RedZed Reloaded- Camaro ExtReme Suspension Overhaul

[Ben@SpeedTech]

The Drive Junky system comes with a high mount A/C compressor. In the name of being ultra compact and clean we also tried out this cool new low mount kit from Kwik Performance. Check out the difference in location. The price is fantastic too, so those of you who pick up an ExtReme subframe have a few different options for mounting a/c.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Available in both a wet or dry sump system, our ATS hand fabricated sheetmetal oil pan dimensions influenced the crossmember's design, zero clearance issues had to be standard and we nailed it.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

On both the wet and dry sump pans we utilize a relocated oil filter system which allows placing the filter in an ultra convenient spot and also the integrating of an oil cooler for less wear and longer engine life.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Almost there...

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Whoa, that looks different! RedZed was set up with an easy cruising automatic before, but the advantages of converting to the standard trans justified the effort. We used a McLeod dual disc clutch assembly with an aluminum flywheel. On customer's cars this clutch has worked great, doesn't make your left calf the size of your thigh, and the aluminum flywheel allows the engine to spin up quick!



On the hydraulics end we installed our ATS clutch master cyl kit which utilizes our easy to install correct angle bracket with genuine GM master and reservoir. Baer's new brake master cylinder handles the brakes very well under pressure. Although it takes just a little extra effort to apply we typically forego the booster to clean up the engine bay and bypass issues with larger cams and low vacuum. Even without the power assist these Baer systems stop the car incredibly well.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

On to interior mods. In the past when someone transplanted a T56 into a muscle car it often meant rebuilding at least the front half of the transmission tunnel. That can be costly and time consuming, so we've come out with a line of trans tunnel covers for several applications that are quick and easy to install and can even be completed without welding. The ExtReme subframe is designed to allow really low ride heights so the trans is raised slightly more than our Pro Touring subframe and requires this special tunnel cover specific to this package. You simply cut out the portion within the tape line, attach the cover and you're done. Note that this cover is designed to all fit under a factory console (!) on first gen Camaros, as RedZed is set up.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

The factory console does need to be modified slightly, the front corners need to be trimmed to allow the console to go around the tunnel cover and one inner bracket needs to be removed.





After trimming...

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Moving back to the rear, RedZed used to roll on a GM 12 bolt rear axle, but with all the changes it was decided to convert to the stronger 9" that's available with our Torque Arm packages. Dutchman supplies our rear axles and we couldn't be happier with them. They custom build them to our specs with your choice of width and gears. Short of going with our full floater axle, Roger opted for all the upgrades including billet 1350 yoke, billet front bearing support, Dutchman's cool Super Set 20 double bearing housing ends, internal axle seals, pro Street axle shafts, True Trac diff and 3.89 gears. The axle housing was narrowed 4" from stock and on the long ends front matching 14" discs and 6 piston Baers with internal park brakes button things up.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Roger kept the panhard bar from the old system, back in the day they were clear anodized and that matches some trim on the car. Now we powdercoat them black to match the rest of the torque arm parts. The first pic here illustrates how the Torque arm bolts to the axle- there are two small brackets on the center of the housing and a super strong billet mount that bolts over the pinion support.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

With a front suspension as refined as this one you have to back it up with something pretty special. From the get go our Torque Arm has always performed beyond what was expected and unlike leafs or 4 links creates a near bind free 3 link style suspension that operates incredibly smooth on the road and supports and follows the front suspension with exactness and grace on the race track. It shines on both the autoX and the road course so we're confident in pairing it up with our new ExtReme chassis and subframes. We've gone this route with our C10 chassis systems and our shop truck has gotten three first place wins at it's three attended events so far. It works so good we're even putting it in our new Chevelle and Tri-5 chassis rather than the typical 4 link.

Our torque arm is made of a special higher strength steel and is internally gusseted for superior strength in a small, clean, easy to install package that isn't cumbersome and leaves room for large tube exhaust routing. Not only does this kit hang the rear suspension, it includes an upper crossmember that's integrated into and strengthens the rear frame rails, and essentially the entire rear half of the car. Our system takes on average 8 hours to install and uses existing mounting points. In comparison some 4 link systems take up to 40 hours to install and include cutting up the floor and rear seat. With all the conveniences of the Torque Arm backed by it's performance it's no wonder we sell so many of them. In RedZed's case the main center arm got powdercoated to match the subframe and wheel centers.