A Potential Frankenstein 1970 Skylark

[Yanchik]

The hunt for increased handling and performance is one that never stops.
My father who is both a mechanic and engineer insists to swap in an independent rear suspension onto my 1970 Skylark. But not just any independent rear suspension; a 2010-2015 Camaro SS IRS.

Rear Track width on 1970 Skylark: 59 inches
Rear Track width on 2010-2015 Camaro SS: 63.7 inches



I don’t doubt his skills, but it just blew my mind he’d even think of something like this. What are your guys thoughts on this this potential Frankenstein?

[raustinss]

its heavy ...can help with the balance thou. most certainly can be done . as a A body owner id love to see this happen

[Yanchik]

its heavy ...can help with the balance thou. most certainly can be done . as a A body owner id love to see this happen

I’d like to see it happen as well, I’ll start posting pictures to this thread once the project starts

[chuckd71]

I just bought a 9 inch from someone working on something similar and there was a guy around Nashville doing the same thing years ago. Tons of people discuss it, but few actually do. As for thoughts on it - if you have money and time why not try?

[Yanchik]

The read end is like $600. Compared to the aftermarket once’s for the A bodies which cost like 8-10k, it’s amazing. Just lots of fabrication to be done

- - - Updated - - -

Correct sir. That’s the first thing I thought of as well. Drive shaft will have to be custom too.

[1989GTA]

If it works you will have to by rear wheels with about 2.35" more wheel offset.

[ProTouring442]

I am installing a Lincoln Mark VIII IRS in the back of my '72 Cutlass/442. Nothing to report as of yet, however (still moving in to the new house/garage).

[cornfedbill]

It is a very good rear end and will help handling if installed properly. But unless you plan to compete at a high level, there are live axle options that will give you most of the performance of the Camaro IRS.

[Randy67]

Comparing track widths can be a bit deceptive. A 2010-15 Camaro SS is 75.5" wide at the rear body, while a 1970 Skylark is 77" wide. So the bodywork is wide enough to do it. Is is worth doing? Maybe, maybe not, but that decision is up to your Dad.

[mikedc]

It is a very good rear end and will help handling if installed properly. But unless you plan to compete at a high level, there are live axle options that will give you most of the performance of the Camaro IRS.

This.

Whatever you do, the front & rear suspensions need to get along with each other. In the case of an IRS you are changing the geometry too. Consider what the swap is doing to the car's rear roll center height and the overall roll axis (the height/angle of the imaginary line between the front & rear RCs).