68 Camaro Aftermarket Subframe

[Chuck0379]

Hi guys,
I'm looking at purchasing an aftermarket subframe for my 68 Camaro. I've narrowed my choices to the Chassisworks

http://www.cachassisworks.com/p-696-camaro-67-69-f-body-nova-68-72-bolt-on-front-frame-clip-without-suspension.aspx

or the speedtech frame

http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=8/category_id=23/mode=prod/prd8.htm

I'm leaning towards the speedtech frame since I can use my current upper and lower a-arms and spindles, where if I order the Chassisworks I'd have to buy all new stuff. Anyone know if there is a benefit to using the chassisworks frame over speedtech. The car has a 540 BBC with a six speed t56 magnum. Rear is mini tubed with 335 rear tires. Car won't be auto crossed at all, but will see the drag street or weekend hell raising.

Thanks,
Chuck

[F-Body International]

My vote is stock frame...bolt some tubular arms on to make it look pretty

[slimjim]

Both are great items, I've dealt with both companies and in the end I went with speedtech as it suited my build. Since you already have the engine you will want to call Speedtech and find out if your current headers will work with their frame(unlikely). One big difference between the two is the rack and pinion location so with Speedtech subframes it is very common to have to use their specific headers in the application. You'll definitely want to budget this into your decision. I don't suppose you're located in NC by any chance?

[Chuck0379]

Thanks for the replys. I've already got tublar arms and everything, but the stock subframe isn't in the best of shape, and it's easier to replace then try and find a replacement. I'm stationed overseas (in the UK) so that doesn't help matters either. I plan on getting the engine and frame in and custom make my own headers and exhaust. I've got AFR heads so with the raised exh ports it hard to find someone that makes them. My last ones were Lemon heads and were almost $2,000 for the pair, but they've lasted almost 7 years and still look good.

[TechGuy]

My frame would give you great modern day performance & ride quality.. & clear most headers & oil pans due to the rack placement,.. but if using stock style existing components, then the Speedtech route would be the better move.

[killer69]

Definitely need our BB headers with our frame. the money you save on control arms will cover the cost. :-)

[ra11ysport]

Chassiworks is all proprietary. If you buy the frame then you have to buy all the parts that go with it cause its a designed package. Speedtech is the way to go cause you have options with coilovers, spindles, r&p and control arms

[Chuck0379]

I just wish there was more info on these aftermarket subframes. Some stuff from years ago, but nothing new. I think marketing is missing out on youtube review of products or installation videos. The Roadster Shop has some good videos and reviews of their products, but some others are lacking. Still undecided after days of reading up on other brands. Is there any benefit in running C6 arms and hub vs aftermarket spindle and tubular arms?

[Cdog]

The C6 arms and uprights are extremely light weight forged aluminum. They have decades of racing parts and support available. IE bushings, bearings, ball joints, hubs, brake packages etc.. You can go to any GM dealer or parts supplier and get parts.

[ra11ysport]

I just wish there was more info on these aftermarket subframes. Some stuff from years ago, but nothing new. I think marketing is missing out on youtube review of products or installation videos. The Roadster Shop has some good videos and reviews of their products, but some others are lacking. Still undecided after days of reading up on other brands. Is there any benefit in running C6 arms and hub vs aftermarket spindle and tubular arms?

The problem with subframe packages is there really is no alla-carta subframe(Speedtech is close)
So all the AM subframes are basing their geometry off of the c7 spindle(modified oem) and control arms(oem). The rest of the components and frame are all AM. So the only real benefit is weight, Corvette geometry with the coilover mount closer to the ball joint and of course being able to use c6/c7 brakes. You cant just run a c6 control arm the frame has to built for it (Sadly enough)

If you want c6/c7 brakes get the ATS spindles and use any control arm you want.
So if you plan on buying a subframe plan on being married to that company for awhile!

Hope this helps i have done so much research before i ended up buying a Speedtech subframe.

[raustinss]

Speed tech ....!

[TheJDMan]

You provided no specific information about your current suspension parts and since there are so many companies making suspension parts with different specs and so many knock off parts floating around with unknown specs these days, my recommendation would be to sell off the stuff you have and buy a complete subframe package from any of our PT sponsors. Buying a complete quality subframe package will insure that you have a properly engineered suspension system with correct suspension geometry and parts which are designed to work together. There is no way to know what you will end up with if you bolt unknown suspension parts on an aftermarket subframe. IMO, that is a recipe for a very disappointing suspension set up.

If you are set on keeping your current suspension parts, buy a new stock replacement subframe and call it good. At least that way your suspension can be no worse than what you currently have.

[Chuck0379]

I'll be putting my suspension up for sale, but I've decided to go with the Art Morrison Gt front and rear suspension with subframe connectors. I do plan on being married to them for a while :)