1st Gen Camaro suspension

[Bobs 67Camaro]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone would be willing to provided some advice on which suspension system I should purchase for my 67 Camaro?

I have owned my 67 SS Camaro for 9 years. It is a coupe originally from Cali, has a carb'd 350, M21, 10-Bolt, 17" x 8" and 18" x 9" wheels, and a stock suspension. I have driven it a lot, and feel it is time to improve power output and handling Characteristics. This winter I would like to do a full susp system and a LS/T56 conversion. I have been researching suspensions systems for quite awhile, and have found the task almost overwhelming. I have spreadsheets of nearly every Susp Mfg'r; including their costs, qualities, and installation requirements.

Currently, I use the car to commute in the summer and occasionally hit the autocross course. I hope to race it more frequently in the future, but believe it will see a lot of street time regardless.

I would like to do a full front clip, a-arms, brakes, rack and pinion, coil overs, sub-frame connectors, rear suspension, 9" axle, third member, posi, and brakes in the rear. I also aim to utilize softer rate springs (considering I commute with it).

I am an engineer, and was a welded for a number of years, so I am not afraid of kits which require a more substantial installation. I also would like to avoid cutting up my body (my car is virtually rust free---we don't see that too often here in Minnesota!----)

TCI seems to be one of the most cost effective complete kits (roughly 9k for all that's mentioned above (torque arm system)), but I also have found Speed Tech to be rather intriguing (it is a little more expensive then TCI----around 13k). I also like DSE, Chassisworks, Art Morrison and Heidts.

Considering I am doing a LS/T56 Swap along with the suspension, I must be price conscious. I even wonder if I would find more value in doing a-arms/coil overs with my stock sub frame, and replacing my rear axle and leaf springs with a 4-link or torque arm set up with a stout 9".

I am open to, and appreciative of all advice. Please let me know your thoughts, and feel free to share your experiences. (especially David P and Frank S, your postings are very informative, and well thought out).

Thanks in advance!
Bobby Fox

[MuscleRodz]

If you wish to avoid cutting the body up. I would recommend Speed Tech or Chassisworks. Both go under the car with minimal mods.

[1969CamaroRS]

Chassis Works G-Bar rear suspension is a nice option if you don't want to cut the car up. Its what I went with for that very same reason:

Here is a couple install pics:





Cradle can just be bolted in but is recommended to be welded in, which is what I did. But could easily grind the welds down if you place your welds appropriately. Other than that completely reversal-able.

[Bobs 67Camaro]

That looks Great! Did you also do the entire front clip with Chassisworks?

Have you been pleased with the outcome?

Thanks for the advice,

Bobby

[ssealeycpa]

Art Morrison front and rear subframes PERIOD!!

The front is a bolt in (no need to change oil pan or anything. All set up for LS engines). Rear subframe requires removal of the original framerail which can be plasma cut below the tab that is spot welded to the floor. The rear fits the trunk pan like a glove (I am using the triangulated 4 bar).

[Bobs 67Camaro]

Do you feel AME is superior to Chassisworks or Speed Tech? They all appear to be very well engineered and fabricated units.

Are TCI or Heidts to be considered? They are quite a bit more affordable in comparison, but it seems as though there is less discussion about them on this forum?

[MuscleRodz]

TCI and Heidts are not as proven as other setups on these boards. DSE is superior to Chassisworks and Speedtech, but you mentioned you did not want to cut up the car. I do think CW and ST are not far behind though. Just look at optima Challange a couple weeks ago and see who is top of the boards, that will give you an idea of who is top of the heap, and that is DSE. It really boils down to budget, skills, and time to make your final decision.

[David Pozzi]

I would go aftermarket sub for sure, mainly for the ease of fitting larger front wheels and tires on a 1st gen. I like all the vendors you mentioned. I've driven the TCI 68 Camaro a couple of times, plus the Speed Tech Nova and liked them both a lot. Art Morrison makes some great stuff too, although I haven't driven it, I have heard their 69 Camaro handles great and saw it run well at Del Mar this year. DSE stuff is tops if you want to go that way, but it sounds like you are scouting less expensive subs.

For rear suspension without cutting up the car, look at the Speed Tech torque arm.
David

[Bobs 67Camaro]

Thank you for your thoughts.

I think DSE is great, but they are a little out of my price range, and the rear susp requires , more cutting than I care to do.

