What could I expect to buy spending $3K. on brake and suspension upgrade?

[WestCoastCruiser]

My car is an "88 cutlass supreme classic. Last year of Olds rear wheel drive. Waiting to get a Olds 350, but want to upgrade the brakes and suspension first. My budget for now would be around $3K.
I'll have some pictures of the car up soon.
Thanks,Roy.

[carguykeith]

I don't keep my spreadsheet on my home computer (in case the boss gets snoopy) but am pretty confident that's about what I have in my suspension and brakes with the same chassis your running. Keep in mind that is definitely not including wheels and tires... Build thread is in signature.

[WestCoastCruiser]

Not much input for me,but that's cool...noobs never get much..anyways....going to Lordco tomorrow for some searching. I'm wondering if having 14" wheels is going to present a problem as far as a good brake upgrade goes. After sandblasting, powder coating,new trim,and tires, I'm into them for just under a grand,so would like to keep them.

[WestCoastCruiser]

just like any other car forum,eh? noobie asks questions but we are WAY too advanced and hip to help the "low life". I'll figure it out by myself. thanks for nuttin.

[wiedemab]

Well, an attitude probably won't get you much help.

I'm far from a G-body guy, but yes - the 14" wheels will limit your brake options. As far as suspension upgrades, that platform will support an upgrade as you can mentality as pretty much everything would be bolt on.

Several site supporters offer G body components and I'm sure would be glad to work with you to stay within your budget.

These come to mind, but there may be other.

DSE
SC&C
Speedtech


Also, if you take some time to click the link given above and read through the build thread you would see what he is running for what is stated to be near your budget.

from his thread. (carguykeith)

Rearend:
• Currently: 8.5” 10-bolt, stock 28-spline axles, posi, 3.08 gears, mark willliams c-clip eliminator.
• Purchased but not installed yet: 3.73 gears, , TA diff cover, 1350 pinion flange
• Planned: 30-spline axles (still researching best mfg/ $) Detroit tru-trac

STEERING/ SUSPENSION

Steering:
• AFCO racing power steering pump with remote reservoir and AFCO 12.7:1 gear.
• All new Moog steering components, Jeep Cherokee intermediate arm (no rag joint),
• Grant 15” Steering wheel

Front Suspension:
• Speedway motorsports 8” (left) chromoly upper control arms
• Power Performance Motorsports tall upper and lower ball joints
• Belltech 2” drop spindles
• Stock lower control arms with polygraphite bushings
• Alignment is: 3 degrees caster -.5 Camber and 1/8 toe in
• Moog 5662 (Iroc Camaro) springs
• QA1 Stocker Star 12-way single adjustable shocks
• Hellwig solid 1 5/16” antisway bar

Rear Suspension:
• Currently: Edelbrock adjustable upper’s, stock lower control arms boxed with polygraphite bushings, QA1 12-way adjustable shocks, F-body isolators (GM PN Moog 5959 springs w/ a coil cut & HR parts-n-stuff weld in LCA braces. Driveline loop and Hellwig pro-touring anti-roll bar (PN 55809)
• Purchased but not installed yet: lower arm relocation brackets along with UMI non-adj lower control arms with rotos and control arm reinforcement braces.

Brakes:
• Master cylinder replaced with 91 Caprice aluminum unit
• (when rear disks added)Distribution block removed t-fitting and proportioning valve installed in its place.
• Front: full C5 Corvette conversion, using flynby brackets& hubs and GM everything else.
• Rear: circle track weld on GM metric disk kit (going to install when rebuild rearend)
• Linelock to B&M shifter handle button

[NOT A TA]

A thread title with a bit more description like "Can I do an 88 G body suspension for $2,500.00?" or " G-body brake upgrade suggestions with 14" wheels?" might get you a lot more responses. I read your first post when you put it up and didn't answer because the questions were too general and could be answered many ways. Also, something like retaining 14" wheels is important info you need to provide to get answers that will help you and prevent people from wasting time talking about products that won't work for your application. Also the uses the car will get are important to get helpfull answers. Street car only? Family all going cruising and you'll have a big payload? Any drag, auto-X, road course?

