68 Camaro bolt in subframe

[Travis104]

I am going to upgrade the suspension on my 68 Camaro. I had a previous post about the TCI subframe, but after looking at the install I at U ruins, it's not as much of a bolt in kit as I thought. You also have to replace the steering column.
I need to buy a new subframe regardless, whether that be stock replacement or aftermarket. I was looking at the hotchkis complete subframe as that looks to be direct bolt in. Are there any other complete subframes with steering components for under 6k that is bolt in? I have read a ton of different articles and posts, but nothing has been too recent, and some "bolt in" kits actually mean drilling holes and adding new boots, and I would like to keep stock mounting points.
i will also be purchasing new rear suspension to match whatever the front may be.

[killer69]

there sure is.

http://www.speedtechperformance.com/...=prod/prd8.htm

4599.00 you can use your existing column, you would need to add a shaft kit and possibly headers and body mounts to complete the install.
uses your existing spindles.

[dhutton]

The Hotchkis subframe is just a stock subframe with their stuff bolted to it as far as I know. Can probably do the same for less....

Don

[F-Body International]

What's wrong with building the original frame? Are there issues with it? You can build a nice leaf spring setup for the rear.

[Travis104]

The original subframe is rusty and the back portion is dented from people jacking the car up. Figured I was better off just replacing it. I have been looking at th tvs kit, the speed kit from DSE, and the ride tech street grip kit. I want to lower the car about 3 inches, but have also been looking at the tru turn kit. It seems with the tru turn kit, you have to use 2 inch drop spindles, so not sure how that will work with the other kits.
When I was considering the hotchkis kit, I thought it would qualify for a Black Friday type sale, but the subframes are excluded.

[F-Body International]

It seems as though budget is a concern in your situation Travis. All the brands listed have improvements to be made over stock but I would try looking up Pro-Touring F-Body if you're on a budget. DSE and Speedtech have great replacement frames but there's a cost. You might just be best off buying performance parts and making repair to your original frame if need be.

[dhutton]

It seems as though budget is a concern in your situation Travis. All the brands listed have improvements to be made over stock but I would try looking up Pro-Touring F-Body if you're on a budget. DSE and Speedtech have great replacement frames but there's a cost. You might just be best off buying performance parts and making repair to your original frame if need be.

Has Pro-Touring F Body fixed his delivery times? Does he answer his phone and emails now?

Don

[TheJDMan]

Has Pro-Touring F Body fixed his delivery times? Does he answer his phone and emails now?

Don

Is he a PT sponsor?

[F-Body International]

Has Pro-Touring F Body fixed his delivery times? Does he answer his phone and emails now?

Don

I live near the PTFB shop and Dave is building my subframe. I talk to him on the phone everyday and every time I go to the shop he's shipping parts. I've even driven with him to FedEx a bunch of times.

Is PTFB not allowed to be talked about unless it's negative on this forum? Is this due to sponsorship?

[ra11ysport]

there sure is.

http://www.speedtechperformance.com/...=prod/prd8.htm

4599.00 you can use your existing column, you would need to add a shaft kit and possibly headers and body mounts to complete the install.
uses your existing spindles.

If i had to do it over again i would of bought this package. Fighting aftermarket components on an OEM frame can be hell.......

[F-Body International]

If i had to do it over again i would of bought this package. Fighting aftermarket components on an OEM frame can be hell.......

Nothing wrong with buying an aftermarket frame as long as the budget is there. Most of us have to live with building up our original frames because of budget.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Keep in mind the frames like the Speedctech Pro Touring frame also have design advantages over the factory frame that greatly improve performance. When you buy one you're not spending that hard earned $ on just a replacement frame, you're paying for all those geometry and component design upgrades. Add to that greater tuneability and more room for Pro Touring sized wheels and tires and that cost begins to seem not so hard on the wallet to those watching their budget a little more closely. Investing in something like this has a greater dollar per performance value, increases the fun factor a great deal, and also increases the car's overall value.

[TheJDMan]

Just remember, you get exactly what you pay for. A cheap subframe is cheap for a reason be it engineering, design or material. I can virtually guarantee you that the PTFB sub will never perform to the same level as a Speedtech or DSE. It simply does not have the engineering behind the design. I would also bet that you will have all sorts of suspension installation issues. But hey, it's your choice and you can deal with it.

[F-Body International]

You guys have to realize that Dave from PTFB understands that there are limitations with stock subframe geometry and leaf spring suspension. It's aggravating when I see people post negative stuff about PTFB like found on this thread. He knows what needs correcting/updating on an early F-Body suspension and does offer honest up front customer service. I live near the PTFB shop and have had the chance to talk with him a lot on these subjects. I will tell you guys that he's not the most computer-tech savvy guy in the world but definitely knows how to answer the phone and make some great parts. He's actually working on installing coil-overs, control arms and all the PTFB goodies on my factory subframe as we speak. I'm not here to say PTFB is the best ever but Dave's stuff is well priced and performs pretty damn well. The car PTFB sponsors which is driven Travis Hartwell has done a great job on the track. That car has won at autocross events but it's just not as publicized as others.

The main advantage of having an aftermarket subframe and mini tubs on a F-Body is it creates room for large tires. Again, you don't need to get away from leaf springs to have a tubbed car with big tires. DSE has a well priced minitub kit that utilizes leaf springs. DSE and Speedtech have some pretty badass subframes that can fit some monster tires up front as well.

I'll post another thread soon so you guys can see how my subframe gets built and modified by Dave at Pro-Touring F-Body. I have a pretty cool paint scheme that is planned to match my car.

[76blackbird]

I have made three orders in the last 3 months with PTFB and the parts arrived within 4-7 days that's fast shipping for me.