View Full Version : Who’s subframe is the best
AUTODYNAMICS
01-27-2025, 10:42 PM
Since there are many companies that are making subframes for the first gen, specifically the 69 Camaro, how and why would you categorize them?
Detroit speed
Speed tech
Ride tech
Or any others
Be fair on comparison cost performance and modifications
Curious to see what others think
srode
01-28-2025, 02:03 AM
Depends on what you want to do with your car. I chose Speedtech Extreme because I wanted 315 tires on the front and there isn't another option for that that width. Haven't heard any reviews from the new Ridetech subframe but Detroit Speed is pretty popular for nice builds.
dontlifttoshift
01-28-2025, 08:05 AM
I typed up two replies to this already........ Without user defined goals, financial and physical capabilities, and statements on what compromises are acceptable, this question is impossible to answer. Best at what? All of those subframes are terrible at making sandwiches.
I do agree, ride quality means you need OEM bushings and proper shock valving.
Best to run the fattest tire.. ridetech and speedtech
Best looking style wise... DSE and art morrison
Best innovative looking....TCI (all tubular style), speedways unser edtion
Bthomas
01-29-2025, 07:39 AM
Depends on what you want to do with your car. I chose Speedtech Extreme because I wanted 315 tires on the front and there isn't another option for that that width. Haven't heard any reviews from the new Ridetech subframe but Detroit Speed is pretty popular for nice builds.
heidts claims it can fit a 335
https://www.heidts.com/part/cf-112-1967-1969-camaro-firebird-pro-g-ifs/
At this time, I still think the speedtech is better option though if your after max tire fit. Seeing as how they have fenders, header fitments figured out, and more units in the field.
Heidts is a narrowed mustang two/pinto suspension
Pedigry
01-29-2025, 07:49 AM
The problem is that unless you have a mule car and install everyone and compare them on a track, you really don't know how much one resistist twist and flexion. Some are bolt in and easy to install, others you have to cut up the floor boards. There is a vast difference between the complexity of install. For the mustang I choose meijer racing. They are well known and the sub frame is really long, tieing in the front and rear of the car. I love their products but they are for mustangs only.
thedugan
01-29-2025, 08:28 AM
I run an old Wayne Due frame (using C4/C5 components) in my 67 and a DSE frame in my 68. For me it's all for street driving ride and comfort. I have a 275 front tires on both cars. Even with a 20 year old Wayne Due frame using the corvette suspension, mustang rack and pinion the stance, ride, handling, and braking is unreal.
If it's for a street car IMHO any of the major aftermarket frames are worth it. All depends on how much you want to spend. Make sure to add the correct headers cost into your cost planning.
thinkfastroth
01-29-2025, 11:28 AM
Built a 68 camaro with a full TCI suspension a few years back the car performed very well bang for buck. Best thing to do would be find someone local and see if they would be interested in taking you out for a long ride offer them a tank of gas and lunch this might help you get a feel for the different suspensions.
dontlifttoshift
01-29-2025, 12:10 PM
The problem is that unless you have a mule car and install everyone and compare them on a track, you really don't know how much one resistist twist and flexion. Some are bolt in and easy to install, others you have to cut up the floor boards. There is a vast difference between the complexity of install. For the mustang I choose meijer racing. They are well known and the sub frame is really long, tieing in the front and rear of the car. I love their products but they are for mustangs only.
Yeah, but we aren't talking about subframe connectors. OP and the rest of us are talking about Camaro subframes.
badazz81z28
01-31-2025, 04:20 PM
You really can’t beat the quality of a hydro formed frame by DSE. It’s so much nicer and OEM like. I’m not too much of a fan of the look of “fabricated” frames with sharp corners and numerous welded together metal. I Also don’t like the hog wash about 315 tires. All these frames can support big tires. The issue you run into are the inner fenders. None of these frames can support a 315 tire without modification to sheetmetal. I say DSE #1, SpeedTech right behind it.
srode
02-01-2025, 05:59 AM
True, any frame will support 315s if you don't care about turning radius limits. For Speedtech you need to change the inner fenders to get a 315 to work well, but they has that source already set up for a person interested in going that route, no modification to sheet metal needed. Anyone who doesn't want to do some set up work and modifying to hit their end goal should probably just stick with a stock subframe IMHO, most builds don't just fall together on their own.
