1972 Monte Carlo suspension upgrade?

[Wjb4000]

Hi guys, I'm new here but have been researching and lurking for a little while. Decided to finally post up and ask some questions to get some stuff figured out. I'm starting to slowly build my 1972 Monte Carlo small block and have been wanting to get my suspension and brakes up to par with newer technology. What I'm looking for in suspension is something I can take into the mountains and do some nice curvy mountainous road driving. I don't plan on tracking the car ever I just want to have confidence when driving spiritedly. I'm new to all this pro-touring stuff and I've been trying to research all of this but I get so confused on what's right for what I'm wanting and not way overkill/too much moolah. But I also don't want to have to redo stuff because I didn't do it right the first time. So my eventual plan is to lower it just a smidgen for stance and maneuverability and also to have a good ride and handle more modern. I'm also eventually going to be going to 18" wheels (I'm hoping) rather than the 15" that are on there now. I've looked at hotchkis, ridetec and Detroit speed and I'm more confused now than I was when I started. Basically I'm wanting to hear from those that have a first gen Monte Carlo or similar bodied car and see what you're running and what you think of it? Pictures and links are MORE than welcome! Thanks guys. Sorry if this question is always asked but I'm kind of at a loss. This is also going to be a "when I have the money, I'll buy what I can" build. So whole kits aren't going to work for me since I won't be able to buy everything at once. More like, let me buy this piece, wait a little while, then I'll buy this piece. Then when I have everything, I'll start the install.

[Zspoiler]

Just do like most of us do when we start out. Buy parts as we can afford it.Treat it like a marathon not a sprint.Just make sure to make it safe to drive ,and have something else for a daily driver.Because sometimes the car will down for a while.And do what you are confident in doing.If not try to get help from family and friends.Maybe even join a car club if you are inclined to do so.They usually have information on what you might want to do. And remember that these cars were more or less built to run for NASCAR .Back in the day.So have fun with your build.And remember that this is a HOBBY!. Don`t get to stressed about it.if you do just walk away for a while.

[Wjb4000]

I hear ya. I walked away for over 15 years from this car and I'm finally figuring out what I want to do with it. It was my first car and its survived many moves and about 15+ different cars that I've bought and sold but I've always held onto the Monte. I'm a mechanic so doing stuff to cars doesn't scare me, I just don't know anything about making these old muscle cars handle better. Like I said earlier, I just don't want to spend a ton on stuff that's overkill but I also don't want to be disappointed in it and then have to buy the same stuff over again. I'd love to hear details of what people have under their car that have built a car like mine, along with pictures. Thanks again...

[Zspoiler]

Think Chevelle ,They are basically the same car,Just that a Monte is just a little shorter.

[SSLance]

Yep... Basically you'll need to fix the front suspension geometry first. I wonder if Ridetech's Street Grip setup is available for a first Gen Monte yet?

[csouth]

Think Chevelle ,They are basically the same car,Just that a Monte is just a little shorter.

The Monte is actually longer from the firewall forward.

[csouth]

Yep... Basically you'll need to fix the front suspension geometry first. I wonder if Ridetech's Street Grip setup is available for a first Gen Monte yet?

It's just an A Body with a longer front, the current Chevelle/A body system should work.

[UMI Tech]

Here's our stage 2 kit that we have been selling for years. It's basically the get rid of the factory stamped steel components and upgrade the springs, shocks, and sway bars to a rate that improves handling while still maintaining a comfortable ride. We can customize this kit for a customers particular needs. Many of our customers upgrade to taller ball joints in the upper A-arms for for negative camber gains along with upgrading to adjustable upper rear control arms to adjust pinion angle that is sometimes needed when lowering a cars stance.

http://umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_254_279

If you need any info please feel free to call us here at the shop to discuss your build and which components would be best for your application.

Craig

[HandOverFist]

Actually those early Monte Carlo's were one of the best production road cars produced at the time. You won't need to make many changes at all for your intended driving.

[Later-A-body]

Monte Carlo's wheelbase is 116". The A-bodies are 112".

[quarterbooty]

I'd tell you to look at my build thread, but I haven't updated it for several years. I'm running DSE suspension all around on my '72 and have been very pleased with it (this is with the non-adjustable AFCOs). Brakes are C6 Z06 using Kore3 mounting brackets and parking brake assemblies. Wheels are Formula43 RAD5S with 18x9s up front and 19x10s in the back. Engine is now an LS7 with an LGT700 transmission. Here is a somewhat recent pic with the new wheels but before the LS swap. Let me know if you need anymore info.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0262JPG-1.jpg

[csouth]

Monte Carlo's wheelbase is 116". The A-bodies are 112".

The wheelbase is longer correct, but all the suspension components are the same. The longer wheelbase is due to the length of the frame from the firewall fwd.

[quarterbooty]

The wheelbase is longer correct, but all the suspension components are the same. The longer wheelbase is due to the length of the frame from the firewall fwd.
Yes

[Wjb4000]

I'd tell you to look at my build thread, but I haven't updated it for several years. I'm running DSE suspension all around on my '72 and have been very pleased with it (this is with the non-adjustable AFCOs). Brakes are C6 Z06 using Kore3 mounting brackets and parking brake assemblies. Wheels are Formula43 RAD5S with 18x9s up front and 19x10s in the back. Engine is now an LS7 with an LGT700 transmission. Here is a somewhat recent pic with the new wheels but before the LS swap. Let me know if you need anymore info.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0262JPG-1.jpg

I did read through your whole build thread and it really intrigued me to start this process! Thanks for the info and picture of what you've done suspension wise. I was wondering which DSE suspension pieces you were using, so thanks for clearing that up. Didn't know if they were the adjustable ones or not. Glad to know you're pleased with the outcome because that's the system I was eyeballing anyway but am still going to look at the UMI and ridetech. Thanks again.