Choosing an aftermarket subframe
 

I just introduced myself over on the introductions forum, but now I want to get to business. In searching for an aftermarket subframe for my 68 Camaro, I came across your forum and read several of the threads discussing aftermarket subframes. I have researched at least six different manufacturers, and I think I have it narrowed down to two in my price range.

The features I am looking for are;
Power rack and pinion steering (Preferably front steer to help with future LS oil pan fitment.
Modern suspension geometry (negative camber gain)
13" brakes
Swaybar
LS engine compatibility (Oil pan fitment and front accesory drive compatibility)
Prefer slightly narrower track and stock height (My current 17X8 wheels with 225-50-17 tires hit on the outer edge on larger bumps), I can go with wheels with more back space if this is not psossible.
Weight reduction would be a plus.
Reuse of TKO600 trans mount and bolt in subframe connectors would be a plus.

Chris Alston, Speedtech and Jim Meyer all looked pretty good, but they are currently out of my price range. (Note: If I determine that the either of the two I am considering will not meet my needs, I may wait until I can afford these pricier ones.) Fatman Fabrications is in my price range, but they use the Mustang II suspension which is based on 70's technology. The two I am looking at are Martz and Heidts Pro G. From looking at other threads, Martz seems to have an issue with flex, but that may be before they added the hoop bars that go to the firewall. Their suspension geometry appears to give me the negative camber gain I am looking for and I can maintain my stock height. Heidt's Pro G looks good, they narrow the track width 1/2 per side but are only avaiable with 2" drop spindles which means I may have to change wheels.

So, has anyone used the Martz subframe with the hoop bars and had flex issues? Has anyone used the Heidt's Pro G? How do you like either of these.
If you don't like either, what makes the other ones worth more money?

I am really hoping this group can help me make a decision.

Alan Tibbetts

First off, what's your intended usage of the car? Track, street, fairground cruiser? This will help determine if the lower-end units will work for you.

Is the Speedtech unit significantly more costly than the Heidts?

If you're doing any significant performance driving, I would be doing everything I could up to and including reprioritizing my budget to make the Speedtech subframe a possibility.

I know Heidts has come a long way with some of their products, but using drop spindles is a non-starter for me.

Hey Allen - Welcome to Lat G! I think you'll get a lot of responses from Vendors and members alike as this is a hot topic and opinons abound! The typical top tier (and high $s) I have seen since I joined are DSE, AME. Jakes and Speedtech. All make a very good product. There others you already mentioned I cannot comment on as I have not researched them, but I know Soctt's Hot Rods makes a similar one in that Heidts/Martz category - of course those vendors will tell you what makes their's better/different form the rest. One option I think you should look into for camber gain/wider wheels/bigger brakes would be to mod your existing sub w an upgrade from DSE, Speedtech or Global West including control arms, coil over conversions, etc. You can possibly do a R&P conversion as well depending on the vendor you choose.

There are many more options and my apologies to anyone left off the list. Just trying to get the discussion started...:thumbsup:

sent you a pM

Check out Scott Mock's subs, they are very nice and has great a price.

Travis

Thanks for the responses so far guys. As far as the use of the car, it is street driven aggressively, taken to car shows and occasionally drag raced for fun. I do not care about optimizing for the drags. I like to drive aggressively on winding roads and highway offramps. I do not intend to take the car on a road course.
Speedtech is an impressive unit, but it is $3K more than the Martz unit.
I hadn't researched Scott Mock, DSE (Detroit Speed?), AME (Art Morrison?), or Jakes and will check them out.
I want to check out the guy with the Martz unit over on Pro Touring.
Please keep the comments coming.

I think you should consider the TCI subframe. Sal and the boys over there have proven time and time again that their stuff works and it's very reasonably priced. Good group of guys too.....

I'll check out TCI also.
Anybody with the Martz or Heidts want to weigh in?

stock subframe
 

IMHO....if you are not going to do SERIOUS road racing or autocross then the stock subframe works great. Check out the performance they obtained on this '67 Camaro with primarily bolt-on parts from Ridetech:
http://48hourcamaro.com/

[QUOTE=Astontibs;354322]Thanks for the responses so far guys. As far as the use of the car, it is street driven aggressively, taken to car shows and occasionally drag raced for fun. I do not care about optimizing for the drags. I like to drive aggressively on winding roads and highway offramps. I do not intend to take the car on a road course.
Speedtech is an impressive unit, but it is $3K more than the Martz unit.

I just want to CALRIFY that the Martz is only 1284.00 less than the Speedtech unit when all the options are included that make them comparible component wise. not 3000.00 :thumbsup: