Starting project on 70 Chevelle

[4MuscleMachines]

Picked up a very nice rolling chassis 70 Chevelle
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4544947919&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOAB:US:6 . Now I am starting the planning stages for the drivetrain and suspension. I had narrowed it down to the oem frame + GW goodies front and rear, 6 piston Wilwoods, 502 or 540 with a centrifugal Supercharger & 4l80e. Then I see this on eBay and wonder if my original plans should now change. I need some opinions please on the advantages and drawbacks of this frame on ebay. Are there better frames for less money out there? I already have the brakes and some suspension parts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4563576504&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

[ProdigyCustoms]

I thought you were selling that thing? I change my mind sometimes too. Maybe Craig Morrison will chime in with a honest opinion. If I am not mistaken it is about half the price of the AME chassis. Seems like it will be weak firewall forward, looks plenty strong on the side double rails. I would have tied the center rails to one another with small hoops in the driveshaft tunnel.
Anyway, if you decide to build, I can help you with a few of the items you mention.

[4MuscleMachines]

Yea, I changed my mind. The body is too nice to let go without trying something first. I had a budget of $35k, less 10K for the car, less $3K for new interior, Autometers, power windows, ect. That leaves $22K for everything else. Anyway, that aftermarket frame looks substantially heavier than the oem frame? Thats drawback #1.

[wickedmotorhead]

Man only 22k left and you want a blown 540! Tight budget. I have a bunch of stuff for sale from my 70 Chevelle SS in the for sale section including a pretty substantial motor for cheap. Let me know if you need anything. Good Luck with your project.

1970 Chevelle parts for sale (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8829)

Shane

[ProdigyCustoms]

Anyway, that aftermarket frame looks substantially heavier than the oem frame? Thats drawback #1.

I bet it is not much heavier, if at all once you box a stock frame. And yes you should box a stock frame. I just do not think 2 X 3 hanging out front is strong enough for a G machine or a car with no Jungle Jim cage.

Also, it does not seem to be narrowed at all for more tire, front or rear.

[Steve Chryssos]

Well, the picture quality sucks, so I'll provide an equally blurry opinion.
-I would start right there. Get the guy to email you some better detail pix of the suspension
-It appears to have nice Coleman spindles and big "stock car" hubs
-It has a nice rack with pivot points that match the inner pivots of the LCA's. That's a step in the right direction towards good bumpsteer.
-I personally prefer wishbone style LCA's instead of the multi-link format shown.
-As Frank stated, the frame lacks X-member or crossmembers. So count on adding them as well as some kind of roll bar/cage to finish off the chassis.
-The upper shock mounts allow for nice long coil-overs, but again--plan on tying those supports into down bars coming from a roll cage thru the firewall for best results.
-All that fab work and the guy went with a converging four bar rear suspension instead of some sort of panhard bar setup. Why? The rear suspension is probably no better than stock.
-Plan on spending money on custom exhaust--maybe custom headers.
-I see no mention of tubing grade. Be sure to ask what it's made out of.
-The biggest question mark is geometry. There is simply no way of knowing if he got it right other than to take him at his word. The 1970 geometry/frame design is by no means ideal, but at least you get a baseline. The Hotchkis A-Body suspension upgrade works very well and is one of the few, true "bolt-on" mods in existence. Box the stock frame and add a basic rollbar, install Hotchkis parts and the only reason left to venture into this unchartered territory is because it looks trick and offers R&P steering.
If you're taking a "blank check" approach to this build, I say go for it, but ask him if he can do a true four bar with PHB.
If you are on ANY sort of a budget, I say run away--as fast as you can. :help!:
/Steevo

[IsheeM]

If it were me, I wouldnt waste my money on that chassis. It doesnt look very well designed to me. I wont bother stating my reasons as there are already plenty above.

Michael