheel diameter from top of the tire to the bottom of the tire is about 26" i believe, its smaller than the stock wheel size. The right side rubs a small amount at the moment but have larger spacers coming hopefully tomorrow. Hoping it will fix the rubbing problem, I will post some more detailed photos for you guys to look at when I get the larger spacers on. And I will also check out the exhaust clearance. Thanks for the reply!