Thanks for the reply, Scott.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Z06vette
Is the $2500 for parts only or does that include labor?
|
$2500 is for parts only.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Z06vette
I would say for your goal of maximum performance it would seem like the rear 4 link & coil overs all the way around is where you will want to end up. It would be over budget to do front & rear. I have read in numerous suspension threads that the front is of more importance than the rear when it comes to the handling dept. So I guess you would want to concentrate your focus there.
|
I too have been getting the impression that the unfavorable geometry of the factory front end is much more of a handicap to the handling performance of the first gen F-bodies than what's going on in the rear...so I want to make sure I'm not cutting any corners there and am addressing the proper issues rather than just bolting on the sexiest parts (i.e. tubular LCA). And as much as I'd like to put a four-link on the car I can't help but think it may be overkill for my needs. I mean, it's no secret a leaf spring car can be made to handle very well and I suspect can still be competitive in the right hands. But I don't even need to be competitive. I'd like to be fast, but I don't have to be the fastest guy out there. Since I'm just going to be open tracking the car I'd like to be able to push it and enjoy it more than is possible on the street and be safe doing it. I'm more interested in being under control and having a car that feels predictable than having something that just looks cool and has big money add-ons.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Z06vette
It would seem best to do this than try to do both with the given budget- Only later to end up removing parts that were a compromise to get where you ultimately want to be from a performance level. On the other hand, if you feel a leaf spring setup would satisfy your needs, this would allow front & rear to be taken care of. A quality set of front & rear springs (DSE, hotchkis/global west,etc) and a nice set of adjustable shocks would give you a very nice setup. It would be a step up from your current parts and you could keep the factory control arms and possibly do the G-mod. I am by no means a suspension guru, I just enjoy building/driving first gen f bodies. I'm sure others will add some very good advise. Glad you are getting the car back up & running.
Scott
|
For sure. I have to be realistic about what I want to do with the car in spite of how much I'd like to outfit it with the latest trick parts. Fact of the matter is I also have a '79 Mercury Capri that was at one time a SCCA A-Sedan car that I've rebuilt and almost completely converted over to an updated (well, updated by '05 standards) NASA CMC car. That will be a dedicated, purpose built for competition race car with a tunable suspension and all the proper race car goodies. So I don't need or want to go to extremes with the Camaro....just get the most bang for my buck from it.
And I feel like I've hit a brick wall with picking the parts. No particular brand seems to be the obvious best choice...all of them have good and bad said about them but I get the impression any of them would likely give me a car that can perform beyond my skill level as a driver. I'm not so sure I need some of the "kits" like the Hotchkis TVS since it includes a bunch of steering linkage parts I've recently replaced and also I find myself wondering "well, brand x kit has an attractive price but several are saying the shocks from brand y kit are better"...and even with that the discussion I'm getting that info from might be three or four years old which makes it kind of hard to feel confident I'm making the right decision.