Torque arm rear - Speedtech vs CA Chassisworks

[TerryD]

Hey guys. Looking for opinions from actual users of both of these products.
My application is a 2nd gen TA that will be primarily used for general cruising and some fun thrashing. The engine will be a Butler 474, expecting around 550+ hp/torque. I am considering the torque alarm set up after months of reading/researching. Seems to be a good option without a lot of metal modification that will be somewhat forgiving to a non-seasoned pilot. I have it narrowed to Speedtech and Chassisworks.

Chassisworks:
1.The Chassisworks set up looks to be a bit more robust.
2. I like the methods of adjustment and the mounting for the front of the torque arm to the chassis (crossmember/subframe connector assembly).

Speedtech:
1. The Speedtech set up gets a lot of great reviews
2. I am planning on using the Speedtech Street Fighter front suspension set up....kind of favor using everything from one manufacturer thinking it will be a more balanced package.

They are obviously both great products......

thanks in in advance for your opinions

[thor70]

Have you considered a BMR setup? I have a very similar build with my 71 Formula. I used the BMR because I wanted a watts link instead of the panhard bar. I love the system. Next to the 5 speed it was one of the best upgrades I made to my car. Plus BMR was great to work with. Everything showed up well packaged and was fast delivery.

[the owl]

I am running the speedtech setup (front and rear) and I absolutely love it. The car handles very well even under power I'm around 700whp, but much less low end tq as I'm just running a 5.3l.

I looked long and hard at the chassisworks one as well, but like you came down to I like front/back from the same manufacture.

[KEV 190164]

it drove me mad looking for the right kit. but when I looked at thor70 build I new it was the one for me I use ridetech coilover front and rear with global west top and bottom a arms . and a t56 magnum . the bmr torque arm is top quality.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/SDC12158-1.jpg (http://s260.photobucket.com/user/kevinbreedon/media/SDC12158.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/SDC12083-1.jpg (http://s260.photobucket.com/user/kevinbreedon/media/SDC12083.jpg.html)

[BMR Sales]

it drove me mad looking for the right kit. but when I looked at thor70 build I new it was the one for me I use ridetech coilover front and rear with global west top and bottom a arms . and a t56 magnum . the bmr torque arm is top quality.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/SDC12158-1.jpg (http://s260.photobucket.com/user/kevinbreedon/media/SDC12158.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/SDC12083-1.jpg (http://s260.photobucket.com/user/kevinbreedon/media/SDC12083.jpg.html)

Looking Good Kevin, been meaning to check how your Build is going!

[TerryD]

Thor, Kev and BMR, thanks for the info. You guys have done a great job of making this decision even harder! lol. Seriously thanks for the input and I am back to the drawing board.
On the V8TV vid it looks like they got a full exhaust in there. Any comments? I like the watts link a lot but had concerns about packaging tailpipes. I built my own exhaust from mandrel bent pieces on my last project using a DSE Quadralink and expect I will have to do the same here. Figured the watts link would take up more real estate.

[TerryD]

I am running the speedtech setup (front and rear) and I absolutely love it. The car handles very well even under power I'm around 700whp, but much less low end tq as I'm just running a 5.3l.

I looked long and hard at the chassisworks one as well, but like you came down to I like front/back from the same manufacture.

Yep, a lot to consider.... The all from one place carries a lot of weight in the decision making process. Thanks for the input. I have seen many other satisfied Speedtech customers. Hmmmmm....

[thor70]

The V8TV video is my car. And yes they were able to get a full exhaust in. If you go to their website I believe they still have pictures of the exhaust. Yes it was custom. The tailpipes were one of my concerns also but I talked with BMR and the showed me other installs with their system and full exhaust so it can be done. Plus the crew at V8TV took the time to put together mandrel bent tailpipes that don't interfere with anything. The only thing I changed from the BMR system was I went with RideTech shocks instead of the ones they were selling at the time.

I should add if you want pictures of the tailpipes/exhaust over the weekend I will get under my car and take some.

[TerryD]

The V8TV video is my car. And yes they were able to get a full exhaust in. If you go to their website I believe they still have pictures of the exhaust. Yes it was custom. The tailpipes were one of my concerns also but I talked with BMR and the showed me other installs with their system and full exhaust so it can be done. Plus the crew at V8TV took the time to put together mandrel bent tailpipes that don't interfere with anything. The only thing I changed from the BMR system was I went with RideTech shocks instead of the ones they were selling at the time.

