CPP or who?

[StrahDawg69GTO]

I'm new to this site and posted my first question last week under the open discussion section trying to get some opinions on a estimate I received for my 69 GTO. I did receive a few good opinions but I was hoping to get a few more. With that said I also mentioned I was planning on going with the CPP Stage 4 kit and received a suggestion to check out the SC&C kits. This than prompted me to do a little more research on different suspension kits out there. Now I am completely confused and overwhelmed. After doing a search on the site for CPP I see theres some good and bad said but to be honest there's not to many recent posts on here about them. Originally when I decided I wanted to make my car a pro-touring car all I really seen in the major mag's and on tv was Hotchkiss so I kind of assumed they must be the best on the market and from there pricing they definately must be pretty close. In the mag. HPP, CPP advertises every month so I started researching them and it looks like they have the most complete and affordable kit out there and you can also get it with a complete brake system. Now I could be completely wrong here but I'm guessing that if all of this stuff comes in there kit as a company they probably have tested it and it all should just bolt on and perform well together right??? Again I tried to do a search and I don't want to beat a dead horse but I couldn't find to many recent opinions. Also so you know I'm not trying to make this a dedicated track car as much as I want to improve the handling, make it fun to drive and occassionally maybe take it to a track but also just like everyone get the most bang for my dollar.

[UMI Tech]

64250
I'm new to this site and posted my first question last week under the open discussion section trying to get some opinions on a estimate I received for my 69 GTO. I did receive a few good opinions but I was hoping to get a few more. With that said I also mentioned I was planning on going with the CPP Stage 4 kit and received a suggestion to check out the SC&C kits. This than prompted me to do a little more research on different suspension kits out there. Now I am completely confused and overwhelmed. After doing a search on the site for CPP I see theres some good and bad said but to be honest there's not to many recent posts on here about them. Originally when I decided I wanted to make my car a pro-touring car all I really seen in the major mag's and on tv was Hotchkiss so I kind of assumed they must be the best on the market and from there pricing they definately must be pretty close. In the mag. HPP, CPP advertises every month so I started researching them and it looks like they have the most complete and affordable kit out there and you can also get it with a complete brake system. Now I could be completely wrong here but I'm guessing that if all of this stuff comes in there kit as a company they probably have tested it and it all should just bolt on and perform well together right??? Again I tried to do a search and I don't want to beat a dead horse but I couldn't find to many recent opinions. Also so you know I'm not trying to make this a dedicated track car as much as I want to improve the handling, make it fun to drive and occassionally maybe take it to a track but also just like everyone get the most bang for my dollar.

Hey StrahDawg. I'd welcome you to take a look at UMI. We have a capable, affordable, Made In Philipsburg, PA - USA kit which would meet your needs perfectly.

We pride ourselves on building great parts and customizing kits to your exact needs.

Above is our current A-body. It was in cruiser mode with drop front spindles but is currently going 1-1/2" taller up front (w standard spindles and tall upper and lower ball joints) so it can be in corner carving mode.

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_254&products_id=719

[MCB Matt]

We can help you out no problem!

MCB

[TAC42]

UMI on my 72 Chevelle. Couldn't be happier. Great customer service too

[marolf101x]

To make it fun you can do a complete coil over kit for $3100 (coil overs give you more options on spring rate and ride height):
http://www.ridetech.com/store/1968-1972-gm-a-body-complete-coilover-system.html

Or, if you want to go all out on the track you can do "everything" for $5400:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/1968-1972-gm-a-body-coilover-system-level-3.html
Taller spindles and control arms really help the suspension geometry; large sway bars mitigate roll; and triple adjustable shocks allow you to "dial in" the suspension you need (be it street, strip, autocross, or road course).

[sanman]

I have the CPP stage 4. I am happy with most of the kit (most) Their customer service is not what it should be in dealing with issues. If I had it to do over I would go Hotchkis or DSE.


I'm new to this site and posted my first question last week under the open discussion section trying to get some opinions on a estimate I received for my 69 GTO. I did receive a few good opinions but I was hoping to get a few more. With that said I also mentioned I was planning on going with the CPP Stage 4 kit and received a suggestion to check out the SC&C kits. This than prompted me to do a little more research on different suspension kits out there. Now I am completely confused and overwhelmed. After doing a search on the site for CPP I see theres some good and bad said but to be honest there's not to many recent posts on here about them. Originally when I decided I wanted to make my car a pro-touring car all I really seen in the major mag's and on tv was Hotchkiss so I kind of assumed they must be the best on the market and from there pricing they definately must be pretty close. In the mag. HPP, CPP advertises every month so I started researching them and it looks like they have the most complete and affordable kit out there and you can also get it with a complete brake system. Now I could be completely wrong here but I'm guessing that if all of this stuff comes in there kit as a company they probably have tested it and it all should just bolt on and perform well together right??? Again I tried to do a search and I don't want to beat a dead horse but I couldn't find to many recent opinions. Also so you know I'm not trying to make this a dedicated track car as much as I want to improve the handling, make it fun to drive and occassionally maybe take it to a track but also just like everyone get the most bang for my dollar.

[StrahDawg69GTO]

Thanks for the responses and I haven't checked everyone out but Matt's kit so far seemed to be the most compareable to the CPP kit and it included the complete brake system as well. I would love to hear from some members running there pro-touring kit. @sanman not just searching on this forum but from just doing a google search about CPP I've found the same results about there customer service but again most of the complaints were from a few years ago so I'm wondering if they corrected the problem. As far as there product though I really haven't found any complaints in the quality itself. What were you unhappy with in your kit?