TheJDMan
03-21-2025, 12:50 PM
For Speedtech you need to change the inner fenders to get a 315 to work well, but they has that source already set up for a person interested in going that route, no modification to sheet metal needed..
What inner fenders are you referring to here?
dhutton
03-22-2025, 04:36 AM
What inner fenders are you referring to here?
These ones?
https://speedtechperformance.com/product-category/1967-1969-camaro/body-parts/
srode
03-22-2025, 03:50 PM
yep, what Don Said
kawasakii
03-24-2025, 07:25 AM
- Detroit Speed: Known for their high-performance subframes, Detroit Speed offers a range of options for the '69 Camaro. Their subframes are designed to improve handling and stability, making them a great choice for track enthusiasts.
- Speed Tech: Speed Tech offers a more affordable subframe option without compromising on performance. Their subframes are designed to be a direct bolt-in replacement, making installation easier.
- Ride Tech: Ride Tech's subframes are designed with a focus on ride quality and handling.
- Art Morrison: Art Morrison's subframes are designed for high-performance applications and are a popular choice among enthusiasts. They offer a range of options, including a bolt-in replacement subframe specifically designed for the '69 Camaro.They offer a range of options, including a subframe specifically designed for LSx engine conversions.
- - - Updated - - -
- Cost: Prices vary significantly between manufacturers, with Detroit Speed and Art Morrison being on the higher end.
- Performance: If you're looking for improved handling and stability, Detroit Speed or Art Morrison might be the better choice.
- Modifications: If you're planning an LSx engine conversion, Art Morrison's subframe might be the best option.
dhutton
03-24-2025, 08:57 AM
- Detroit Speed: Known for their high-performance subframes, Detroit Speed offers a range of options for the '69 Camaro. Their subframes are designed to improve handling and stability, making them a great choice for track enthusiasts.
- Speed Tech: Speed Tech offers a more affordable subframe option without compromising on performance. Their subframes are designed to be a direct bolt-in replacement, making installation easier.
- Ride Tech: Ride Tech's subframes are designed with a focus on ride quality and handling.
- Art Morrison: Art Morrison's subframes are designed for high-performance applications and are a popular choice among enthusiasts. They offer a range of options, including a bolt-in replacement subframe specifically designed for the '69 Camaro.They offer a range of options, including a subframe specifically designed for LSx engine conversions.
- - - Updated - - -
- Cost: Prices vary significantly between manufacturers, with Detroit Speed and Art Morrison being on the higher end.
- Performance: If you're looking for improved handling and stability, Detroit Speed or Art Morrison might be the better choice.
- Modifications: If you're planning an LSx engine conversion, Art Morrison's subframe might be the best option.
AI Bot?
dontlifttoshift
03-24-2025, 09:37 AM
Right. All of their posts are just a little off.
dhutton
03-25-2025, 05:09 AM
Right. All of their posts are just a little off.
They are trying to sell a subframe to a member here. Scammer using AI?
Steve Chryssos
03-25-2025, 09:58 AM
Since there are many companies that are making subframes for the first gen, specifically the 69 Camaro, how and why would you categorize them?
Detroit speed
Speed tech
Ride tech
Or any others
Be fair on comparison cost performance and modifications
Curious to see what others think
Hi Pete, Been a while... Can't go wrong with any of the three brands listed. I prefer Ridetech monotube shocks over QA-1 twin tube.
-Steve
EnhancedAspiration
02-12-2026, 07:32 PM
Thanks for this thread. As someone getting into pro touring cars, this kind of information is invaluable to understand the specs.
I still see a a lot of cars however (many very high end) that are still running OEM frame opposed to aftermarket.
What is the reason one would opt for keeping the OEM frame when doing a high end build? Considering the high value of some of these builds, it seems like a high end after market frame from art Morrison or similar is well worth it if stiffness and strength is gained.
I ordered a Schwartz Performance Frame for my 63 Nova Convertible, The choice was between the Roadster Shop and the SP. One of the Members on another Forum had both on his two Gen 1 Novas and preferred the Schwartz over the Roadster Shop. It'll be here in Mar/Apr. and am hoping for the best.
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