I have heard that the TCI system tends to ride rough, and achieves handling abilities through stiffer spring rates. Is this true in comparison to other kits?

I am fairly concerned about maintaining a comfortable ride on the street.

Thanks again.

[blackfoot2004]

I have a 69 camaro and just started the suspension on it. I purchased a used TCI 4 link for the rear and a brand new complete front suspension. It has been completely bolt on so far besides some minor grinding to remove some unused parts and has been very easy. Frank at TCI is very easy and great to deal with on every question I had on the rear 4 link install as it was not a brand new set up and required different instructions. As far as performance I have not ran the car yet. But it is a very easy to install but if you live in Illinois or surrounding areas and order any parts from them make sure that they DONT USE N M transfer to delivery your parts they are ****ing idiots to deal with on delivery

[MuscleRodz]

Thank you for your thoughts.

I think DSE is great, but they are a little out of my price range, and the rear susp requires , more cutting than I care to do.

I have heard that the TCI system tends to ride rough, and achieves handling abilities through stiffer spring rates. Is this true in comparison to other kits?

I am fairly concerned about maintaining a comfortable ride on the street.

Thanks again.

Then my choice would be Speedtech.

[Bobs 67Camaro]

Thanks for all of the feedback!

I also wish to use my current Rims and Tires (17" x 8" in front with 4.5" BS, and 18" x 10" in back with 4.75" BS). I believe this would make it difficult to use my stock sub frame with an "arms only" system (given the track will not be narrowed as most the after market sub frames tend to do). Does this aforementioned back spacing not work with any of the kits?

[ProdigyCustoms]

Based on the budget constraints you are eluding to, if your going to use your 8" front rims, you could mod the original front subrame for half the price of a lower cost quality front clip, do a 4 link or torque arm in the rear and have a really competent car.

As David Pozzi mentioned, the larger front tires is the single biggest advantage to a quality aftermarket subframe. but if your not going to take advantage of the bigger tire possibilities, no need throwing the money away.

So in my opinion, based on budget and needs, either do a modded front sub ($2500ish) or a Speedtech subframe ($5000ish)

[Bobs 67Camaro]

Frank,

Would you assume a 17" x 8" front rims with 4.5" BS would clear the fenders of a 67 Camaro with Speed Tech Control arms mounted on a stock sub frame?

I presume the 2500 would not include AFX Spindles? (perhaps stock spindles will be adequate).

Thank you

[TCI Engineering]

Just to clear things up on the harsh ride, this misconseption comes the handling challenge which my dear friend Mary Pozzi quoted in Super Chevy Magazine which that day she was right. After the event with an untested car we knew the car was to stiff and now all front kits are going out with 350ibs spring rates and all rear kits 250ibs rates. It is easy to change the springs there is not one fits all.

Sal

[ProdigyCustoms]

Frank,

Would you assume a 17" x 8" front rims with 4.5" BS would clear the fenders of a 67 Camaro with Speed Tech Control arms mounted on a stock sub frame?

I presume the 2500 would not include AFX Spindles? (perhaps stock spindles will be adequate).

Thank you

No need for the ATS spindle if the redrill is done. All you are doing is changing the relationship between the control arm pivot point and the ball joint. Either lower the pivot point or raise the ball joint with a tall spindle do basically the same thing. for what your doing is all you need.

The 4.5BS will continue to be a problem as none of the suspensions mentioned change track width. There are narrow arms available but you do not want to head down that path. Just fix the wheels

[MrQuick]

Don't forget Frank that the Speedtech/ATS spindle does correct the bumpsteer issue with the stock spindle. Its a huge difference in handling.


Vince

[ProdigyCustoms]

Don't forget Frank that the Speedtech/ATS spindle does correct the bumpsteer issue with the stock spindle. Its a huge difference in handling.
Vince

Agreed, but that performance difference is at a high edge for what this customers intended purpose.

[1969CamaroRS]

That looks Great! Did you also do the entire front clip with Chassisworks?

Have you been pleased with the outcome?

Thanks for the advice,

Bobby

Stock front clip, with aftermarket control arms (Global West upper/lower), ATS spindles etc. Not on the road yet but so far very happy with the install and adjust-ability (ride height).


Got all my rear end suspension goodies from Frank @ Prodigy too, he is great to deal with.

[Bobs 67Camaro]

Don't most of the sub frame clips narrow the front track width 2" or so for tire clearance? (compared to a stock front suspension, or a stock sub frame with tubular arms)?