C6 suspension in a 69 stang

[mach1stang]

Hey guys,

I'm going to make short. I want C6 or C5 front suspension on my 69 fastback. the overall track width is wider on the vette, 3.60 inches wider. but the overall widths are very close. I have a few questions. If I use the covettes track width all I would need to change to get the tires to fit under the front fenders is the backspacing? but I am also wondering would'nt the extra control arm width and the tire being further under the control arms be a little bit better for the front suspension?

I am fairly new to this kind of suspension so take it easy on me.

Thanks for your help
Kody

[novanutcase]

Kody,

JMO but I would look at doing a Griggs or Maiers racing suspension for your 'stang. They already have it optimized for your trackwidth. Having to modify the 'vette suspension would be very time consuming and expensive. With all that you still wouldn't know if it works any better than the abovementioned ones.

John

[mach1stang]

I have looked at both companies products and they both have very nice products, but I want to get rid of the shock towers. There heavy, they get in the way, so on and so on. Plus I am already doing a full dual frame chassis (like your nova).

[Bryce]

i built my own suspension, just test drove it last night. works good with no tuning. But i had different restraints on my sytem, I didnt want to cut the shock towers but i did drop the UCAs 1.75".

I would suggest if you are going to spend that much time and effort in modifying a C6 just build your own a-arms.

start with ball joint holders and build from there, many options out there.

I went with AFCO T2 double adjustable coilovers very adjustable and great quality.

[silver69camaro]

We could set you up with a front clip, but you'd have to figure out your own method for attaching it to your front end. We've done a fair amount of Mustangs.

[mach1stang]

You have a PM.

[Valmdar]

I have started working on a similar project. Like you I looked at many after market suspension kits. I did not like the drawbacks though, they use the stock mounting locations and they where big $$. One guy pointed out you could make your own arms but if I bend/break something it will be nice to order a replacement. I bought C5 suspension from a salvage yard and have cut the shock towers/old suspension mount points off my car. Right now I am reading several suspension books before I go much further on installing it on the car. Here is a link to my project and you can see what I have done.

http://www.1969stang.com/mustang/for...ead.php?t=5664

[funcars]

I agree - shock towers are terrible for access to spark plugs, etc. The Cleveland type heads are worse than the Windsor style because they are wider yet. Every time I change spark plugs I end up with bloody hands and four letter words filling the air. Headers are even worse. The problem is that there is a good bit of work involved to get rid the towers because you still need to have a structure to mount the upper control arms. There are different options and all have pros and cons.

[Rhino]

The problem is that there is a good bit of work involved to get rid the towers because you still need to have a structure to mount the upper control arms. There are different options and all have pros and cons.

That's the beautiful thing about emulating the C5/C6 style suspension. The Upper arms will be mounting slightly higher than the frame rail negating the need for such a thick plate the shock towers are made of. Not only will you be shaving a little weight, you'll also be focusing your weight lower in the chassis. As you stated, you'll also be gaining engine clearance in the process.
Why ford decided they needed to have the spring/shock above the upper A-arm is completely beyond me.

I'm a friend of Valmdar's and have worked with him on various stages of his build. You're absolutely right that it's going to be a lot of work, although I feel it will definitely be worth it in the end it. In fact, I'm in the middle of a similar build, although in a '68 Camaro.