Z11 Pro Touring Pace Car

[RYANSRYDZ]

My most recent drop off is a 1969 Z11 Pace Car convertible Camaro that my customer wants to pro tour!! All I can think is a "pace car" , guess in my mind , the "holy grail" of convertible camaro's . But the original motor is long gone and it needs a ton of steel work so why not. My question to all is what ideas you might have for building the ultimate pro touring pace car !! I know he is looking at ls1 or ls3 with most likely a supercharger or blower and using a/m subframe and rear suspension , exterior basically stock appearance other than the wheels being bigger and wider and visible brake system changes , mini tub is surly a must and all the associated mods to complete the suspension, but let me hear your ideas and input, we want this car to be top notch and planning a build is key to making the best possible end result!!

[andrewb70]

My most recent drop off is a 1969 Z11 Pace Car convertible Camaro that my customer wants to pro tour!! All I can think is a "pace car" , guess in my mind , the "holy grail" of convertible camaro's . But the original motor is long gone and it needs a ton of steel work so why not. My question to all is what ideas you might have for building the ultimate pro touring pace car !! I know he is looking at ls1 or ls3 with most likely a supercharger or blower and using a/m subframe and rear suspension , exterior basically stock appearance other than the wheels being bigger and wider and visible brake system changes , mini tub is surly a must and all the associated mods to complete the suspension, but let me hear your ideas and input, we want this car to be top notch and planning a build is key to making the best possible end result!!

Given that it is a convertible, there is no reason to get crazy. I would focus on refinement over ultimate performance. This will also save the customer money, unless he just wants certain things for looks. For instance, he doesn't really need 14" rotors and giant 6 piston calipers, as a set of 13" C6 brakes with floating calipers would do the job, but he might want more for looks. With a convertible, I would also look for places where the chassis can be stiffened and focus on reducing unsprung weight. Reducing unsprung weight makes the chassis components function at their optimal level which simultaneously improves ride quality AND handling.

Andrew

[RYANSRYDZ]

Looking for input on brands of chassis components, pros and cons of each.

[RYANSRYDZ]

Really feel like 4 link with panhard bar is the best route to go for the rear, but not sure the best vendor for the set up , or if it is better to build your own to ensure everything works better??

[NJSPEEDER]

A nice chassis like what Schwartz offers would take care of all the suspension and stiffen the body up a lot all in one shot. Since you are already doing metal work you are probably already touching some of what is involved in the chassis install anyway.

-Tim

[TheJDMan]

Really feel like 4 link with panhard bar is the best route to go for the rear, but not sure the best vendor for the set up , or if it is better to build your own to ensure everything works better??

Before making any decisions spend some time reading the suspension threads. Building a suspension from scratch is the absolute last thing I would recommend given the quality choices that are available in the market these days. A parallel 4bar with a panhard bar is more suitable for drag racing. However, a triangulated 4link like the ones offered by ridetech or Chassisworks are a much better option for improved handling. One of the first decisions you need to make is if you plan to reuse the stock subframe or install an aftermarket subframe. If you decide to keep the stock subframe then I recommend you take a look at a complete Ridetech suspension package. If you want an aftermarket subframe take a look at Detroit Speed.

[RYANSRYDZ]

It seems like ride tech is gonna be in it somewhere, they are affiliated with a lot of different manufacturers from what I'm seeing, the rear is kind of where I'm running into issues in a good clean reliable set up, I really like the design by art Morris that replaces the factory frame rails apparently, it looks like a good clean rail replacement and the triangulated 4 link is a proven performer, I like the Schwartz set up too but just want to be sure to weigh all the options, thanks to all for your input, keep it coming!!! The more info I have the better.

[RYANSRYDZ]

Update, got all the Powertrain out of the car yesterday and getting ready to set it up on the jig. Still not sure on which components we want to use but really like the art Morrison rear setup, has any one used this on your car? It looks as though it replaces the rear factory rails as part of the install , advertised as able to carry the 335 tire with their 3 inch wider mini tubs. Really need more input so please chime in if you have seen or used this setup, preferred the triangulated 4 link over the watts link

[Mkelcy]

As compared to the 3 link, the triangulated is a bit of a compromise. One of their engineers is a member here under the name "silver69camaro." You might PM him for his views or call AME and ask for him, his name is Matt Jones..

[BMR Sales]

I believe our Torque Arm Kit with Watts Link is one of the Best Systems out there. Only thing is with a Convertible there are some modifications that need to be done.

[RYANSRYDZ]

Id like to post some pics but evidently am not able, lol

[RYANSRYDZ]

Here is the jig built to factory specs , at least all the underbody, but were adding a cage on exterior to locate critical points

[RYANSRYDZ]

I believe our Torque Arm Kit with Watts Link is one of the Best Systems out there. Only thing is with a Convertible there are some modifications that need to be done.

We looked at them and I like the look , what kind of modifications are necessary, I really hate the thought of chopping up the frame rails for the mini tubs , I guess that's why the Ame appealed to me, I have even considered trying to move the rails inward to avoid loss of strength, just can't compromise safety but not made a final decision yet so I'm all ears!!

[RYANSRYDZ]

more of a time line in build on " project updates " thread posted with more pics