69 Camaro, modify original subframe or aftermarket?

[DarkBeginning]

Im looking for a suggestion on modifying the (69 Camaro) original subframe or going to an after market sub frame.


Im considering the DSE coil over front suspension with tublar A-arms,


My question is would this really give me the best "bang for the buck"?
Is there a better setup, that you "tried and tested" guys reccomend?

My budget is not huge but resonable on that section of my car.

thanks for your time,

[Mkelcy]

Im looking for a suggestion on modifying the (69 Camaro) original subframe or going to an after market sub frame.

Im considering the DSE coil over front suspension with tublar A-arms.

My question is would this really give me the best "bang for the buck"? Is there a better setup, that you "tried and tested" guys reccomend?

Best "bang for the buck" is the stock subframe (no additional cost); Guldstrand modification (free if you do the labor); new ball joints ($100 or so); Delrin/DelAlum UCA/LCA bushings and replacement UCA shaft (about $300); good shocks, springs and sway bar (depends on your budget, but figure $500 to $700); a third generation IROC steering box (figure $280 or so); and rebuilt steering linkage (maybe $250 or so including idler arm and pitman arm); for a total of about $1500. You can spend more for a steering box and shocks, but these estimates get you a pretty nice front suspension/steering package. You'll still need decent brakes and modern low profile tires (and wheels to accommodate the tires) to complete the package.

Tubular UCA's will add a net $400 or so (they should include the Delrin/DelAlum UCA bushings and replacement UCA shaft), with little gain in performance. Tubular LCA's will add a net $450 or so (they should include the Delrin/DelAlum LCA bushings), again with little gain in performance. If you're looking at replacing your UCA's, you should also take a look at the SC&C kits.

The DSE coilover kit gives you the adjustability of coilovers in a solidly engineered solution (I'm not sure about the QA1 approach that uses the upper shock mount on the stock subframe to carry the weight of the car), but you'll need the kit itself ($500 if you don't get the DSE LCA's), coilovers (figure an increase to the above budget of about $450), the DSE UCA's (add about $400) and the cost or time to install the kit on your stock subframe. If you go with the DSE LCA's, add another $300. So the DSE coilover kit adds about $1350 to your build, netting you the adjustability of coilovers and improved geometry (much like the Guldstrand mod).

After that, a good replacement subframe (Wayne Due (if he's still in business), DSE or 21st Century Street Machine to name a few) will likely be $6,000 to $7,000 once it's on the car, not including brakes.

If money is really an issue, I'd do the first (less expensive) build, see how you like it, and then if you find it to be inadequate, sell your fully modified stock subframe and go for what you decide to do next.

[David Pozzi]

Mike,
The QA1's sprng seats on top where the stock coil seats, not the shock mount. It's the lower shock mount that moves the load to the shock mount holes.

The DSE coilovers don't improve geometry, it's the upper control arm bracket that does that. The coilovers just make adjusting ride height easier.

UCA's, Guldstrand mod, and a general rebuild with perf coils and antiroll bars is a great way to go. Add the above mentioned steering box plus better brakes, wheels and tires, don't forget solid subframe mounts and subframe connectors.
David

[Mkelcy]

Mike,
The QA1's sprng seats on top where the stock coil seats, not the shock mount. It's the lower shock mount that moves the load to the shock mount holes.David

Now that I look at the QA1 spring, I can see that the upper end seats in the stock location. Thanks for the correction.

[Todds69]

Modify your existing frame...just my two pennies thrown in. I'm thinking of doing the same with mine sometime.

[James OLC]

And toss in some AFX tall spindles.