I just happen to have a G body with 14" wheels I'm building. Right now I'm building up a GN rear for it and the project thread for the suspension etc. is https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?65575-81-Malibu-quot-Uncaged-quot-Performance-Therapy-project-thread&highlight=performance+therapy+malibu I think you could probably do the Hotchkis TVS and F body spindle swap like my bu is getting for your 3 thousand budget.

[mc84_zz4]

With a G body you are in a good place, there is a lot of aftermarket support for bolt-in upgrades that fit in your budget.
I would point you first to www.scandc.com or as I call: the 'candy store', Mark Savitske (owner) also has written a book on how to make your muscle car handle, a great read.

I would recommend checking out SC&C's stage 2 front end kit, and some UCA/LCA for the rear, Currie, Spohn, and UMI all have arms with a rotating bushing to avoid binding of the rear axle as it articulates.
There are many brands that cater parts for the G-body, Edelbrock, Hotchkis, as mentioned before DSE, UMI, Currie, Spohn, but you may find SC&C as the best place to start, they carry most of those.
Mark may even talk you out from buying stuff that will not produce the results you want, that was a first for me, and he is a great source of info, and is easy to talk to.
I have mostly stuff from them, and every incremental phase I get has been a significant step up in handling.
I assume you will be replacing the wheels and tires for something in the 17,18 wheel sizes, due to the availability of performance tires in the 14,15, and even 16" are practically non-existent.

There are some brake upgrades you can have on the cheap, and save up for a better, more expensive brake setup later, one is 98-02 blazer spindles with the 11" slip on rotors, and dual piston calipers, you can later get adapters and swap in some 13" C5 corvette brakes.
The rear brakes are also compatible with some 'LS1' disk brakes, but that is another post.

Additionally, there are rear frame braces from Hotchkiss, UMI, and Edelbrock, and a front one from SC&C to stiffen the frame, you can find some braces in junkyards in Grand Prix, Monte Carlos, and other G bodies, one is a cross brace that fits the radiator cowl, some fender to radiator support bars (if yours did nto come with them already), and there are rear seat braces available from GBodyparts.com, or you can make your own in an x-pattern and bolt them in.

I do not know if your car would have the 12:1 ratio steering box, it came in the Monte SS, and others with the F41 option, but I will assume it is not. SC&C also has as a Lee Performance steering box that can really improve the feel and response in the steering, it is like night and day. I also agree with a previous comment about repairing/replacing the stock steering rag joint, there is usually a ton of play due to age.

HTH

[BonzoHansen]

...I'm wondering if having 14" wheels is going to present a problem as far as a good brake upgrade goes....your wheels prevent any decent brake upgrade, and the tire selection available for 14s work against you anyway - braking and turning. imo make sure all the stock parts are working properly and add some decent pads

[mc84_zz4]

Here is what I would recommend to any good friend of mine with a G-body:
SC&C Touring Suspension Package**************** $2250
http://scandc.com/new/node/736
*
Lee Performance Steering Box - 670 Series****** $515
http://scandc.com/new/node/246
*
SC&C Heavy Duty Chassis Brace******************* $190
http://scandc.com/new/node/180
*

[WestCoastCruiser]

Went to Lorcdo yesterday. Spoke with the head salesguy,and good freind, when he mentioned he has seen my car many times on the road and wondered why I was still running the..as he put it..." boat anchor 307". After some discussion.. I realized that thousands put into a car's suspension and brakes with basically ZERO hoursepower is REAL dumb. So going to wait... save some more dough and go with an engine. Sorry about my rant the other evening about new forum members being ignored. After posting that, there were no bad posts against mine, and actually all good replies...which proves you have a good bunch of members on this website!
Have a good weekend....Roy.

[Jameson]

Its all about personal opinion but the way I see it is when you upgrade the motor you need to do the chassis and brakes as well, the order is up to you in the long run but you can have all the power in the world but if you cant stop it or turn it then you might as well be drag racing and whats the fun in that lol... I have been working with Mark from SC&C as well on my car and ordering parts through him and he knows his stuff and how to make these cars handle properly for what they are. I would still give him a call and a run down as his information is great to be able to spit ball with.

