79 Camaro build update

[silver63c10]

Onward and upward, 2018 was coming fast and we needed a way to close a pretty significant gap to the front of the GTV. We've scoured tons of build pictures and had some ideas for a while on how to revise the front suspension to fit a proper coilover and make it much more effective with a redesigned lower arm, along with redesigning the upper arm mounts to cure some issues with the base geometry.

Step 1: build a frame table


Step 2: disassemble car




Step 3: take a break to spot yourselves on Battle of the Builders


Step 4: hack and slash


Step 5: we will rebuild




The march of progress


Step 6: redesign upper mounts for a less aggressive camber gain and significantly lower roll center


Step 7: mount coilovers (coilovers coming later..)


Step 8: NASCAR swaybar!

For better or worse, we're changing damn near everything. The car should be significantly stiffer, with a more compliant camber curve, and a vastly improved shock package front and rear to keep it all under control.

I've also started making video updates on our progress -


Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Just under 2 months til NOLA, we'll be ready - the question is, how much testing will we be able to do before then?

[Gscherer78ta]

Looking forward to seeing how this all works for you. I love the videos and what you are sharing- Keep it up!

[Goosesdad]

Appreciate the engineering behind that effort!!

[WSSix]

Very nice! Are you going lower ride height too, Duston? Good luck making NOLA

[70rsss396]

Duston, You have quit an impressive build going on. One of these days I would love to pick your brain on your setup. I’m building a 78 Camaro here in Houston but I’m only closing in on 50% complete. I’m covering the build on Pro-Touring.com under the thread 78 Camaro Type PT. Hoping to come out and play in the cones next year.

[flatoutz]

Dustin,
Nice.Is this setup going to narrow the wheel track for better tire fitment?

[Panteracer]

Really like what you are doing
I only have one question
When can I send mine over for the mods

Bob

[rickpaw]

Nice upgrade there. I'm in a similar boat, 2 months to NOLA and my car is completely apart.

[SSLance]

Nice update!!! Go get 'em!!

[silver63c10]

Originally Posted by Gscherer78ta

Looking forward to seeing how this all works for you. I love the videos and what you are sharing- Keep it up!

Thanks Greg!

Originally Posted by Goosesdad

Appreciate the engineering behind that effort!!

It's been done by the seat of our pants, hopefully it will work out, haha.

Originally Posted by WSSix

Very nice! Are you going lower ride height too, Duston? Good luck making NOLA

Planning to keep it the same. We're limited underneath by the bellhousing, and up top by the fenders with so much tire underneath them. It should be more composed, so it might open up the possibility to lower it a touch more, though.

Originally Posted by 70rsss396

Hoping to come out and play in the cones next year.

Thanks, looking forward to seeing it at an event soon! We've been plugging away at setup with a lot of compromises around the stock pieces that were left, so this was the next step - we're operating based on what we've seen on a lot of other builds and some intuition. We'll see how it works out.

Originally Posted by flatoutz

Dustin,
Nice.Is this setup going to narrow the wheel track for better tire fitment?

Plan is to stay the same, but we are gaining clearance on the inside with the frame mods and new swaybar, so we'll have more freedom to move it around if needed. After going to the CPP spindles I've been pretty happy with the fitment with using a 1/4" spacer.

Originally Posted by Panteracer

When can I send mine over for the mods

You might want to wait to see the results first, haha.

Originally Posted by rickpaw

Nice upgrade there. I'm in a similar boat, 2 months to NOLA and my car is completely apart.

Plenty of time - see you there!

Originally Posted by SSLance

Nice update!!! Go get 'em!!

Thanks, Lance, that's the plan. Lotta ground to cover over the next month..