Rear suspension in '69 'Bird

[Dantigan]

I am beginning my build on my '69 Firebird (build thread to come soon). I have some custom fabrication I am getting the work farmed out on now. As soon as I have the fab work done I will begin doing my suspension. From my many hours of research and forum browsing I have seen a huge amount of people love the DSE quadralink. I am not opposed to the DSE but plan to replace my my entire rear end. With the cost involved with upgrading to a 9inch or 12 bolt it brings my total cost involved on the DSE to near the cost of installing a Heidts bolt in IRS. The DSE would still be about $1000 to 1500 cheaper after brake additions. I have been unable to find anyone actually talking about the Heidts IRS. The impression I get of most forum members is that they don't like Heidts. Their IRS system is fairly new and I'm sure someone has to have installed it. I can talk to their company but I feel their opinion is a little biased.


I know the biggest question most people have is what is my intended use. I do not plan to do much as far as "competition" driving. But I do want a car with excellent handling and a very smooth ride. I have access to a private road course and teach an advanced driving class twice a year. I love to take my car out and play on it when I can. I plan to drop in an LS motor that is somewhere around the 600 hp range. I dont plan to drag race but would love to still be able to have a very respectable quarter time.

I know a full frame IRS kit that the Road Shop offers would be the ideal way to go but that system is pretty far out of what I am willing to pay. I am pretty much sold on the Heidts but would like to hear from anyone that has actually installed one in a 1st gen or at least driven one. If the ride quality on the IRS is noticeably better I would prefer to go that route.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[killer69]

http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=170/category_id=237/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd170.htm

For under 5000.00 there is this option, (that includes a full strange 9" and the suspension)install is straight forward and easy, no modifications to the floor at all. custom 3" tail pipes fit, agressive ride height is also not a problem. street mannors are very good, set up is easy. oh and it's fast on the track if you want it to be.

[srh3trinity]

I don't have first hand experience with either kit. I am only telling you what I see consistently from hanging out around here the last few years. The DSE setup is tried and true if you are willing to do some cutting. There are several very fast cars on here that use that setup like the Tuckers' cars (DSE owners) and several of Mark Stielow's builds. Stielow is a GM engineer and has build some of the fastest first gens around and he seems to keep coming back to the DSE setup. The Tuckers seem to be at almost every autocross and PT event around and beat on their cars regularly and consistently turn in very fast times. If I hadn't gone with Ridetech, I would have gone with DSE.

Heidts has not been as popular of an option around here. I haven't seen anything negative, people seem to choose other options instead. There are a few builds that have used their stuff and they have gotten good reviews, but they just don't have the build numbers here on this board. I can only think of one that used IRS and it is a second gen build called OrangeKrate if I remember correctly.

[Firebird-Geek]

First, Hello from a fellow Firebird owner! We have to stick together, for we get out numbered by all these Camaro guys! :razz:

Anyway,

I was in the EXACT same possition you are in just a few months ago. I am rebuilding a 67 Firebird Convertible, and wanted the old car look, but modern handling. I knew that I wanted a complete system that was strong, fairly simple and proven. I looked at DSE, g-bar... etc. I ended up going with Speedtech's Torque Arm system w/ 9" rearend.

I can tell you this, this was one of the BEST decisions I have made. The build quality is TOP NOTCH! I like not having to cut up the floor of the car (so if you ever really wanted to change it back to stock you could), and if you order the 9" with it, it comes with all the brackets already welded on so you don't have to worry about the angles and everything.

The other thing is the company itself. I have NEVER delt with a better company, Roger and the guys at Speedtech have AMAZING customer service. They don't just sell you the system and wish you luck, they answer questions... give suggestions and offer any assistance they can! I don't build cars professionally and it is nice to be able to get an expert opinion, plus they don't make you feel dumb for asking the question in the first place.

You can NOT go wrong giving Speedtech a call!

[Dantigan]

First, Hello from a fellow Firebird owner! We have to stick together, for we get out numbered by all these Camaro guys! :razz:

Anyway,

I was in the EXACT same possition you are in just a few months ago. I am rebuilding a 67 Firebird Convertible, and wanted the old car look, but modern handling. I knew that I wanted a complete system that was strong, fairly simple and proven. I looked at DSE, g-bar... etc. I ended up going with Speedtech's Torque Arm system w/ 9" rearend.

I can tell you this, this was one of the BEST decisions I have made. The build quality is TOP NOTCH! I like not having to cut up the floor of the car (so if you ever really wanted to change it back to stock you could), and if you order the 9" with it, it comes with all the brackets already welded on so you don't have to worry about the angles and everything.

The other thing is the company itself. I have NEVER delt with a better company, Roger and the guys at Speedtech have AMAZING customer service. They don't just sell you the system and wish you luck, they answer questions... give suggestions and offer any assistance they can! I don't build cars professionally and it is nice to be able to get an expert opinion, plus they don't make you feel dumb for asking the question in the first place.

You can NOT go wrong giving Speedtech a call!



How is the ride on the road. My stock suspension feels like I am riding in an oversized radio flyer.

[Firebird-Geek]

Unfortunatly that I can not tell you... for if you look at my build, I am QUITE A BIT away from being able to get behind the wheel (actually at this time there is no wheel :).) But from all my research I still feel I purchased the best suspension for my needs. It is based off of GM's torque arm system they developed for the f-body cars (but MUCH improved). So with this in mind I would think it is one of the better feeling suspensions, plus it is able to handle day-to-day driving... not just "track time"... for I know the roads around here are not as nice and flat as a race track! :)

And as far as proven design... I know I read that they took there Nova (test mule car) to Super Chevy Suspension and Handling Challenge a while ago and beat the pants off of a 2010 Camaro SS that was there to set the bar. So its nice to know that these old birds can actually handle at the same level (if not better) than the brand new 5th Gen Camaro.

Like I said, give Roger a call... he is great to talk to and won't push you into something you don't need!

Don't forget... post some pictures up... :cheers:


How is the ride on the road. My stock suspension feels like I am riding in an oversized radio flyer.

[Garymac69]

For me, the Ridetech system worked out well, as I had a limited budget. I spent many hours evaluating options for my Camaro. I wanted great handling and ride and planned to do 2 or 3 autocrosses per year. I had previously restored my car to mostly original condition and could not justify the expense and hassle of a new subframe. If I had an unlimited budget and planned on doing serious competition, road courses, etc. then the DSE stuff is definitely the best option. I have ridden in a DSE car on an autocross and they definitely have good stuff. I also rode in the 48 hour Camaro and was very impressed.

I bolted up the rear 4-link myself one weekend and had a friend weld it all up.

http://www.ridetech.com/store/1967-1969-chevy-camaro-coilover-system-level-2.html

I went with the TruTurn system with a 275 tire in front - on a 9" wheel so I had no fender modifications to make.

http://www.ridetech.com/store/tru-turn-upgrade-package-67-69-gm-f-body.htm

I'm very satisfied with the ride and handling.

Gary

[SR71]

How is the ride on the road. My stock suspension feels like I am riding in an oversized radio flyer.

ride is however you want it to be. spring and shock choices dictate that. I have said system under my car and can dial in any type of ride that I want with my ridetech tripple adjustable shocks.

I bought a great rear suspension system at a great price from speedtech. then I bought arguably the best shock value on the market from ridetech. together they form one of, if not the most versatile rear suspension out there.

as an added bonus, the rear from speedtech is going to be much more bullet proof than most any irs.