1970-81 DSE Frame "Extras"
 

I bought a DSE frame, but it appears the motor mounts and steering shaft are sold separately. Being these don't come with the frame, are there better/cheaper components to use? $600 for motor mounts and a shaft seems kind pricey considering the coin dropped on the frame.

There is a set of DSE set back mounts for sale over in the classifieds, for like $40.00 shipped. Not sure if these mounts fit your year sub, or if there's even a difference.

steering shaft stuff you can get from summit/coleman/speedway

Vince do you have any direct points to part #s?

I do at the shop. The shaft is cut to fit.
I'll hit you up Tuesday. What steering column do you have?
Vince

Vince, I'm not sure. Stock 1970 Camaro/non-tilt

ok, i'll send you info tuesday.

The first gen and second gen engine mount kits are different, make sure you get the correct one.

Is DSE the only choice for mounts on their frame?

Yes, unless you want to start fabbing something. The second gen frame stands are really far back on the crossmember, it actually positions the urethane mount behind the crossmember.

hmm...I surprised the frame doesn't come with them if that's the case. $7750 frame, engine mounts not included, but required lol. :G-Dub:

They will be other trinkets you'll need as well...... rack fittings to connect the ps lines, headers, trans crossmember...etc.

I'm sure hoping the headers I currently have fit. What do most folks use for the tranny X-member?

I'll be surprised if your current headers work due to the steering shaft going to the rack, the shaft is closer to the center of the car than the stock shaft would be. The DSE headers have a space for the steering shaft to pass between 2 of the tubes.
My cross member is custom made, you may be able to modify your stock cross member and use it but I'm not sure.

SOB....I just saw your pictures of the headers. I'm guessing another DSE only part....Crap I should have thought through this DSE frame a little more.

I used the factory 1st Gen SBC motor mounts with my 1st Gen DSE sub frame. I also found that DynaTech headers fit and clear the steering column nicely. Speaking of steering column, you can buy all the necessary parts to fab your steering linkage from Summit. You will probably need two u-joints and a section of 3/4" DD shaft.

DSE headers only work if you use the setback mounts. Otherwise you will have to source headers. A number of guys are running the Ultimate Headers. Very nice piece. They are not full length but no clearance issues. Dont remember what trans your running but if it is a 6 speed get the ATS crossmember from Speedtech.

You don't have to use the DSE headers necessarily, in fact it would likely be cheaper to just modify the ones you have IF they don't work as is. I would take any first gen parts recommendations with a grain of salt. I know for fact there's a big difference in the frame stands for the engine mounts. The engine is significantly farther back in a second gen vs the first gen. I would mock the engine, trans, and headers up in the sub before you put the sub in the car and see what's going to work. I have ATS tri-y headers on my wife's first gen which everyone told me would not work with the DSE sub but with a slight modification to one tube they do in fact work.

Which company makes DSE's headers? I already pinged SW and Lemons, neither confirm.

DSE builds there headers in house.

Pro-fab makes DSE ' s headers but I'd be willing to bet they have an agreement to sell at the same price since DSE spent all the time and money to design and develop them.

EDIT

They're not quite $2,500, have you priced any high quality SS LS headers? I'll bet the Lemons aren't going to be cheap either.

Yeah, Stainless Works. $1K

Well there you go, if they fit you're good to go.

Which stainless works are you using? Not sure if this matters but I found some pics of SW wayne due subframe headers installed in dse subframe. I know the first gen stuff is different but maybe it may work for you. I just ordrered a dse sub & have been digging for headers as well. I currently have a wayne due subframe & will test fit my old SW headers to confirm. My thoughts were if they make headers for 2nd gen w rack & pinion you just might luck out on fitment. Keep us posted.

Is there more than one Stainless Works? I really want the DSE headers, I would pay probably $1500, but I just can't do $2300+ship

This one?

http://www.speedtechperformance.com/...rod/prd259.htm

My understanding is that you need a 1st Gen crossmember. The DSE subframe rails are same for 1st & 2nd gen.

I'm yet to test fit my engine & trans.

You will need the first gen one.

Do you happen to have a link?

Roger,

Are you upgrading to a DSE? Do they offer right-hand drive? :)

Tony Huntimer

Hey Tony We've got a right hand drive system for a 1st gen. :) We've sent a bunch to Australia.

Musclerodz- Have you compared the two? We've had a 1st gen DSE subframe car come through the shop and the 1st Gen ATS cross member fit great. We haven't had a 2nd gen DSE subframe come through the shop though, so you've got our attention. What makes a 1st Gen ATS mount fit better than a 2nd gen ATS mount on the DSE frame?

Thanks for any insight you can share.

I was told by DSE they designed their second gen sub to use a first gen crossmember. I have not personally compared the two crossmembers. I have had both subs here but the second gen install we did was an auto and it was 3 years ago, I have slept since then unfortunately.

Hi Tony, hope you are well

This is for my new 70 Camaro project

The 68 is staying as is for awhile

Cheers Roger

Hi Ben
From what I understand, the DSE hydro formed frame rails are same, for first & second gen, crossmember & body mounts are different. Getting firm info from DSE was more difficult than I am used to from them, very non committal.
This means a second gen trans xmember won't work as the stock subframe mounting is further back. You guys would understand differences best between first & second gen trans xmember mounting points.
I have a first gen trans xmember from Hurst Drivelines coming which I ordered with transmission, will look at fit and compare with the ATS one I have in my 68.
Regards Roger

I'm ready to buy my crossmember as soon as we figure this out :G-Dub:

Buying the sub frame at the big box store saved you some money. But you got 0 info. You can buy headers from Ultimate Headers they fit and are like $1200ish depending on finish. I know they fit I have fit them.

P.s you have to buy them through a dealer.

The post has been updated

Yup, its hard to justify buying at close to list from someone that has built cars with the parts they sell, and know all of the hidden expenses, because they don't sell enough volume to get the great pricing like companies who have small offices and place orders and drop ship parts all day, or from huge places like Summit that can and will price match.

/mini rant after receiving emails and private messages for install tips and help from people after they elsewhere.