69 Camaro - New member needs suspension advice
 

Hey all-

I recently became a member of Lateral-G to get some ideas and direction for my 69 Camaro that I am about to start building. What I discovered was that the more I see, the tougher the decisions become. So let me ask the rest of you for some opinions. I already got the engine and transmission handled (454 and TH400), the custom touches for the interior are pretty much figured out. Roll bar, racing seats and harness, Covan's dash insert and gauges. Paint scheme and wheels are still uncertain.

What I need help on is the suspension. Short of spending 5K on a pro-touring front and rear setup, I was wondering what is the best bang for the buck that gives a low ride height, great handling and a way lower price tag? Thoughts? Thanks!

There is no room for another 69 Camaro in Las Vegas. Sorry man....

Haha. Come on, Todd. With such a nice car, you don't want to give your opinion on build ideas?

Seriously, your car is beautiful. Nice job.

Welcome, Mike. :thumbsup:

Several companies offer serious upgrades to the stock subframe which have proven to work well.

What is your budget and does that include both the front and rear of the car?

Welcome man....I'm sure we can get you pointed in the right direction. On the cheap, I'm thinking hotchkis lowering springs(4 corners), sway bar, gulstrand mod, adjustable upper control arms from SC&C to get some camber gain and caster in the car. Probably as important or most important is some sticky tires. I'd go with a set of Toyo R888's(or similar) on the street and track. 275/245 if not mini tubbed. I've always been told to never trust a guy that doesn't drink and owns a mustang and camaro at the same time. LOL

If you wanna keep the stock front clip, I would probably say best bang for the buck would be either the ATS or Detroit Speed coilover conversion, or if you wanna spend even less, Detroit Speed and Global West (among many others) sell upgraded control arms and a sort of half coilover setup for the front that you may want to look into.
For the rear, I'd look into the Chris Alston G-Bar if you want to move away from leaf springs. Relatively inexpensive setup with little fabrication and welding necessary.

All of this of course depends on budget, but I'm sure you would be more than satisfied with even the most simple upgrades to the stock suspension if they are done cleanly and professionally!

Thanks for the replies, guys. I wanted to keep the suspension budget under $3K, but what I say and do are 2 different things. On the same token, as the price tag goes up, so does the build time.

Concerning the drinking vs. mustang saying...Does it make it better to add that I do more than my share of drinking and also have a big block Chevelle? :)

Nice stable man.... I'll have to stop by and check them out one of these days whenit's not 110.

That would be great. Just let me know.

When deciding how to build a car and what parts to put on it, you'll never be totally satisfied, but if you truly enjoy working on cars that's a good thing. I have owned my '69 bird for over 20 years and it has seen a lot of changes. I'm in the middle of a total suspension and chassis mod right now. If you have the money, do it right. If you don't, wait till you do, sounds like you won't be stuck on the curb with having all your other toys. I just was cleaning out the garage from all the old versions of the car and if I get half my money back it would be a miracle. as far as the rear of the car, I installed an air ride 4-link. Haven't driven it yet, but here was a pleasant surprise. I weighed all the parts taken off, and with the lift bars and leaf springs they weighed 100 lbs. That's going to be about 40 lbs min of UNSPRUNG weight removed. Not too many talk about that!

make a total plan that goes together, fits your budget and you like, then start your project buy different parts, and change your mind 100 times like the rest of us.

keep us posted

Welcome aboard Mike. Let me know when you're ready to install all that stuff. More than happy to come over and lend a hand.

:thumbsup:

Welcome Mike! Take a look at Speed Tech if you haven't already. I drove their '69 Camaro test car last weekend and was quite impressed!

If you are working with a budget give Mark at SC&C a call. He has several different packages over a wide price range. He's great to talk with and knows his stuff.

http://www.scandc.com

Don

Nope -- that just won't get 'er done man!! LOL

Welcome aboard... there is so much kool stuff here it will alter (and not in a good way) your life! < Grin >

Not sure if it's Prodigy Customs or IronWorks that says this - Build it once and build it right -- or something along those lines. Do overs are the expensive way to build a car. Think about this - like I have done when remodeling or building a house - The stuff that stays the longest gets the money -- FLOORS (not carpet) - SINKS/FIXTURES - Counters and cabinets... I can add trim later - and change carpet colors - but I'm unlikely to pull the windows out to change them.

Now - think about your car project that way... you can change carbs - heads - tranny - seats - carpet (relatively easy) but the suspension/frame? That's a major piece... better get it right or live with it. Someone pointed out the Global West A arms etc -- and if I was on a budget - that's the way I'd go - I'm not saying that brand specifically - but that direction... get some more Castor - less flex - better look. You don't have to go with a whole new subframe just to make the Camaros drive better. Sub frame connectors would help (weld or bolt in)? Someone chime in here? Ditching the rollover on the rear leafs would help the backend... so maybe adding a panhard bar or something along those lines?
:cheers:

PS -- I gave up drinking 25 years ago - it didn't help. I have Fords and Chevys.

I second that!

My kind of man!
Drinking brews and a BB Chevelle!! Good luck with the suspension bud!:cheers:

Thanks guys. I'm going to try to decide what suspension package in the next week or so and take the plunge. :) Any other input, let me know - I appreciate the help.

I think you should be able to pull off a big upgrade just as soon as you get the Mrs. that 3rd full time job! With Xmas coming - maybe she could also get some extra part time work too!! :thumbsup:

I had Hotchkis slalom leafs and Global West Delalum bushings up front with Gulstrand mod prior to my "real" build. And a Hotchkis front sway bar and 76 TA brakes. Handled decently, but I never autocrossed it so I couldnt give you exact numbers. Brakes sucked, but better than stock drums. Someone mentioned the Chassisworks 4 link, I just had one installed, but that alone would take you over the $3k mark. If I only had $3-5k, Id probably do the Hothkis leafs, DSE front speed kit with tubular uppers and lowers with coilovers and sway bar, tie the subframe together with subframe connectors, go with QA1 or Varishocks, and beef up the brakes. SSBC has a decent kit for both front and rear brake conversions. Also think about a quick ratio steering box since rack and pinion would set you over. $2500 would probably cover the front end, $2k to $3k for brakes,rear suspension, and connectors. All this assuming you did the labor. Or like someone else said, save your dough for a few and go with a DSE, Fatman, Alston Chassisworks, etc. setup later and get the best of everything.
BTW, I think it was Fesler saying "BUILD IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME ITS MUCH CHEAPER" !:thumbsup:

Feel free to give me a call. We have 5 different suspension brands we sell. Lets talk and decide what is best for your budget and needs.

Welcome aboard Mike, I read through this thread quick and I did notice you said the budget is a start and could change. I have twice the amount that I orginally planned on putting into my build, and its still not done. If you end up racing the car, try it once and you will get hooked, the needs of the car will be right up there with the wants. Either way be honest with yourself and what your plans are for the car. I did not realize how hard I was going to push my car when all this started. :D