[WestCoastCruiser]

Its all about personal opinion but the way I see it is when you upgrade the motor you need to do the chassis and brakes as well, the order is up to you in the long run but you can have all the power in the world but if you cant stop it or turn it then you might as well be drag racing and whats the fun in that lol... I have been working with Mark from SC&C as well on my car and ordering parts through him and he knows his stuff and how to make these cars handle properly for what they are. I would still give him a call and a run down as his information is great to be able to spit ball with.

Good suggestions Jameson but the fact of the matter is that the fellow you speak of lives thousandsssssss of miles away.

[Jameson]

Good suggestions Jameson but the fact of the matter is that the fellow you speak of lives thousandsssssss of miles away.

How does that change anything?

[WestCoastCruiser]

How does that change anything?

I'm sure your freind is very good at what he does,but I'll do my business face to face. not 3,000 miles away. No hard feelings.....
R.

[shep]

I understand wanting to do business local but how many suspension packages has he put together for a G body. Maybe he has done several I don't know. My point is at some point the local expertise runs out, Marcus is regarded as being an A and G body expert when it come to suspension.

[WestCoastCruiser]

Thanks for clarifation shep..I was told earlier his name was Mark. Well hell ya..if it's Marcuss doing it all then count me in dude!!!! should I send him some up front $$ to secure the work?????? :hammer: Let it rest man...zzzzzzz
p.s. ya...no one on west coast knows about cars...right????:nopity:
spank my dillywop

[Jameson]

Thanks for clarifation shep..I was told earlier his name was Mark. Well hell ya..if it's Marcuss doing it all then count me in dude!!!! should I send him some up front $$ to secure the work?????? :hammer: Let it rest man...zzzzzzz
p.s. ya...no one on west coast knows about cars...right????:nopity:
spank my dillywop

Great attitude you got there... :screwy:

[PT Sportwagon]

I have been told to build your drivetrain to the HP you are planning. Before putting in the motor. What is the use of a killer motor if your drivetrain doesn't hold the power, and granades leaving you stranded. or brakes that cannot stop you.

Tim

[Simmo]

Good suggestions Jameson but the fact of the matter is that the fellow you speak of lives thousandsssssss of miles away.

Doesnt get much further away than I am......and I'm a happy customer. Your loss...in the nicest possible way :)

[bikefreak600]

i am doing a full build from scratch bare body shell, i agree with others that doing the suspension/brakes first is important. it will make the car much more enjoyable & safer to drive. a buddy of mine has a 800 hp car that is entirely stock eccept for the engine. original brakes, suspension bushings, literally feels like its falling apart & twisting. it is scary car to be in. car shakes so badly when brakes are applied. he hot rods the crap out of it street racing etc. soon there will be a part failure at a inopportune time and he will regret only upgrading the motor. now i understand that this probably is not a good comparison to your car, but its just an example.

what type of performance or driving do you expect of this car? 100% of this website is about making your car the best in every aspect. mostly handling & braking.. the two most important. this is a protouring website lol

[UMI Tech]

My car is an "88 cutlass supreme classic. Last year of Olds rear wheel drive. Waiting to get a Olds 350, but want to upgrade the brakes and suspension first. My budget for now would be around $3K.
I'll have some pictures of the car up soon.
Thanks,Roy.

Hey Roy.

I noticed a reference or two to UMI.

We have a reasonable cost, Made in Pennsylvania, USA, Pro-Touring style suspension. Our Stage 3 kit provides a solid foundation for your car. We have plenty of bushing options and other handling goodies such as tall ball joints which simulate a tall spindle.

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_265&products_id=605

Any brake kit intended for factory fitment will work with our arms as they are the same size or smaller in the packaging envelope.

Our front lower a-arms accept coilovers as well.

Let me know if you'd like to discuss specifics.

thanks

ramey

[k5warwagon]

Thanks for clarifation shep..I was told earlier his name was Mark. Well hell ya..if it's Marcuss doing it all then count me in dude!!!! should I send him some up front $$ to secure the work?????? :hammer: Let it rest man...zzzzzzz
p.s. ya...no one on west coast knows about cars...right????:nopity:
spank my dillywop

What a wanker....

[buickfunnycar.com]

...is this a comedy skit?

