Thanks guys...a lot of real solid info here!
We were definitely going to shoot for the performance handling chassis with a lowered stance. The Air Ride / Coilover swap makes for an easy chassis build that can accomodate both. Every chassis that we build is designed around the idea that it should be as easy to install as a stock chassis. We go to great lengths to make all of the additional jigs and templates for bumper mounts, body mounts, core support mounts, proper engine/trans placement, and more.
Here are a few of my concerns:
Corvette Suspension - As a manufacturer of new components, I have a hard time building a frame to accept used suspension components to save $. You have no idea what type of condition the parts are in, or what they have gone through. It isn't really worth the time, money, or the liability in my opinion. Not knocking anyone for doing this, just my take. I see a lot of guys using Vette suspension, so I may be wrong here.
Base Frames - From past experience these have never worked out in our favor. When we design and produce a chassis it is all designed to work with a specific set of parts. When we sell a base frame with no suspension, the customer will put what ever he wants or can afford on the frame for suspension. Incorrect coilovers, spring rates, the wrong rear suspension.... This causes 2 problems.
1. When that vehicle does not perform the way it would if properly set up...that is still on us. "That truck has a RS chassis under it and it rides poorly or can't perform in an auto cross event" 9 times out of 10, the finger is pointed at us and our reputation is shot rather than the customer who incorrectly built the chassis.
2. We design a chassis around specific parts list. If the customer varries from that, it is now our fault that the parts didn't fit or that the stance is awkward, or some part is hitting another. Again, tarnishing our reputation and the quality of our product.
Price - Flat out, as most manufacturers know, it is hard to build a quality product that has everything the customer would want, and make it cheap. The only way to do so is to cut corners, use cheaper components, or dumb down the quality. We are definitely not interested in doing any of these things.
I guess that I would be looking for some of your thoughts on these concerns. Being on the manufacturing side can get you on one track of thinking while the customer may be on another.
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