ExtReme '69 GTO by Speedtech

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Hey everyone- You've heard of our new ExtReme C10 full frames as seen in our '67 C10 shop truck. Without major tuning it handled so well it took 1st place trophies it's first time on the track. Click here to see it...

Then came our ExtReme subframes for Camaros and Novas which have been flying out of the warehouse and will soon be popping up at events. Click here to check them out!

Now that same awesome totally new suspension is underway for '64-72 A body cars!

Our first test car for the '68-72 A bodies is this beautiful '69 GTO project brought up by Tony from Las Vegas. Starting with a shell in great shape, we'll be dropping the GM chassis out and replacing it with our new ExtReme full chassis, including the same geometry/ front suspension as the C10 and the subframes, and out back will be our famous Torque Arm!

Some may ask why not leave well enough alone. Well, we're not after "well enough" in our suspension design, we want to see our customers win races rather than just participate. We all know that the triangulated 4 link with a few tweaks does ok in handling, but it still has issues with bind and potential for wheel hop. The Torque Arm on the other hand allows for less bind in a greater amount of articulation, and won't disrupt handling by maxing out. It also allows adjustable ride height, roll center, pinion angle, instant center, and wheelbase.



Here's my Photoshop rendering to get the ball rolling...

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Some more before shots....







Not only will this GTO have a killer suspension, the drivetrain is in normal Speedtech fashion, plenty of power. Tony brought up this stroked LS2 packing boost by way of a Whipple supercharger going through Trick Flow heads. Woohoo, GT-go!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

And the tear down begins. Stay tuned for more...

[slimjim]

This is going to be awesome!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Thanks Jim!

[Ron Sutton]

Being an old Pontiac guy, I love the '68-'70 GTOs. Sweet!





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[andrewb70]

Looking forward to this.

What size tire do you think you can get on an A-body with your frame?

Also, what sort of anti-squat properties does the rear suspension have? I realize that optimized handling is the point, but I do like going drag racing on occasion.

Andrew

[Ron Sutton]

Looking forward to this.

What size tire do you think you can get on an A-body with your frame?

Also, what sort of anti-squat properties does the rear suspension have? I realize that optimized handling is the point, but I do like going drag racing on occasion.

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

The chassis, suspension & frame are all designed to be optimum with a 315/30/18 front tire. While you can run larger in the rear, for handling purposes, I suggest the same 315/30/18 in the rear too. The eXtreme full chassis for the A-Body has all the same benefits as the F-Body clip we've been discussing. The dimensions are slightly different to achieve that optimization for the A-Body, so the result is the same.

As far as the Speedtech Torque Arm set-up in the full chassis, it will have 60% anti-squat.

[Crashflow]

Beautiful Gto. Can't wait to watch this unfold.

[Nicks67GTO]

Sweet. I'll be checking in. 69 gto's are a favorite of mine.

[csouth]

That will be hot! Looking forward to seeing this done...

[andrewb70]

Hi Andrew,

The chassis, suspension & frame are all designed to be optimum with a 315/30/18 front tire. While you can run larger in the rear, for handling purposes, I suggest the same 315/30/18 in the rear too. The eXtreme full chassis for the A-Body has all the same benefits as the F-Body clip we've been discussing. The dimensions are slightly different to achieve that optimization for the A-Body, so the result is the same.

As far as the Speedtech Torque Arm set-up in the full chassis, it will have 60% anti-squat.

Thanks for the info Ron. I like the idea of running a square set-up for tires, maybe 305/30-19s all the way around like the new Z28...

Andrew

[Godbolt]

Great stuff.

By the way, where did you get those valve covers?

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Thanks for the compliments everyone. We wish we could claim responsibility for the car itself, it really is pretty. At least we can be proud of the beauty of what will be underneath.

The valve covers came with the engine so we don't have any info on them at this point.

So far the plan is this car will have 19s in the front but the customer hasn't decided whether to do 19s or 20s out back. We'll keep everyone posted as things unfold.

Thanks for chiming in Ron!

[Later-A-body]

He should skip the 20's in back.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

I'm a more practical kind of guy, meaning cars were created to be beat on on a track, so I'm not into bling bling and big wheels, fat 18s and sticky tires suit me fine. But with the right stance I think this body style can get away with 20's out back and look good. If it's close to the rendering we nailed it and it'll be pretty wicked.

Another GTO on 20s...
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...563d37149b.jpg

[69Goat]

69 GTO's have always been my favorite. Car looks awesome. Can't wait to see finished product.

[andrewb70]

Any updates on this?

Andrew

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Thanks for asking. We had the prototype frame in the car but felt we needed to make some minor final rear frame rail fitment adjustments to make it perfect. At this point are waiting for the updated plates from the laser cutter so we can assemble it again and anticipate this will be our last revision before production. We're estimating about 2 weeks to have it on the ground again. Once we know it fits the way we want I'll start posting pics, so thanks again for the interest and hang tight, more coming soon.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Out with the old. You can see what a factory frame minus springs looks like. That's not far off from the ride height potential the ExtReme frame has.



To prepare to swallow 345s out back a mintub was in order. Also note the contoured rear sheet metal removed and the insert that we provide to better conform to the shape of the new frame rails and suspension.





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First mock ups of prototype frame...









- - - Updated - - -

Because this chassis has such a low ride height we have created and added to our production lineup a high clearance complete trans tunnel insert. It comes in three main pieces that are easily fitted and welded into the floor.