Heidt's 1st gen Camaro Subframe

[CamaroLance]

I have been researching subframes for awhile and have yet to find any pictures of the heidt's subframe installed in a car. Actually every time I do a search it seems like everybody changes the subject to a subframe that cost twice as much. I called Heidt's and they sent me these pictures. Hopefully they don't mind me sharing, but here they are. What do you guys think?

I'm really considering this clip. I don't have a DSE or art morrison budget, so those are out of the question. I have the Heidt's 4-link and it seems to be very well constructed.

[wendell]

What attribute does that Hiedit's frame have that you want?

[CamaroLance]

Well I'm not planning any autocrossing or racing of any sort. I just want something that looks really good, and that will handle similar to a C4 vette. This will be a strictly weekend cruiser.
That said, I like the price of the Heidt's, and I like the looks of it. From what I've seen, they seem to make quality products. They claim it handles tremendously awesome... Of course that's sales talk. Unfortunately, there is no data or testing results for this setup. I'm absolutely sure it would be everything I ever needed, but I'm not sure if it's the best in this particular price range. I also considered TCI, but they also can't give you much technical data. Then there's martz and fatman, but they don't look any nicer than this setup to me.

[68Formula]

You have a PM.

[CamaroLance]

Well if I'm going to be dropping 4k on a suspension, it sure has hell better look good too. Let me guess, you think I should get a second job and buy a DSE clip?

[cheapthrillz]

I was looking at this subframe a few months ago too. I haven't heard of anybody using it on here. I wouldn't mind knowing how well it performs, because 4k for rack and pinion, tubular uca and lca,billet adjustable coilovers, 11" brakes, and tall drop spindles doesn't sounds like a bad deal to me!

[TitoJones]

Lower control arm is in single sheer. Bad news.

If you want handling, throw a set of tall AFX spindles, Global West or SC&C upper control arms, Del-a-lum bushings in factory lowers, and a great set of springs/shocks and you will have the handling you want.

Tyler

[jknight16]

Wow, good call Tyler. Strange that they would do that. Almost makes it look like the LCA mounting was an afterthought...

[BonzoHansen]

Lower control arm is in single sheer. Bad news

Can some one please explain this in layman's terms?

Edit: do you mean the way it is bolted to the SF, with no bracket on both sides of the arm mouting point?

Single Shear: -|ARM

Double Sheer (?): -|ARM|-

[68fusion]

Not to bash Heidts but we put this in a customers car and was not happy with it at all. There were several "clearance" issues that should not be there. The coilover/spring was 1/16 away from the rail. When we installed the rack the lines rest against the "extra" crossmember. No provision for the ebrake cable and no brake tabs. Had trouble with fender alignment due to the angle or placement of body mounts at firewall. There is NO bushing left on the rad support, to allow the fenders to fall without pressure being applied to take them back to rocker. I like aftermarket subs but for the money I would clean/paint, arms and ats spindle the stock one! Other than the rack I cant think of one advantage....

[cheapthrillz]

Sounds like good answers!

[wendell]

Well if I'm going to be dropping 4k on a suspension, it sure has hell better look good too. Let me guess, you think I should get a second job and buy a DSE clip?

If this was directed at me then you're about as far off base as you can be.

[CamaroLance]

Wendell, that was a response to a post that's since been deleted. No worries.

[ProdigyCustoms]

I have had one in the shop, but did not install it. Sold it and used another brand, If you are on a budget I would take Tylers advise and build up a stock frame, which you can build a nice stock subframe.

Or look to one of the less expensive subframes that are actually great products like Speedtech. I ordered a couple SpeedTech Sunframes and have some special pricing, they are ready to go and can deliver them to your door for $5000. You will spend $3000 building up your original frame.

Chris Alston is another good frame for the money, depending on options the CA can be done for $4500 to $5500.

IMHO, Heidts, FatMan, Martz, Scotts, TCI, and any other budget subframe is a "worth what you pay for it product".

[markd]

I had the same dilemma a few months ago! I spent a lot of time researching online and even visited a well know manufacture, before I made my final decision.

I was looking to buy a complete front sub-frame and rear in one shot to save time and shipping costs. I also wanted the ability to somewhat customize the frame to meet my specific needs. I have to say that everyone I spoke to and met, were very nice and they all tired to help me out. Surprisingly, most of the prices were in the same price range. Although, there were a few that where in the $12k to $18k range. I tried not to make money a deciding factor and looked for what I thought best met my needs.

In the end, I decided to buy from Chris Alston’s Chassisworks: http://www.cachassisworks.com/cac_library_7701.html

I spoke to Carl at Chassisworks works and he walked my through a very detailed process to determine what I needed and didn’t need based on what my intent was with the vehicle.

Since, I am building the car in my garage I was looking for a company that had a proven track record and one that I was comfortable with to answer all my questions. I found a few articles on their website outlining the build. They also have very detailed instructions how to assemble everything. Which I felt was important, since I never replaced a front sub-frame before.

The articles: http://www.cachassisworks.com/cac_how_to.html

I ordered the frame last month and it arrived at my local UPS hub in about 2 ½ weeks. I saved about $50 by picking it up at the UPS hub. It was actually easier to do it this way, because they used a forklift to put it in my truck.

I will start assembling the sub-frame in about two weeks and will document and post updates here on the forum

Hope this helps!



Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Chassisworks. I am just an average Joe trying to build a 69 Camaro in his garage and the above are only my opinions

[ProdigyCustoms]

The whole damn thing is just to light and flexable. It does not take any science or math to to see this. You can just look at it and see it is not built for our purposes. I am not really sure what it's purpose is except change for the sake of change.

[Vegas69]

It's as simple as leverage. You have 4 inches of bolt hanging out of the frame VS being supported on both sides. If you want a good sub I have a complete freshly restored original with all the DSE goodies for 2k less than that pile o chit. It's at Franks shop ready to be picked up.

[CamaroLance]

Frank, I've been thinking more about that Speedtech subframe that you mentioned for 5k shipped. Could you give me details of what that includes. Does it have brakes? If not, what kind of spindles does it use. I have wilwoods for my gm spindles. Will they work with that? Pictures of what I would be getting would be great!

[ProdigyCustoms]

Give me a call Lance. It is better to discuss over the phone.

four zero seven 832 1752

[Danny Thomas]

Any comments on the new Art Morrison subframe. Seems to be about $2k less than DSE