I should add if you want pictures of the tailpipes/exhaust over the weekend I will get under my car and take some.

Good info Thor. A pic or two would be great. I will be building the exhaust myself so any visual help would be great.

[BMR Sales]

Thor, Kev and BMR, thanks for the info. You guys have done a great job of making this decision even harder! lol. Seriously thanks for the input and I am back to the drawing board.
On the V8TV vid it looks like they got a full exhaust in there. Any comments? I like the watts link a lot but had concerns about packaging tailpipes. I built my own exhaust from mandrel bent pieces on my last project using a DSE Quadralink and expect I will have to do the same here. Figured the watts link would take up more real estate.

Thor gave you the scoop!

Obviously you can't do a X-Pipe with a Torque Arm, but you can do an H-Pipe in front of the Torque Arm Crossmember

[thor70]

Here are some pictures
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s81.photobucket.com/user/thor70/media/71Firebird_SC_043013_27_zps00fbb12c.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s81.photobucket.com/user/thor70/media/71Firebird_SC_043013_28_zps46d286f3.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s81.photobucket.com/user/thor70/media/71Firebird_SC_043013_26_zps74ae0d9a.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s81.photobucket.com/user/thor70/media/71Firebird_SC_043013_25_zps96cfb0c9.jpg.html)

These are pictures that V8TV sent me during the install. If you need more or different angle let me know.

Scott

[TerryD]

Thanks Scott! Very helpful. I can see how nicely the tailpipes fit in the area created by the shocked being layed over at the top. Side question, looks like you started with the Ram Air Restorations exhaust system? Or possibly the Spintech set up? Sounds great!
Thanks again!

[KEV 190164]

that car is stunning. when I fit my exhaust I will be cutting 2 holes in each of the lower quarter panels and exiting the exhaust through them

[killer69]

you CAN run an X pipe with the Speedtech Torque arm, We have built many.
the Second Gen is Tight down the tunnel for sure. although we have not built on I think a merged single 3" oval down the tunnel may work then a single muffler?? just ideas
on our set up you have the MOST room available for tail pipes the pan hard bar will work just fine for your expected application with no extra set up and also allows more exhaust clearance, when you consider the rear suspension travel is about 2 - 3 " max the lateral movement of the rear end with the panhard bar is approx. .080 and the roll center is adjustable as well.

[TerryD]

you CAN run an X pipe with the Speedtech Torque arm, We have built many.
the Second Gen is Tight down the tunnel for sure. although we have not built on I think a merged single 3" oval down the tunnel may work then a single muffler?? just ideas
on our set up you have the MOST room available for tail pipes the pan hard bar will work just fine for your expected application with no extra set up and also allows more exhaust clearance, when you consider the rear suspension travel is about 2 - 3 " max the lateral movement of the rear end with the panhard bar is approx. .080 and the roll center is adjustable as well.


Thanks Blake. That's exactly the kind of feedback I am looking for! I was planning on using oval exhaust tubing from the headers to the mufflers and I had it in my head that I could squeeze the X-pipe in there closer to the transmission. And your comment on the lateral movement with the panhard bar is a good reality check too! It's too easy to get caught up in all of the "trick stuff" (watts link in this case) and end up building beyond the intended purpose. You have quite a following and I am seeing why.

A couple of questions for you:

Is here any more info available on the sliding front link of your torque arm? Is there any type of seal?

I would assume that the lower links will provide a bit more tire clearance than the factory leaf springs, correct?

Is there an option for a floating axle set up in the Dutchman 9"?

Thanks again for your input!

[TerryD]

If anyone has pics of the Speedtech torque arm set up on the car please share here.
Thanks!

[Build-It-Break-It]

Here's a link
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/91098-Speedtech-Performance-70-81-Camaro-Firebird-Torque-Arm-Rear-Suspension

[califconstruct]

This is a buddies ride (Kevin Mahler) installed at Road Touring Customs


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121630

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121631

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121632

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121633


I am going with the Speedtech torque are myself.. should have it in this month.

[killer69]

Thanks Blake. That's exactly the kind of feedback I am looking for! I was planning on using oval exhaust tubing from the headers to the mufflers and I had it in my head that I could squeeze the X-pipe in there closer to the transmission. And your comment on the lateral movement with the panhard bar is a good reality check too! It's too easy to get caught up in all of the "trick stuff" (watts link in this case) and end up building beyond the intended purpose. You have quite a following and I am seeing why.

