First Mods... OD Tranny or Suspension??
 

Hi everyone. I've found and am in the process of completing the purchase of my very own '69 Camaro. The is in great shape with almost everything new; to include a TCI TH350... Herein lies my dilemma... Should I upgrade the stock suspension first, put in an overdrive tranny, or just suck it up and do both? My budget for this will be $10K -$15K.

my advice is as follow: Suspension, suepension suspension.... doing ot right the first time will gove you a great handling platform to work on... not a crappy handling old car with overdrive transmissoin.... :unibrow:

with that kind of budget, id blow it appart and fix whatever rust is in the belly, install an ATS subframe with subframe conectors, and some kind of rear suspension... id personaly go with lateral dynamics, but everyone will chime in here.... slap on some cragar soft 8´s and enjoy the heck out of it, in whatever paint it is in now.... next step fpr me would be a stout engine and transmission to suit the needs of your desire for speed and condition of your wallet.... and lastly send it off for paint and body.....

I would do the suspension first. I think your budget would allow for an aftermarket subframe (AME, DSE or Jakes) and a nice four bar rear suspension (AME, DSE, Jakes, G-Bar etc) if you do the work yourself. DSE subframe connectors as mentioned would be a good addition.

Don

Dont know what you have for wheels, but changing subframes/brakes/rear suspension might cause a need to change wheels too.......just something to consider

Wheels are 17" Torque Thrusts.

Firstoff, what are your plans for the car? Do you intend to road race it, drag, or is it just a weekend cruiser?

End goal is road racing. In the mean time I will be driving her daily. Currently has a 383 SBC, but I would eventually like an LS3 or LS7.

Well, with a $15k budget you can do both if you are doing the work yourself. My first order of priority would be suspension . Brakes / frame connectors / solid bushings, etc. I would rather have a car that turned a few extra RPMs because of the TH350, but drove great. then a overdrive that turned lower RPMs but drove like Doo Doo! You can do some really nice front subframe / rear suspension combos (Speedtech subframe / torque arm this month is on a killer special) for about $6500 or so. You can spend up to $9500 for some systems. I am assuming normal freight charges in those figures. Add $3000 for killer brakes. So even at the top of the list, you still have plenty for a transmission for a 500HP or less combo.

I say give Frank a call, follow his advice and call it a day.:thumbsup:

call kyle at detroit speed . dont spend your money lesser quality parts.
rick k:lateral:

Frank, I tried to send a PM, but it said your box was full. So, I sent it to your e-mail.

[QUOTE=ProdigyCustoms;178942]You can do some really nice front subframe / rear suspension combos (Speedtech subframe / torque arm this month is on a killer special) for about $6500 or so. You can spend up to $9500 for some systems. QUOTE]


Hi Frank. Are you comparing apples to apples here? Does the Speedtech combo include new upper and lower control arms, spindles, steering components and front steer rack? If it does, that is a smoking hot deal.

Don

really?

[QUOTE=dhutton;178949]Yes, complete frame! The Speedtech subframe is a killer deal always. But this month is a incredible deal. I can put a complete Speedtech on someones door step for $4500-$4700 DELIVERED!

Add their new torque Arm rear suspension for a couple grand, and we can do front and rear suspension in the mid $6k range!

Fills up fast, I cleaned it out.

All the thing that I have seen Frank and his crew do lately, He will be the first one that I would call when I get to that stage. I feel that they do great work and sell great parts at good prices.

talk to kyle at dse or taylor at ats first.
rick k:thumbsup:

Yeah, really.

Call Frank! He can help guide you threw this and sells everything that would be good options for you...therefore is unbiased! Enjoy the project/new car! :thumbsup:

Remember Jay... all the money in the world doesnt make up for common sense and logic. :rolleyes:

Where is Yody when you need a colorful comment ??

With 10-15 K. I would call Kyle at DSE, he will give you all your options for all your questions and needs. There are alot of odds and ends that need to be discussed before you just buy. They have the best customer service, and will of great help in what is all involved no matter what way you go. Check there website also. Congrats.

x2.
rick k:cheers:

Call Frank at Prodigy Customs, DSE, or Tyler at ATS. All won't lead you in the wrong direction. I have dealt with all three on a pretty regular basis. Some of the ugliest sob's you will ever meet:rofl: but great honest car nuts.

Well, Weldon found a nice car in Michican and Reliable Transport will be picking it up mid week and bringing it to Prodigy Customs for some suspension, and maybe the transmission to.

Looks like were going to get the car, give it a look over and make some final decisions on what to do first in this transformation to Pro Touring

We will have it ready for him when he gets home (He is Deployed) and deliver it to him wherever he is stationed.

Thanks for your service Weldon and thanks for choosing us to do your transformation.

That's awesome! You are in good hands!! :thumbsup: