Horsepower Vs. Suspension

[Rogue67]

I have a 67 camaro which I just recently swapped the original 6 cyl 3 speed for a 350 combo. Since the swap I got a new job making decent money and am ready to start making serious upgrades. The 350 has maybe 3,000mi since the rebuild. It's a 86 350 out of a chevy truck and has been freshly rebuilt with all stock components. I am wondering if you guys have and opinions on where I should start putting my money. Everything suspension wise is stock except for the rubbers and ball joints which I replaced during the swap. The motor runs fine, no starting issues, no leaks etc. which is deterring me from messing with it and possibly causing issues. What are your opinions/suggestions?? I want to drive the car and enjoy it, track it at local meets and shows, just having a few decision making problems with where I want my money to go lol.. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated..

- Dylan

[shizzy]

I wouldn't spend a penny on the engine. I've had more than one car with more engine than the brakes or suspension could handle. 500 HP with factory drums on all 4 corners on the street? Been there done that.

[LeighP]

Brakes, suspension, steering, decent seat belts, seats that will actually hold your backside in the seat.
With a good engine in it, I'd do all the above first!

Research is the key...there are so many options out there, decide what you want your car to do, then research the options. You'll be much happier with the final result if you're honest with yourself over the intended use of the car. :)

[Schwartz Performance]

I agree with LeighP!
Doesn't matter how much hp you have all the time.. It's how much speed you can sustain through a corner. This applies to smaller autocross courses. If you want to road race the car, then you'll eventually need and want more power to get out of the turn. But do what LeighP says and you'll be happy for a while! Think of the safety aspect too. Bigger brakes and better suspension are important.

[Thephranc]

Power is nothing with out control.

[tommycomfort]

Dylan,
Congrats on the new job with better pay! Throwing money at suspension and brakes is definitely the direction I would go also. With our Chevelle we spent money on individual suspension parts from every manufacturer until finally biting the bullet and going with one complete kit from DSE. Make no mistake, you can get the mix-match of parts to work very well, but in my opinion saving for a little bit and buying good American made parts that are designed to work together is the way to go. Also, don't forget to set aside some money to improve your driving skills while you upgrade the car. We've gone through massive upgrades on both our 66 Chevelle and 64 wagon over the last three years but none have been as huge as seat time and good solid instruction.

[cornfedbill]

Ditto. Suspension and brakes first.

[Roadrage David]

talking about brakes chek this! best brakes in the industry. https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?98857-BRAKE-MAN-BRAKES-racing-pedigree-GT1-champion-winning-brakes

[Rogue67]

Thanks guys, I have been debating on this for quite a while.. Suspension is really where I want to go but you know how it is when your 20 with a hot rod, you wanna haul ass lol.. But like most of you said do with the car what will fit me most.. I will get more fun out of driving with beig able to turn hard and enjoy the car more than just going fast ( which is fun too).. It's just hard to decide when you have 1,000 people pulling you 1,000 directions haha.. But I think you guys have made up my mind haha I have disc brakes in the front but they could be upgraded, seatbelts are stock and they are most important of all, I agree with suspension first, especially when the motor is new : ) thanks guys for the input.. Now where do you guys suggest I start ( sway bar, control arms, subframe connectors, etc)???

[dontlifttoshift]

Now where do you guys suggest I start ( sway bar, control arms, subframe connectors, etc)???

Seat time. Drive your car. Go autocross. Figure out what you can do. Figure out what your car can do. Go from there.

After the driver, tires are the MOST IMPORTANT part of the handling equation. They are the only connection between your car and the pavement. All the hard parts just make the car easier to drive and keep the tires happy through wheel control (springs and shocks) and contact patch (camber curves and geometry correction).

After you figure out what you want out of your car (after some seat time) come up with a long term plan and assemble a parts list that will get you there. Buy parts on that list and install. Don't buy parts because they are a deal unless they are EXACTLY what you want.

[Rogue67]

Seat time. Drive your car. Go autocross. Figure out what you can do. Figure out what your car can do. Go from there.

After the driver, tires are the MOST IMPORTANT part of the handling equation. They are the only connection between your car and the pavement. All the hard parts just make the car easier to drive and keep the tires happy through wheel control (springs and shocks) and contact patch (camber curves and geometry correction).

After you figure out what you want out of your car (after some seat time) come up with a long term plan and assemble a parts list that will get you there. Buy parts on that list and install. Don't buy parts because they are a deal unless they are EXACTLY what you want.

I'm looking to get some seat time at local events here in SoCal, but am a little hesitant on how my car will do. I know it will be nothing like the rest and its a little intimidating lol.. I want to try and catch a ride with someone to see what it's like.. And maybe that will help me decide which route to go on first with my suspension upgrades

[mpozzi]

Suspension, steering, and brakes. Then wheels and tires. Find good seats and harness. Then drive it on the street, at local Autocross events, take in Run/Return to the Coast, hit a few local track days, and then decide what improvements to the drivetrain are best.

There's a lot going on throughout California and feel free to catch a ride with any of us that have paved the way already.

Mary Pozzi

[Rogue67]

Suspension, steering, and brakes. Then wheels and tires. Find good seats and harness. Then drive it on the street, at local Autocross events, take in Run/Return to the Coast, hit a few local track days, and then decide what improvements to the drivetrain are best.

There's a lot going on throughout California and feel free to catch a ride with any of us that have paved the way already.

Mary Pozzi

Thanks Mary, I've been driving it a lot lately trying to figure out what will improve certain aspects. I have been trying to come out to events lately but work is killing me, I'm trying to come out to the autocross series in marina coming up and check it out.. I would love to take a ride on your camaro If your going to be there.. I just installed racing bucket sets and a new 5 point harness ( roll cage is on order) then I'm on a start signing up for events.. Thanks again for the input..

[Zspoiler]

Suspension and brakes first. Make sure the car is safe to drive first. For you and the rest of the people on the road as well.You can add more horsepower down the road later.And learn to drive the car gradually. I have seen to many idiots add to much power than the car was built for. It can scare the Sh*t out of you.And you never drive the car again or get you into an accident.Wreck the car.(expensive) or hurt you and or some one else.(VERY EXPENSIVE) GOOD LUCK on your project.