RedZed Reloaded

[Ben@SpeedTech]

The factory console does need to be modified slightly, the front corners need to be trimmed to allow the console to go around the tunnel cover and one inner bracket needs to be removed.





After trimming...

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Moving back to the rear, RedZed used to roll on a GM 12 bolt rear axle, but with all the changes it was decided to convert to the stronger 9" that's available with our Torque Arm packages. Dutchman supplies our rear axles and we couldn't be happier with them. They custom build them to our specs with your choice of width and gears. Short of going with our full floater axle, Roger opted for all the upgrades including billet 1350 yoke, billet front bearing support, Dutchman's cool Super Set 20 double bearing housing ends, internal axle seals, pro Street axle shafts, True Trac diff and 3.89 gears. The axle housing was narrowed 4" from stock and on the long ends front matching 14" discs and 6 piston Baers with internal park brakes button things up.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Roger kept the panhard bar from the old system, back in the day they were clear anodized and that matches some trim on the car. Now we powdercoat them black to match the rest of the torque arm parts. The first pic here illustrates how the Torque arm bolts to the axle- there are two small brackets on the center of the housing and a super strong billet mount that bolts over the pinion support.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

With a front suspension as refined as this one you have to back it up with something pretty special. From the get go our Torque Arm has always performed beyond what was expected and unlike leafs or 4 links creates a near bind free 3 link style suspension that operates incredibly smooth on the road and supports and follows the front suspension with exactness and grace on the race track. It shines on both the autoX and the road course so we're confident in pairing it up with our new ExtReme chassis and subframes. We've gone this route with our C10 chassis systems and our shop truck has gotten three first place wins at it's three events attended so far. It works so good we're even putting it in our new Chevelle and Tri-5 chassis rather than the typical 4 link.

Our torque arm is made of a special higher strength steel and is internally gusseted for superior strength in a small, clean, easy to install package that isn't cumbersome and leaves room for large tube exhaust routing. Not only does this kit hang the rear suspension, it includes an upper crossmember that's integrated into and strengthens the rear frame rails, and essentially the entire rear half of the car. Our system takes on average 8 hours to install and uses existing mounting points. In comparison some 4 link systems take up to 40 hours to install and include cutting up the floor and rear seat. With all the conveniences of the Torque Arm backed by it's performance it's no wonder we sell so many of them. In RedZed's case the main center arm got powdercoated to match the subframe and wheel centers.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

At this point it's probably fitting to look at wheel and tire fitment. Choice of wheels were Forgeline GZ3, 18x11 up front with 8.5" BS, and 18x11.5 out back with 6" BS. 315-30-18 Falkens all around. The rear also uses 3/4" spacers so in the future there's still room to jump up to a 335 on a 12" out back.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

More turny/ clearance shots...







This one below looks like it's rubbing the arm but it's not. At full lock it will polish the paint off the arm but that's beyond 30 degrees of steering angle. In most race venues 28 degrees is about all you'll ever need.



Back on it's feet...

[Bowtie racing]

Really intresting new suspension tech. I just cant see the pics, could be my Ipad..

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Bowtie- Thanks! I bet your pad's fine, it's likely because Photobucket has decided to become handicapped lately. You can see many of the pics by clicking HERE for our photo gallery on our website. Just scroll down to RedZed. The cars are ordered by year, RZ is a 69.

[minendrews68]

Very nice build Ben, Looking good!

[Bowtie racing]

Thanks Ben. Pics are up and this is really impressive!!

[sheck44]

Roger should be VERY happy with this !! Nicely done ...
Cheers
Steve