Subframes DSE vs AME Which way to Go

[XLexusTech]

After reading a great side by side listing of the various playes in the subframes space http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=11097

I have narrowed down the field to the DSE or the AME frames for my Gen I camaro.
I am leading toward AME beacause of the C6 componants (I like them better then propertiary ones) and the fact that you dont need any adapter plates to run an LS engine (please correct me if I am wrong) on the AME and you do @ another cost with DSE.

I believe the AME sub is lighter then the DSE (please correct me if I am wrong).
The reality is ther both more Sub then I will need but I want to see if thier is a good reason to go one way or the other.

[dhutton]

Not sure what you mean by adaptor plates but you do need to bolt mounting plates to the LSx block which you then bolt the engine mounts to with the AME subframe. The AME ones are machined aluminum with their logo on them, they look good for what it's worth.

Don

[silver69camaro]

Like Don said, adapters are needed. It's an important feature IMO because a LS-only clip will not allow you to switch to a traditional engine later down the road. The flexability is nice to have.

We tell everybody is all comes down to looks. If you like the OEM look, consider DSE. Perhaps AME if you like the "fabbed" appearance. Both clips have excellent designs and fantastic build quality.

And each has a matching rear suspension too.

[wiedemab]

I think it says a lot about both AME and DSE that they will come out and say that hey - We both feel like we have a great product that will perform up to and above your expectations. Both companies have great people as well.

As it was stated - it comes down to the look you are going for.

Tough decision though - Good Luck

[dolf]

Take a good look at Jakes as well. May narrow it down to AME and his. Here is a thread with some info on it.

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=46774

[XLexusTech]

Like Don said, adapters are needed. It's an important feature IMO because a LS-only clip will not allow you to switch to a traditional engine later down the road. The flexability is nice to have.

We tell everybody is all comes down to looks. If you like the OEM look, consider DSE. Perhaps AME if you like the "fabbed" appearance. Both clips have excellent designs and fantastic build quality.

And each has a matching rear suspension too.

I like the Fabbed look. The C6 parts are a big big plus for me I have contacts that can get me Vett parts (slightly used )
Do you know if the AME frame islighter then the DSE? Or if you can run bigger tires with the AME over the DSE or visa versa

[hotrdblder]

Better yet, he can come and ride along in autox this weekend if he wants, I think he is close enough.
You can't go wrong with any of the subs mentioned, dse/ art morrison are geared to every hot rodder, mine is geared to the more serious hot rodder who maybe wants to push his car further on the road course, autox. I use bilstein custom valved aluminum coil overs, non adjustable or adjustable, big splined sway bar, and aggressive geometry, this all ends in a nice comfortable ride, that stays planted very well.
Jake

[dhutton]

I like the Fabbed look. The C6 parts are a big big plus for me I have contacts that can get me Vett parts (slightly used )
Do you know if the AME frame islighter then the DSE? Or if you can run bigger tires with the AME over the DSE or visa versa

Deleted, wrong information.

Don

[ProdigyCustoms]

We have both DSE and AME in the shop on projects. Do plenty of both. Excellent quality for both of them. If I remember right the AME is 20LBS lighter (no big deal). Again as was said, it is simpy a matter of what you like appearance wise. If one has a advantage over the other, it is at such a extreme edge, most of us will never find it with our street cars, even on a open track day.

Price wise the AME is about $500 less then the DSE. Shipping will play into the gross cost depending on your location. We could ge you to the door quotes on both

[silver69camaro]

Be careful, the C6 control arms (upper and/or lower) need machining to use in the AME subframe if I remember correctly.

Actually Don, it's just the knuckles. Everything else is the same.

dse/ art morrison are geared to every hot rodder

I'm not sure about that. Ours and DSE's are proven designs on and off the track. "Hot rod" parts aren't designed for that.

Do you know if the AME frame islighter then the DSE? Or if you can run bigger tires with the AME over the DSE or visa versa

Both can run 275mm tires, max. I don't know what DSE's weight is, though. Either way you're lighter than stock thanks to the steering rack and aluminum suspension
components.

Edit: Looks like Frank has the details on the weight.

[hotrdblder]

Matt, I will rephrase, i used the term hot rodders as in pro touring/street machine owners and the like, not hot rodders as in street rod guys.
sorry for the confusion.

[XLexusTech]

Better yet, he can come and ride along in autox this weekend if he wants, I think he is close enough.
You can't go wrong with any of the subs mentioned, dse/ art morrison are geared to every hot rodder, mine is geared to the more serious hot rodder who maybe wants to push his car further on the road course, autox. I use bilstein custom valved aluminum coil overs, non adjustable or adjustable, big splined sway bar, and aggressive geometry, this all ends in a nice comfortable ride, that stays planted very well.
Jake

Hi Jake Where is AutoX held? I am looking @ your Sub Now. Looks like and LS engine will be no Problem?

[hotrdblder]

yes, ls motor is a non issue, i have a dry sump asa cammed ls6 in my 69 test car.
its being held at ll bean in freeport, i think there warehouse location on casco st.
Jake

[dolf]

Damn i wish i could make it up there! Oh well i will have my own soon...

[hotrdblder]

Damn i wish i could make it up there! Oh well i will have my own soon...

we will be running at rtth 4, and also new hampshire international speedway in october.shes an ugly duckling now but the will soon change, winters here in maine are long and cold and i need something to do.....lol

[ill steez]

i would hands down without question go with jake's.
take some time and compare the three though. i'm sure jake will be more than happy to show you specs and prove the clips capability though.

[gateman]

my vote is DSE, they will accept C6 parts and there tech support is very good. They also build cars with the parts that they manufacture, that says alot. I have installed the DSE speed 3 kit on my 67' and will install the complete subframe on my 68' (once it is pardonned from paint prison ) ..I had the same decision to make. I did ALOT of research and also narrowed to AME vs. DSE, but DSE won out since they actually build cars with these parts and they know what works and the fitment is near perfect.. IMO..

[rickk]

dse.
rick k

[Vegas69]

DSE is on their own level. Read the new super chevy issue. They use the same hydroforming used on the new corvette and trucks. Splined sway bar, absolutely perfect fitting subframe. Worth every flippin penny in my book.

[Sideways]

How about the DSE A-arms?