[BMR Sales]

Originally when I decided I wanted to make my car a pro-touring car all I really seen in the major mag's and on tv was Hotchkiss so I kind of assumed they must be the best on the market and from there pricing they definately must be pretty close. In the mag. HPP, CPP advertises every month so I started researching them and it looks like they have the most complete and affordable kit out there and you can also get it with a complete brake system.

I want to improve the handling, make it fun to drive and occassionally maybe take it to a track but also just like everyone get the most bang for my dollar.


Hey Steve, again welcome to the site. I prefer to ask a few questions before I make any suggestions to determine the best possible bang for the buck.

I think many guys spend more than they need or will use. I pride myself in asking as many questions as possible before making a decision on what is best for the customers hard earned money.


First question is what do you have for goals for the car once it is done? Is it going to be a factory restoration, daily driver/weekend cruiser, weekend warrior/drag car, Pro-Touring/handling machine, etc. From your post it sounds like you are building a driver that handles better than stock.

Second question is do you need and/or plan to improve the braking & steering systems to compliment any suspension upgrades?

Third question is do you have a specific budget in mind?

Lastly, do you plan to do the work yourself?

[MCB Matt]

We build our own "packages" as there isn't 2 the same it seems. We like to tailor the package to suit you own needs. Then, we make sure it will all work together the way you want it to. We have done thousands of packages for customers over the years and we also consider the level of customer service the manufacture gives US, as you don't habe to deal direct with them unless you choose for tech ect....we are not going to sell you parts that have no after sale support!

PM me again if you have any more questions or need anymore prices!

Matt

[Marcus SC&C]

It`s not about "Who" you buy, it`s about "What" you buy. It doesn`t make any difference whos stickers are on the parts. What do those parts DO? Is it what the car needs or is it just ad hype, smoke and mirrors? It`s great to seek out opinions online but realize that not all of those opinions will be well informed. Car magazines are infomercials. Do a little more research into what actually makes the car work. Then look at what different types of parts do to make it work better. For example, on a `69 GTO do the parts fix the factory geometry issues by actually moving suspension pickup points or do they just make a vague reference to handling without changing anything? If it comes wiht a rear sway bar is it still mounted to the lower trailing arms or is it properly mounted to the chassis with links? These kinds of things are what really makes a difference, not names and stickers. When you locate parts that do the most for the car, on your budget, buy em. All of the vendors on this site can sell you good quality parts and give you good service. The trick is to find which ones will do the most for your cars performance and provide the best value. Don`t get caught up in whos sticker is on something. Don`t get caught up in comparing package parts lists because it`s only a valid comparison if all of the parts WORK the same. Books like Herb Adams "Chassis Engineering" and my own "How to Make Your Muscle Car Handle" can be a big help. Or call a dealer that handles several different brands of parts and has good tech knowledge for an objective assement of what will work best for you. Mark SC&C

[68400BIRD]

I would stay away from the CPP products. Their customer service is not that good and what should be a bolt on kit is not. SC&C is a great resource I would start with Marcus and set some time aside before calling him. LOL

[Cars4Kids]

CPP ALL THE WAY. Yes I am a bit biased since CPP sponsors our Cars4Kids program BUT Jeff who is their inhouse guru, along with their owner, is always available when there are problems. What I like about CPP is that they actually use the products as part of their continued development so to find issues BEFORE marketing their products. In defense of the CS....yes they are sometimes backlogged and that can be frustrating...but int he end they have been immensely helpful to us and could not speak any more highly of their products and service.

[SR71]

It`s not about "Who" you buy, it`s about "What" you buy. Mark SC&C

:hail: THE MAN has spoken. he helped me compile my complete suspension system as well as giving me a crash course in suspension basics. while I could have saved a few bucks buying from someone else, Mark's tech support and insight is truly priceless. :)

[csouth]

I'll give my feedback and then shut up. I called CPP when I was looking for parts and asked what the rates were on their drop springs. When I was give the response "I don't know, I would say they are close to factory.." I IMMEDIATLY knew they weren't a company a wanted to buy from when building a pro-touring car that I plan to autocross and ride a road course in. I've bought my parts from Marc at SC&C, but I have also purchased a kit for my friends Chevelle from Ramey at UMI. Like most vendors and members here will tell you, know your cars purpose and then make your decision based on that.

[rsk68]

I ran global west upper and lowers for a while, I changed to SC&C uppers because I could not get the desired caster & camber I desired, their adjustability made it very easy! When running an old stock sub frame or full frame this helps alot.

[1fastssnova]

65165StrahDawg, seriously call Mark @ SC&C. He will thoroughly discuss you're car and all your options - I mean thoroughly - so block off a good hour when you make the call. Mark is unbiased when it comes to his recommendations and will set you up for the most bang for the buck. I purchased all my suspension through him for my Nova and it's a whole different car now. Even if you don't buy from him he will still go over what's best for you. I personally went with the Stage II up front and Chassisworks G-Link out back.

[Nicks67GTO]

Call Mark at SC&C and like the rest said....make sure you have a good long time to talk. The guy answered my questions in exceptional detail for 1:45:00. Unbelieveable customer service. He will be getting a call from me this fall/winter for a complete package for my 67' GTO.