SpeedTech Subframe

[69TAPoser]

Anyone using one for a first gen? If so, how do you like it?

Phil

[scherp69]

I have the first gen one for my 68 Acadian (Nova). I don't have it bolted on yet....but I love it. The craftsmanship on it is amazing. If you check my build thread, I have lots of pics of the frame and control arms. I hope to get it coated in the next month or so and then will assemble it. Frank at Prodigy Customs and www.gpsuperstore.com used one in Project Emptynest as well.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Works pretty good, check it out



http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u...t=MOV01020.flv

[XLexusTech]

From my what I understand this sub is geard toward the user who wants to keep costs down bu using his OE equiptment. If that is your primary reason then this sub makes sense. If not then I am hard pressed to see a reaon to buy it over the others like AME Jakes Rod shop or DSE

[LowBuckX]

From my what I understand this sub is geard toward the user who wants to keep costs down bu using his OE equiptment. If that is your primary reason then this sub makes sense. If not then I am hard pressed to see a reaon to buy it over the others like AME Jakes Rod shop or DSE

Not much stock parts will bolt to it. Must use their or Aftermarket arms must use An aftermarket rack set up.

[ProdigyCustoms]

From my what I understand this sub is geard toward the user who wants to keep costs down bu using his OE equiptment. If that is your primary reason then this sub makes sense. If not then I am hard pressed to see a reaon to buy it over the others like AME Jakes Rod shop or DSE

Well, I think cost is a major factor. And I also think when your in our friend TA Poser situation and already have good aftermarket parts, it is a no brainer to choose the Speedtech. But also, I must say, I only got in 1 clean lap at RTTH4, and I am not a autocross driver. But the car is pretty damn good. The car is much better then the driver. I would go out on a limp and say with a driver in the car it would be right up there with some of the other frames.

I know for sure when I put Scott Pruitt in the car, he never drove it one inch before the autocross, and he went a 18.5, which was good enough for four fastest at Street machine of the Year. I ran 19.3 myself.

[XLexusTech]

Phil Some answers can be found here.

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/sh...ighlight=Speed

[Mkelcy]

This thread also had a discussion about the various subframes and the cost of doing the Speedtech sub: https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=45932 particularly the second page of the thread.

[69TAPoser]

Thanks for the information guys! And thanks for the email Frank.

As Frank pointed out, I am in a unique situation that I should probably clarify. My car is pretty far along and has all aftermarket suspension (GW upper and lowers, QA1 coil overs, and a TKO600). After getting the motor set in place and not being able to get it aligned properly, I took measurements and realized that my subframe is tweaked about 3/4" down and to the left on the left side. The subframe is one of the FEW pieces on my car that is original and it is fairly pitted in areas.

I was pretty bummed about it, but rack and pinion was one of the things I wanted, so I am looking at this as an opportunity (said in a totally insane, addicted to my build, sorta way).

The Speedtech subframe gives me the ability to transfer all my aftermarket suspension components and the TKO600 while giving me the ability to use a rack with my stock spindles. So it seems like a pretty good fit for my needs.

I did speak with Roger at Speedtech today and he was very helpful. The only issue is that I MAY have to locate my engine mounts as they have not installed a Pontiac block on their subframe yet.

I haven't made a final decision yet but I am leaning towards Speedtech. One thing that is costly is shipping: $200 crate fee + $285 if shipped to a dock or $435 if shipped to a residence (ouch).

Phil

[XLexusTech]

Sounds like you have your mind already set. Enjoy the new sub. It sure is a good looking frame if nothing else.

Sent you an email Howdy neighbor :-)

[69TAPoser]

I ordered it yesterday morning and it should be here next Friday. I may have some issues to address as Speedtech has never bolted-up a Pontiac engine to their frame. Motor mounts may need to be relocated and the steering shaft may interfere with one of the header tubes.

Phil

[sik68]

I am considering this frame as well after I tear the car down for paint. On Speedtech's website I don't see the bolt pattern in the frame for a steering box. Can you only run rack & pinion?

[69TAPoser]

I am considering this frame as well after I tear the car down for paint. On Speedtech's website I don't see the bolt pattern in the frame for a steering box. Can you only run rack & pinion?

I believe you are correct. But this is one of the major benefits of an aftermarket subframe (the ability to easily bolt-in a rack). Of course the other biggies are improved suspension geometry and the ability to run wider tires.

The rack is the MAIN reason I am going aftermarket vs. stock. You wouldn't want to switch to a rack?

Phil

[sik68]

I believe you are correct. But this is one of the major benefits of an aftermarket subframe (the ability to easily bolt-in a rack). Of course the other biggies are improved suspension geometry and the ability to run wider tires.

The rack is the MAIN reason I am going aftermarket vs. stock. You wouldn't want to switch to a rack?

Phil

I think a rack would be great! But, like you, I've already plunked a bunch of money into the Global West suspension bits, as well as the ATS steering box. $2000 bucks is a good price to pay for a lighter frame, additional wheel clearance, g-mod, and the cool factor, but the mandatory extras may add up to more than I want to invest. Then again, that's never stopped me before!

Keep us posted on your site! I hope it turns out awesome!

[dhutton]

I ordered it yesterday morning and it should be here next Friday. I may have some issues to address as Speedtech has never bolted-up a Pontiac engine to their frame. Motor mounts may need to be relocated and the steering shaft may interfere with one of the header tubes.

Phil

Didn't Frank bolt a Pontiac engine to this subframe for Empty Nest?

Don

[XLexusTech]

I but the mandatory extras may add up to more than I want to invest.

Dont forget the few Hundred to ship it (You pay this for any sub)
It adds up fast. That is why this sub IMHO is tough to swallow as the end cost of the ST gets close to no equal to Subs that offer better Geometry things like front steer and direct fit LS motor options AC clearance and so on.
The market for this sub is clearly targeted to those who are already commited by buying contol arms for example.
I think thier is a fairly strong market for slightly used or basically just bolted on part. (the parts are easy to sell with littel loss maybe a 5-10%)

I would take that hit all day long instead of allowing the ownership of those parts drive my Subframe choice.

[scherp69]

I am considering this frame as well after I tear the car down for paint. On Speedtech's website I don't see the bolt pattern in the frame for a steering box. Can you only run rack & pinion?

That's right...you can only run a rack and pinion with it. It's a rear steer set up. When I picked up my subframe from Killer Customs, I was talking to Roger about it as the initial reports that came out about the subframe indicated that you would be able to bolt on a steering box. They had to draw a line somewhere as to how many of the stock parts would still bolt on. I know when I made the decision to buy my SpeedTech subframe, the cost did come into play (it also helped that I'm only 4 hours from them). I ended up going with the complete package though with their high clearance arms, etc. I know I will never use my car in a situation to fully benifit from a DSE or Morrison subframe so I will be very happy with the SpeedTech. I'll never push the SpeedTech frame to it's limits. If you don't plan on using your car and really pushing, is there really a need to spend the extra money for performance mods that you'll likely never even notice. The SpeedTech subframe is a great piece of work, built very well and will add performance mods over stock.....more than I and most driver's will need. As I stated above, I have quite a few pics of the SpeedTech subframe in my build thread and if any of you want any more, let me know and I can snap a few more.

[69TAPoser]

Didn't Frank bolt a Pontiac engine to this subframe for Empty Nest?

Don

I believe he did, but looking at his pics (http://www.prodigycustoms.com/projec...lbum=3&page=15), I think he made a lot of changes (engine mounts and rack location appear to be different).

Speedtech has not done a Pontiac install at their facility yet, so they cannot verify anything related to the Pontiac block.

Phil