A couple of questions for you:

Is here any more info available on the sliding front link of your torque arm? Is there any type of seal?

I would assume that the lower links will provide a bit more tire clearance than the factory leaf springs, correct?

Is there an option for a floating axle set up in the Dutchman 9"?

Thanks again for your input!

Not much magic in the front bushing it s essentially a football shape that is slid over the front pin on the torque arm and then into a sleeve. due to the shape and the fact that it is NOT attached to the sleeve it can rotate, slide and swivel up and down with the suspension movement. No there is no seal. The busing is delrin.

The lower links work With or With out a mini tub, they mount to the factory front leaf spring pocket. They are built with our Articulink Joint which helps reduce bind during articulation, you can easily fit a 335 in the rear when mini tubbed.

YEs we can still do the Full Floater rear end that we have had for 5 years now that uses the ZR1 rear drive hub this gives you a 31 spline axle at the third member and 33 splines at the hub. it is a well proven set up and can use any factory Corvette rear brake or Baer brakes.

[TerryD]

Not much magic in the front bushing it s essentially a football shape that is slid over the front pin on the torque arm and then into a sleeve. due to the shape and the fact that it is NOT attached to the sleeve it can rotate, slide and swivel up and down with the suspension movement. No there is no seal. The busing is delrin.

The lower links work With or With out a mini tub, they mount to the factory front leaf spring pocket. They are built with our Articulink Joint which helps reduce bind during articulation, you can easily fit a 335 in the rear when mini tubbed.

YEs we can still do the Full Floater rear end that we have had for 5 years now that uses the ZR1 rear drive hub this gives you a 31 spline axle at the third member and 33 splines at the hub. it is a well proven set up and can use any factory Corvette rear brake or Baer brakes.


Great Blake! Sorry for all of the questions, a lot of choices out there! The additional info helps with the decision making process.

So I assume that the front link on the torque arm is dry?

I will be contacting you in a month or so toorder the Track Time front suspension set up. What is the lead time for shipment? I am going to handle the front first as I will have the engine and trans out for replacement. I am trying to locate a donor stock front subframe....no luck yet but I am looking!

On the rear. I won't be mini tubbing this one. Any reference you might have on tire wheel combo would be helpful. When I get with you on the front suspension you can quote me for the floater option on the rear housing.

Terry

[killer69]

Great Blake! Sorry for all of the questions, a lot of choices out there! The additional info helps with the decision making process.

So I assume that the front link on the torque arm is dry?

I will be contacting you in a month or so toorder the Track Time front suspension set up. What is the lead time for shipment? I am going to handle the front first as I will have the engine and trans out for replacement. I am trying to locate a donor stock front subframe....no luck yet but I am looking!

On the rear. I won't be mini tubbing this one. Any reference you might have on tire wheel combo would be helpful. When I get with you on the front suspension you can quote me for the floater option on the rear housing.

Terry

Yes the front mount is dry
WE normally have the Subframes in stock or in production usually no more than 2 weeks.
Rear wheel tire a 9.5 with 5.5 bs works well and a 275 tire

[sheck44]

3" over axle exhaust, 800 foot Lbs of torque .... NO problemo
Steve

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/IMG_4462202_zpssoakhnzd-1.jpg (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/SCOBRA48/media/WAAAY%20OTT/IMG_4462%202_zpssoakhnzd.jpg.html)

[TerryD]

3" over axle exhaust, 800 foot Lbs of torque .... NO problemo
Steve

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/IMG_4462202_zpssoakhnzd-1.jpg (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/SCOBRA48/media/WAAAY%20OTT/IMG_4462%202_zpssoakhnzd.jpg.html)

Steve,
Great pic! A couple of related questions for you....how did it go with the install of the torque arm brackets to the 12 bolt? And what subframe connectors did you use? Beautiful car!!!!
Terry

[sheck44]

Terry .. Thank you
Fairly easy connection, I've done 3 now for guys up here. Just need to grab the grinder and take off some of the drivers side flange. About 10 minutes worth of work. I also found the 2 connection bolt heads to be too tight a fit into the top plate mount and the heads bind a bit when you crank it down. I just run the side of the heads through the bench grinder a little and she cranks down much easier. Honestly cannot remember which frame connectors I used, bolt in obviously, BUT if you have weld in connectors make sure you install in the correct order with the Speedtech front winged piece before you install the front subframe .... Its a beeyatch to install that after

Cheers
Steve