1970 GTO Suspension Upgrade

[Sarge]

I am new to the site and this is my first project car. Current project car, which is my dream car is a 1970 GTO that I am building with my dad. I am curious as to how important it is to upgrade the suspension? My plan is to customize the GTO to make it my own and plan on using it as a daily driver in the spring and summer. So should or does the suspension need to be upgraded? If so what would you guys recommend?

Thanks,

Trent

[SShep71]

Its all about the budget! Make the car work for what you want it to do, and what you can afford. Basic suspension upgrades are great way to start. Shocks, control arms, sway bars. Daily driver?.... quick ratio steering box. The boat like feel goes away some when you dont have to turn the wheel as much. How important are they?...well that is up to you. You can do like many others and just rebuild teh stock control arms and steering components with better stuff, its the least expensive method, or you could do a SC&C package. Your best bet is to call and talk to Marcus at SC&C and see what he can tell you.

[UMI Tech]

Hey Trent. Welcome to the site.

You can go as small as some new sways and shocks or go with a full package. The A-bodies really like some additional spindle height up front to keep the tires from cambering out when cornering, keeps the tire flatter on the pavement.

Do you want to retain stock ride height or go lower? Are you planning larger tires?

Tell us more about how you envision your car and we can help.

later

ramey

[Sarge]

I am wanting to lower the height of the car and plan on putting on Boze Force Wheels with either 20X10 or 19X10 in the rear and 18X8 in the front. I do not think I can go wider then a 10 in the rear. I am also going to be purchasing Baer Disc Brakes all around.

[Probird]

The 70 GTO is also my favorite. You have a solid platform to begin with and really requires very minimal to create a canyon carver IMO. If it were me and since i would be rebuilding the worn out suspension, I would definately start with the spring and shocks, run at least a 500lb spring in the front and a 225-250lb in the rear. Delalum bushing or equivalent for all the bushings, I personally wouldn't run poly, to much bind. Tall lower and tall upper ball joints, simulates running a taller spindle for less money and improves the bump steer at the same time, not to mention adds an additional 1/2" of drop. The stock sway bars are most likely pretty stout but could always be upgraded at anytime. Don't skimp on the shocks, I personally feel this is the most important area. Ridetechs new series of shocks are top notch and I would highly recommend.

[BMR Sales]

I am new to the site and this is my first project car. Current project car, which is my dream car is a 1970 GTO that I am building with my dad. I am curious as to how important it is to upgrade the suspension? My plan is to customize the GTO to make it my own and plan on using it as a daily driver in the spring and summer. So should or does the suspension need to be upgraded?


I am wanting to lower the height of the car and plan on putting on Boze Force Wheels with either 20X10 or 19X10 in the rear and 18X8 in the front. I do not think I can go wider then a 10 in the rear. I am also going to be purchasing Baer Disc Brakes all around.


If you simply plan to cruise the car at first I would suggest starting with a Level 1 kit:

http://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=products&productid=75


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/HPP010R-1.jpg


This kit includes BMR lowering springs in either 1" or 2" which will lower your car. Lowering the center of gravity in conjunction with larger diameter sway bars improves handling dramatically for minimal cost. The BMR Level 1 kit also includes the best gas shock available for typical street cruising.

The Level 1 kit is the core of our Level 2 kit so later down the road if you want more from the suspension you can add the necessary parts to make your own Level 2 kit!


I personally think this is the best way to build your car to ensure that you are deciding what you need instead of just spending $$$ before making the call that you need more out of your car's suspension.


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.


Do you have a specific budget in mind?

Do you plan to do the work yourself?


PS..... try to post a few pics of the car when you get a chance!

[BMR Sales]

I am wanting to lower the height of the car and plan on putting on Boze Force Wheels with either 20X10 or 19X10 in the rear and 18X8 in the front. I do not think I can go wider then a 10 in the rear. I am also going to be purchasing Baer Disc Brakes all around.


Check out this awesome 70 GTO with 19x8 front with a 245 front tire, and and a 20x10 rear with a 275/40/20 rear:


https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?52084-Titanium-SuperSpokes-on-1970-GTO

[Sarge]

Rich, (BMR)
Ok, I created a Project Forum under Thxwife - 1970 Pontiac GTO with some photos. The car is going to be a street cruiser, no track or racing...just a daily driver.

Thanks,

Trent

[chevelletiger]

The car is going to be a street cruiser, no track or racing...just a daily driver.

Thanks,

Trent[/QUOTE]
thats what i said,and now my wife is b#%hing why im changing all the stuff again! hotrodding...a never ending cycle.btw roadbuster aka jon u. has a 68 gto with 18x11 rears 315 30 18 tire,no mini tub or frame modds.he does run a watts link and coil overs.look him up and pic his brain really cool cat.phil

[chevelletiger]

oh if your looking for some front 2" drop lowring springs i will be removing mine this weekend.no mile just installed im going coil overs.make me an offer.

[ProTourGSX]

It's better to have traction & handling improvement (suspension upgrades) and not need it, then need it & not have it!

If you have questions, ask Ramey or the guys at UMI Performance to help you, as they've helped me put together an affordable combination for my (soon to be) street driven '70 Buick GS Stage 1, which should be similar to your GTO project!

[Sarge]

Ok, guys its been a while since I have been on. I have been looking into the suspension packages and have possibly narrowed it down to UMI stage 4 or Speed Tech Track Time Package. I am hoping that I can get some reviews on these two for some of you? I am currently running the CPP brake system and will be upgrading to 18" Bose Force wheels. Thx.

[BMR Sales]

I know Rich was replying to this Thread previously (he moved back to Ohio), but I can do Custom Packages for you above our Stage 2 Offering.

T.C.

[Dusted]

Ramey is a good guy. I just ordered the Stage 2 kit for my 72 Cutlass. Make sure to read the instruction on install. I was out of town and took my to Kin Dig It, They build art work but couldn't some how figure out how to put this kit on, I doubt they read the instructions. I looked at the installation pics online super easy.