First Gen Camaro Suspension Recommendations

[flyforfood]

I am sending my first gen 1968 Camaro to body and paint in a few weeks. I would like to make a decision on the suspension so any floor modifications can be done at the appropriate time during panel replacement. I plan on a subframe and rear suspension with frame connectors for this build. I plan to use the car on the street and track days at various tracks. I am currently looking at both DSE and Speedtech and was looking to see what others who have used this suspension would say about either or both. Instead of the sales pitch from the manufacturers, I would like to hear real-world pros and cons from those who have much more experience than me. I'm looking for a package that works well together on the track and street. Thanks, in advance for your help.

Sincerely,
flyforfood

[CSG]

I went DSE mainly because I feel it is the easiest path. There's tons of info on what parts fit and you can even buy full exhaust that fits it. I feel that DSE's JRI shock package is better tuned that what Speedtech offers as well.
The main advantage to the Extreme setup IMO is the larger front tire that you can fit, I also prefer a torque arm over the DSE Quadralink if you will push it very hard.
If I was building an honest track car then I would probably go Extreme otherwise I like the DSE setup.

[Pro Touring Store]

I am sending my first gen 1968 Camaro to body and paint in a few weeks. I would like to make a decision on the suspension so any floor modifications can be done at the appropriate time during panel replacement. I plan on a subframe and rear suspension with frame connectors for this build. I plan to use the car on the street and track days at various tracks. I am currently looking at both DSE and Speedtech and was looking to see what others who have used this suspension would say about either or both. Instead of the sales pitch from the manufacturers, I would like to hear real-world pros and cons from those who have much more experience than me. I'm looking for a package that works well together on the track and street. Thanks, in advance for your help.

Sincerely,
flyforfood

Fortunately, and unfortunately, both brands are great choices. DSE has a proven setup and works great for most anything you're doing.
If you're considering the Speedtech pro touring frame and NOT the Extreme frame, I would just go DSE.
If you're wanting the Extreme subframe, just keep note of all the additional mods you'll need. The steering rack is unique so there are potentially more fitment "issues" than DSE for example.
The torque arm from Speedtech is a nice system, hard to exactly compare the DSE 4 link with a torque arm. Pros & cons to both.. It'll really come down to how good of a driver you are & how well the rest of the car is setup, if comparing performance.

I will also throw out there that a complete chassis system from somewhere like Schwartz Performance or others are not far off price wise to what you're doing, so keep those in mind too. Again that's if you're planning to change brakes/rear axle and all too.

I am a dealer for all the brands I have mentioned, happy to help get quotes if needed.

-Dale

[flyforfood]

I went DSE mainly because I feel it is the easiest path. There's tons of info on what parts fit and you can even buy full exhaust that fits it. I feel that DSE's JRI shock package is better tuned that what Speedtech offers as well.
The main advantage to the Extreme setup IMO is the larger front tire that you can fit, I also prefer a torque arm over the DSE Quadralink if you will push it very hard.
If I was building an honest track car then I would probably go Extreme otherwise I like the DSE setup.

Thanks CSG.
I was originally looking at the Extreme setup from Speedtech because of the larger front tire, but maybe the extreme would be too much and create an unpleasant ride on the street. If that is the case, then maybe DSE would be a better setup for both the track and street.

[Rod]

I plan on a subframe and rear suspension with frame connectors for this build. I plan to use the car on the street and track days at various tracks. I am currently looking at both DSE and Speedtech and was looking to see what others who have used this suspension would say about either or both. Instead of the sales pitch from the manufacturers, I would like to hear real-world pros and cons from those who have much more experience than me. I'm looking for a package that works well together on the track and street. Thanks, in advance for your help.

Sincerely,
flyforfood

I can honestly recommend both
the DSE gear now comes with Fox shocks (yes ridetech/fox shocks) and that provides a great handling car with good street manners
the speedtech will allow a bigger tire but that will require their inner fenderwells also .. I sell both kits, also look at TCI great gear... I can use anything on my shop car and after racing many different brands I just put the TCI gear in my own car

[TheJDMan]

I highly recommend that you hold off on the body/paint work and do the suspension install first! There is a reason you see people build complete cars then blow them apart to do the body work.

[Pedigry]

I highly recommend that you hold off on the body/paint work and do the suspension install first! There is a reason you see people build complete cars then blow them apart to do the body work.


Agree with this. Do your mock up first. Working around a freshly painted car is very difficult and grinding fresh paint to fit a part will break your heart. lol.

[flyforfood]

Agree with this. Do your mock up first. Working around a freshly painted car is very difficult and grinding fresh paint to fit a part will break your heart. lol.


Thank you for your suggestions. This is precisely why I need to nail down what direction I'm going with the suspension. This will allow the shop to make the necessary modifications during panel replacement and metal work.

[Astro Blue]

Thank you for your suggestions. This is precisely why I need to nail down what direction I'm going with the suspension. This will allow the shop to make the necessary modifications during panel replacement and metal work.

Are you gonna do mini tubs too? My car I had the mini tubs and all suspension work done first. Then take it all off and go to blasting and primer, then built back to a roller and sent to body/paint.

[flyforfood]

Are you gonna do mini tubs too? My car I had the mini tubs and all suspension work done first. Then take it all off and go to blasting and primer, then built back to a roller and sent to body/paint.


yes, on mini tubs. I believe the plan is to do all the metal work which would include tubs and suspension work and then send the body out to have it dipped before going to body work and paint.