[sokoloka]

Thanks for clarifation shep..I was told earlier his name was Mark. Well hell ya..if it's Marcuss doing it all then count me in dude!!!! should I send him some up front $$ to secure the work?????? :hammer: Let it rest man...zzzzzzz
p.s. ya...no one on west coast knows about cars...right????:nopity:
spank my dillywop

What logic is there in joining a public forum to solicit other people's opinions, and then acting like a d-bag when they share them?
Especially when you cried earlier on about no one getting back to you?

[WestCoastCruiser]

I'm not interested in building any car right now. Have decided to get a loan and go to Barrett Jackson in January and buy one already built. Life is too short to waste time building when all one has to do is get some $ together,have a nice holiday, and drive back some muscle.
Thanks for all the replies that were relevent to the topic. The ones from the morons???? well....:nopity:

[bikefreak600]

I'm not interested in building any car right now. Have decided to get a loan and go to Barrett Jackson in January and buy one already built. Life is too short to waste time building when all one has to do is get some $ together,have a nice holiday, and drive back some muscle.
Thanks for all the replies that were relevent to the topic. The ones from the morons???? well....:nopity:
sounds like a good idea. from the way this thread was going, im sure you will end up with a better car. hope you find a good one !

[brownz]

One born every day I guess!!!

[rocketrod]

sounds like a good idea. from the way this thread was going, im sure you will end up with a better car.
well said...

[WestCoastCruiser]

Was going to go for a loan but changed my mind. Our stupid son has decided to go to a fashion school instead of military training so we've decided to cut him loose to do his own thing. It's WAY cool because that frees up near $100 K. for us to have!!!! I'm going down to the States a.s.a.p. for my DREAM and the old lady is on her way to Vegas!!! Unreal turn of fortune....... sure hope sonny boy looks back on this as his big mistake,but hell,kids gotta learn from their mistakes,eh?

[bikefreak600]

Was going to go for a loan but changed my mind. Our stupid son has decided to go to a fashion school instead of military training so we've decided to cut him loose to do his own thing. It's WAY cool because that frees up near $100 K. for us to have!!!! I'm going down to the States a.s.a.p. for my DREAM and the old lady is on her way to Vegas!!! Unreal turn of fortune....... sure hope sonny boy looks back on this as his big mistake,but hell,kids gotta learn from their mistakes,eh?

post pics of the new ride, when you get it...

[WestCoastCruiser]

I most certainly will posts pics!! Won't be til January auction though. No holiday time left this year...well 8 days but gotta save them for fishing. Hope to connect with a few G.N. freaks first, because that is what I'd really like to have. :jump:

[PT Sportwagon]

Remember don't discount the Regal T type. The same as the Grand National but in other less obvious colors. Good luck with your search.

Tim

[L-Diablo]

Wtf?......

[RBARNES496]

You asked for advice ,complained it wasn't coming fast enough ,then when you got it treated it as a stupid idea?
You came on a forum and called you son stupid? There are a lot of people on this site trying to help others and sharing knowledge/ ideas you my friend will never be either.

[WestCoastCruiser]

I may have acted in the manner some of you may have thought crude but at the very least I am able to say that I have some grasp of the English language as well as puntuation. That's more than can be said for certain 'StreetRods' who obviously spend their youth watching daddy or uncle or mommys' newest squeeze, work on the family car...instead of learning how to communicate. Tell me...how do some of you dumb ****ers ever read a manual??? :idea:

[Twentyover]

I may have acted in the manner some of you may have thought crude but at the very least I am able to say that I have some grasp of the English language as well as puntuation. That's more than can be said for certain 'StreetRods' who obviously spend their youth watching daddy or uncle or mommys' newest squeeze, work on the family car...instead of learning how to communicate. Tell me...how do some of you dumb ****ers ever read a manual??? :idea:

But apparently not spelling.

And you've just blown the stereotype that Canadians were polite....

[Jameson]

Its amazing that this guy even got the chance to breed.... I feel bad for your kid for having a father like you and you not accepting his life goals that he would like to work towards (I.E. supportive)... Your a complete jackass, Its sad.

[David Pozzi]

Game over.