Tubular Front Suspension For a First Gen F-Body

[99 blue bird]

Has anyone here used the SRD round tube front end for the first gen fbody? I'm looking for some feedback on how it has been or held up on some protouring builds. It seems to be the only tubular front subframe for first gen fbodys and I have never seen it being used on anyone's car. Most people seem to be using the stock front subframe or DSE, Speed Tech, or Chassis Works style. Why is it that nobody goes with a tubular front subframe? I'm new to the first gen fbodys and the suspension problems they have that the aftermarket company's are correcting. So if anyone cares to shed some light on why people are not using tubular front subframes or why it's better to use the OEM or OEM style front subframes share the knowledge please.

SRD Tubular Front Subframe
http://srdparts.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=18&category_id=23&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

[Carl @ Chassisworks]

This subframe will not stand up to aggressive street use and cornering forces. Smith Racecraft builds drag race front clips. This is similar to the round tube clip we offer for the Chevy II. We may have one for the Camaro eventually but, again, not for street use.

[99 blue bird]

Thanks for the info. I'm aware that they pretty much make only drag racing suspension. That's originally why I was looking into picking this up. But I am more interested in turning my 69 firebird into a pro touring car and turning my 99 trans am into the drag car. Especially because of the SMOG laws here in california. So I thought I might still stay with the same subframe. I'm definitely looking to do some aggressive street driving so I want to make sure whatever subframe I use holds up. I was actually looking into some of the chassisworks products as well since I'm only 25 min away from you guys.

[Ketzer]

TCI makes one. Targeted specifically to Pro-touring cars. I don't believe it says anywhere in their literature that it is not safe for street use?...





Jeff-

[Carl @ Chassisworks]

Well, if you're looking at going Pro-Touring then our front clip is a great option. THIS BUILD THREAD (https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/94295-1967-Pro-Touring-Firebird-Build) here on the forum has our front clip being installed by a dealer in Portland. You can find more technical info on the Chassisworks (http://www.cachassisworks.com/cac_library_7701.html) site and more pics on our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CAChassisworks) page.

Also, regarding your '99 Firebird, we have a coilover conversion for the front. Read about it HERE on Chevy Hardcore (http://www.chevyhardcore.com/tech-stories/chassis-safety/chassisworks-trick-f-body-coil-over-drag-shocks/). AND, I might as well mention this here, we have a brand new FAB9™ and Torque Arm we have on the shelf and are about to release for the rear. Super nice drag race stuff.

Here's a sneak peek.
82475

Jeff, the TCI piece wasn't part of the conversation; I was referring only to the part the OP referenced. The TCI clip is built with a 2x4 crossmember supporting the bottom of the rails at the spindle centerline.

[Ketzer]

Sorry Carl, it's clear to me now you guys were talking specifically about the SRD and not tubular in general. Reading too fast caused my foot to contact my mouth.



Jeff-

[99 blue bird]

Thanks for the info Carl. That 4th gen suspension looks great. Is this the suspension being developed on the Red WS6 that Big E owns now?

[Carl @ Chassisworks]

Thanks for the info Carl. That 4th gen suspension looks great. Is this the suspension being developed on the Red WS6 that Big E owns now?

:secret: I know nothing...

[99 blue bird]

:secret: I know nothing...

Lol. Right on. The suspension looks great. Thanks for the heads up on it.



On another note. Anybody that may be looking this thread over. Have any of you gone from a 4th gen fbody to a 1st gen fbody. I would like to set my first gen up to handle at least the same if not better than the 4th gen I own. And all I have on that is shocks, lowered 2inches, a tubular front kmember, and a strut tower bar. Also the torque arm is now chassis mounted instead of on the tail shaft of the t56. I know the 4th gens can be set up to handle very nice. But what can I do to set the 1st gen up to handle the same or better. This car will be driven in the street so im not looking to go crazy with the suspension like a auto x only car.

Thanks guys for all the help and advice as this protouring world is completely new to me.

[Carl @ Chassisworks]

If you're in the Sacramento area, which I am suspecting based on your previous post, you should swing by the showroom. I'll show you four different levels of suspension for your first gen and the 4th gen stuff too.

Depending on your goals, you can get some good results out of the stock chassis without going crazy. But, there is a point where you are better off going to a fully engineered clip.

[99 blue bird]

If you're in the Sacramento area, which I am suspecting based on your previous post, you should swing by the showroom. I'll show you four different levels of suspension for your first gen and the 4th gen stuff too.

Depending on your goals, you can get some good results out of the stock chassis without going crazy. But, there is a point where you are better off going to a fully engineered clip.

That sounds good Carl. I'll keep that in mind for sure. And yea I'm in Dixon. Which is not far at all. About 25 min or so. Maybe 45 tops. Me and a buddy where trying to make it down there soon since he was wanting to pick up some more cage for his cougar. I'll keep you in mind once I make it down there. I'll tell you what, your customer service so far has been second to none. And I appreciate it.