Handling Expectations - BBC Powered 69 Camaro

[copo9560]

I have posted this at Team Camaro and it was suggested to post here as well. I did some searches here but didn't find what I was looking for. I am new to the Pro-Touring concept and am curious what to expect from a lightly modified car.

I am considering options for making a better weekend driver out of my 69. Not wanting to go full pro-tour here, keeping stock subframe and leaf style rear end. Street machine here, not a race or drag car.



Really looking for handling expectations for a lightly modified car. Considering options as follows, can easily be swayed to different suppliers.

• Detroit Speed Kit front suspension - stock frame, tubular control arms, shocks, coil-over conversion, sway bar, quicker box etc.
• Detroit Speed rear leaf kit
• Gen IV disk brakes
• T56 conversion
• 17 inch wheels/tires that fit in existing wheelwells.
• Engine 427 BBC with aluminum heads and water pump.

My expectations are that this or a similar package would be far superior to the stock stuff - the key question is how good. I daily drive a Gen IV and while the ride could be a little better, the handling/stopping feels 30 years newer than the old gal. Just not sure what to expect with light suspension mods and heavy BBC in the nose. Getting a more modern feel is what I am looking for, just don't want to drop $25K in the process. (the Gen IV will donate the T56 and brakes next year)

Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated.

Tom

[MrQuick]

I have posted this at Team Camaro and it was suggested to post here as well. I did some searches here but didn't find what I was looking for. I am new to the Pro-Touring concept and am curious what to expect from a lightly modified car.

I am considering options for making a better weekend driver out of my 69. Not wanting to go full pro-tour here, keeping stock subframe and leaf style rear end. Street machine here, not a race or drag car.

Really looking for handling expectations for a lightly modified car. Considering options as follows, can easily be swayed to different suppliers.

• Detroit Speed Kit front suspension - stock frame, tubular control arms, shocks, coil-over conversion, sway bar, quicker box etc.
• Detroit Speed rear leaf kit
• Gen IV disk brakes
• T56 conversion
• 17 inch wheels/tires that fit in existing wheelwells.
• Engine 427 BBC with aluminum heads and water pump.

My expectations are that this or a similar package would be far superior to the stock stuff - the key question is how good. I daily drive a Gen IV and while the ride could be a little better, the handling/stopping feels 30 years newer than the old gal. Just not sure what to expect with light suspension mods and heavy BBC in the nose. Getting a more modern feel is what I am looking for, just don't want to drop $25K in the process. (the Gen IV will donate the T56 and brakes next year)

Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated.

Tom

I put a 69 Nova together a few years back, East Bay Muscle did the TKO and rack swap. It was a great car to drive.

2004 C5 front brakes
2001 Camaro rear brakes with parking brake
DSE front bar
Koni shocks all around
Hotchkis springs
ATS (SpeedTech) AFX spindles.

I had stock arms with Global west Del bushings. I had a set of DSE arms but I couln't get them to fit with the Hookers headers. With Iron heads it handeled very well. Steering was tight and stopped great. Total I had about 11K in the car including purchase. You can do it on a budget.

Heres a video of the guy that bought it from the guy I sold it to.

[killer69]

We have done a few in the shop and who knows how many have been purchased for the same combo you are talking about. but I can tell you when they come in I always like to take them for a drive first and it seems the cars with BBC in them are worse that SBC cars. they are all over the road when you get on the gas and then God only knows what is going to happen when you get on the brakes.
After we install our Road Assault package http://www.speedtechperformance.com/...=prod/prd7.htm there is a DRAMATIC improvement in the drivability the car is predictable and does what you tell it to do, as well you have the ability to adjust the ride height and shock damping. if you want to go to the next level we have out GT package http://www.speedtechperformance.com/...rod/prd260.htm
if you have any questions feel free to call us 435-628-4300

[copo9560]

The GT package is interesting - will have to do some research on this one. Thanks for the tip

[TheJDMan]

Tom,
Do yourself a big big favor and just spend some time reading the various suspension threads both here and on Lateral-G.net. There are a LOT of very sharp suspension people on both sites and a LOT of very good suspension options available in the market these days. The more you read the better informed decision you will be able to make.