2nd gen firebird - full frame replacement or bolt on's

[Pengvisor]

Hi, Soon I'm going to start to work on 77 firebird. First thing that I want to get out of the way in my head is how to approach suspension. We all know that stock 2nd gen wont handle turns like it should. I want to fix that. My goal is to make it more pleasurable ride - in sport kind of way. I want it to cut corners and keep grip as well as C5. I'ts going to be pro-touring most of its life with trips to drag strip 4-5 times a year. The thing is that I want to build this suspension and rearend to survive around 800-900 RWHP that LSX will make. Currently got LS1 in it and my rear drum breaks are crying every time i try to use them. What is the best price / performance option. I have found a lot of suspension setups and actually am overwhelmed by sheer quantity of parts.

There are unibody kits from BMR, Hotchkis, etc - a lot of them, and there are full frame kits from Morrison, Roadster Shop, Schwartz Performance.

Is there a sense to go all the way to full frame ? If not - shall I go with 3 link, 4 link ? Or maybe just independent rear rig like - http://www.roadstershop.com/products/suspension-independent-rear-unit

Pricewise, I don't want to put a lot into something that just looks good or gives 1-2% more for 50% higher price. I know things like that can get pricey but I was thinking about something that can close in $20K with strong rear end ( probably 9" ) and good set of breaks.
If it could be lower - that would be awesome. Since I got a lot of bodywork to do.

thanks in advance

[srh3trinity]

I bought a c5/6 subframe from Scott Mock. One of the best deals going if you ask me. Running Ridetech shocks all the way around and Ridetech out back. I like the torque arm options from Speedtech and BMR too. Sure a Roadster Shop full frame looks killer, but by the time you buy it and spend the money for the fabwork, you could have had the same performance for much less cash outlay. I dont think you are giving up much with a good subframe and rear setup as opposed to a full frame build. Spend the money on the engine and brakes.

[killer69]

This is our Full front upgrade for the Second gen.



http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=284/category_id=242/home_id=241/mode=prod/prd284.htm

And our Torque arm

http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=361/category_id=242/home_id=241/mode=prod/prd361.htm

[Pengvisor]

I will try to chat with Scott Mock then, thanks for the hint. Those speedtech kits looks awesome too.

[srh3trinity]

Scott was great to work with. My car is at least a year from moving under it's own power. Speedtech is on my radar for the next build. I want to do a Nova with a torque arm rear setup.

[BMR Sales]

There are unibody kits from BMR, Hotchkis, etc - a lot of them, and there are full frame kits from Morrison, Roadster Shop, Schwartz Performance.

Pricewise, I don't want to put a lot into something that just looks good or gives 1-2% more for 50% higher price. I know things like that can get pricey but I was thinking about something that can close in $20K with strong rear end ( probably 9" ) and good set of breaks.
If it could be lower - that would be awesome. Since I got a lot of bodywork to do.

thanks in advance

No problem there!




https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/sucp1111rearsuspensiontorquetechstrongar-1.jpg (http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/BMR-Suspension/media/70%2081%20F%20Body/sucp-1111-rear-suspension-torque-tech-strong-arm-034_zps888ec070.jpg.html)


Here is a install article that Super Chevy did a few years back:
http://www.superchevy.com/technical/chassis/suspension_steering/sucp_1111_bmr_rear_suspension_install_strong_arm/


We offer a Torque Arm kit for the stock GM 10 & 12 bolt rear differentials and a kit for guys who want a Ford 9". The Ford 9” kit includes a bare Strange housing for $600 more than the 10 & 12 bolt kits. Take a look at the link below detailing an install that a Pro-Touring member here completed with our Ford 9 in. kit in his 1973 Firebird:

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?80483-BMR-Torque-Arm-Installed-on-my-73-Firebird/page2&highlight=TORQUE+ARM


The owner of the 73 Firebird made the following comments to us:

“I've put 4000 miles on it and drive it at every possible opportunity. No track time yet due to other commitments but there is always this spring. I still have to play with the shock settings to soften up the launch, it is just incredible how the car reacts from the factory setup. The rear stays planted no matter if it's in the corners or straights. I've had ZERO issues with the entire setup, I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY with it. I hope to get some auto-x & road course time this spring.”

I still can't thank you all there enough for everything, the kit really changed the car into a ride that I truly enjoy driving.”