Which front subframe? 69 Camaro

[Randyn]

Hello,

I'm new to your site and it seems to be really great. I'm looking to build a Gmachine and was hoping that you guys could reccomend a front frame.

I know that martz ect is out there. Which do you consider to be the best one.

Thanks
Randy

[67bird]

I think your best bet is to check out Tony Huntimer's GM pro-touring book. It gives a good description of what is out there and the pro's and con's of each. It will probably come down to what you can afford, wow factor, and performance capability that you are wanting. There are also some other options like the DSE coilover conversion for a stock frame as well as the ATS AFX spindle that is coming out.

[Andrew McBride]

for an aftermarket subframe a lot of guys would say http://www.waynedue.com/

I think this is a great complete subframe as well:
http://www.21stcenturystreetmachines...item=subframes

I don't know what your budget is, but most of the guys modify their stock subframe with the Guldstrand Modification, tubular uppers, ATS has some cool looking spindles. The sky is the limit if you are dealing with a first gen camaro.
http://www.scandc.com/
www.speedtech-performance.com
www.detroitspeed.com
www.globalwest.net
http://www.t56kit.com
www.hotchkis.net
Edit: I second Tony's book. It is a great resource. You can pick it up online or at your local book stores.

[ATAK, Inc.]

I am currently waiting for my Wayne Due C-4 frame, due here in about 2 weeks. This frame had several issues when it first came out (bump steer, tire clearance, or something like that), but all have been resolved.

Cool factor/Pros:
Cast aluminum Corvette susprnsion pieces, coil-overs, rack & pinion, and plenty of room for an accessorized (sp) LS1/T56, all of which I am going to install. Plus it cuts about 100 to 150 pounds off the front of the car.

Cons: $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Extra Cons: More $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Still, just under $4k complete (oops, forgot powdercoat), ok, just over $4k.
ATAK

[Randyn]

Thanks for the replys. I just visited the 21st site. holy**** is that front c5 set up badass. Expensive too! Seems incredible. What about the back though?


Thanks

Randy

[Q ship]

What about the back though?

Randy

Randy, you are fortunate to have a popular car, you have a lot of choices for suspension. I don't have first hand knowledge of alot of the setups that are available, but to my mind the best setup for a solid axle rearend is a 3-link or torque arm suspension. I don't know of anyone doing a torque arm for early chevy's (they are very popular with high performance Fox Mustangs), but there is a 3-link in the works. One of our members(Mean69) is head of a company named Lateral Dynamics, and they are supposed to be on the brink of unveiling a truly track-worthy rear suspension. Hopefully he will be in here soon, he can explain the system and why it is better with far greater knowledge than I have.

There is also a 4 link setup from Detroit Speed that is sure to be mentioned. I suggest you do what I have done and do some research on the internet or in suspension books to fully understand the pros and cons of each type of setup. You can make any type of setup "work" with enough pushing and shoving, but nothing beats a "theoretically" correct starting point!

An important question to ask yourself is what you want out of the car. Do you want to do little more than cruise around on the streets or do you really want to push the car (and yourself) on the track? That and your budget will give you a better starting point than anything else.

This has been brought up before, but it would really be nice to see a front subframe comparison where it would really show, on track. I have a feeling the stock subframe with suitable mods would hold its own very well.

[rickk]

brian you are wright . check out martzchassia.net

rick kirkindall

[ATAK, Inc.]

I too am still trying to figure out what will go in the rear. air ride tech. has a unequal length 4-link with airbag shocks, supposed to be pretty good. I don't think I will go IRS, but would like to go beyond leaf springs (even though, NASCAR runs w/ leafs, right?). Lots of options, I am still gathering parts for the front, my Wayne Due frame gets delivered on Sat. 10-15, can't wait. I am about 1/2 done with polishing the a-arms, lots of tedious work on those. Underhood look will be brush polished aluminum and satin black, that LS-1 will look nice between those Corvette a-arms!

ATAK

[tom69ptcamaro]

I too am still trying to figure out what will go in the rear. air ride tech. has a unequal length 4-link with airbag shocks, supposed to be pretty good. I don't think I will go IRS, but would like to go beyond leaf springs (even though, NASCAR runs w/ leafs, right?). Lots of options, I am still gathering parts for the front, my Wayne Due frame gets delivered on Sat. 10-15, can't wait. I am about 1/2 done with polishing the a-arms, lots of tedious work on those. Underhood look will be brush polished aluminum and satin black, that LS-1 will look nice between those Corvette a-arms!

ATAK

ATAK,
I believe NASCAR actually uses Truck Arms (or very long trailing arms). They actually originated in older trucks such as 67-72 Chevy trucks.
www.hotrodstohell.net
I think this was one of the first shops to starts putting the suspension in older cars.

[Randyn]

That rear end set looks awsome. Seems that there should be some cons though. Don't mean to negative, just seems awkward that something so good that is been widely used in nascar would be used so little on street cars. I'm really very very interested. Hopefully someone can comment on this set up who has good experience. Why wouldn't any of the pro's have used this before? Steilow, Foose, ect. Surely they are aware of these.


Please someone educated on suspension chime in. It looks to be the answer to everything. Good ride, great handling, and will make our G-machine hook better. Seems like heaven

Thanks for the great info.

Randy

[tom69ptcamaro]

Randy,
The only experience I have with the suspension is in my 68 Chevy C10. The truck is definately not set up to handle right now though... and it won't be since I'm selling it to do a Camaro.

Some of the cons of the setup in a car are exhaust clearence. It's possible to get it around everything but not easy. Also, hotrodstohell's kit requires cutting out the rear floor pan, I believe to run braces and extra space for the truck arms. Last thing is that the truck arms are very long and fairly heavy.

I'm sure others have more info on geometry and design, but not me....