Suspension Decision Time

[67Rally]

I'm going to be doing new front and rear suspension in the next few weeks and I've been going back and forth between a few options. Right now everything is stock, worn and squeaking. This will be a hard driven street machine. I'd like the option to do an autocross in the future, but I'm not really sure it will ever see the track. I'm looking to lower the car, and really improve performance in the twists and turns. I don't know that I'll spend a lot of time adjusting the suspension if/once it's where I like it.

I really like the Speed Tech upper and lower control arms for their price and reputation. My options with this setup are 1) package them with the QA1 adjustable coilovers, 2) package them with the RideTech adjustable coilovers or 3) package them with the Hotchkis 2" lowering springs and matched Bilstein shocks.

For the rear, I was originally going to go with the Hotchkis 1 1/2" lowering leafs and the matched Bilsteins as well. I don't want to go 4 link and dump a couple of grand into the rear. What are my other options?

I have talked with a couple of the vendors, and have a good idea where I'll get my parts, but really looking for real world experience with any of these setups.

Other info: 1967 Camaro, 350 sbc, 4 speed. I already have a new 670 Delphi box and all new steering linkage, new 18" wheels and tires, new Hotchkis front sway bar, and new Hotchkis tie rod sleeves. And I will also be ordering a big brake kit, most likely the 12" Wilwood front and rear, or possibly 13" up front with the 12's in the rear.

(I'm posting this here and two other sites to see if there is a big difference of opions. Any and all opinions are welcome!)

[scherp69]

Don't think you can go wrong with the Speed Tech stuff. They're proving it's a good set up on the track. Just look at their results.

[Sieg]

Bite the bullet and get Speed Tech's Track Day package.

And a carbon drive shaft since the torque arm will protect it from road debrie.

[67Rally]

Originally Posted by Sieg

Bite the bullet and get Speed Tech's Track Day package.

And a carbon drive shaft since the torque arm will protect it from road debrie.

Heheh. Let's pretend I didn't have $10k to put towards the suspension for a moment...

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by 67Rally

Heheh. Let's pretend I didn't have $10k to put towards the suspension for a moment...

It's not the cost of their suspension that's holding me back..............it's the brakes!

Be realistic with your net out of pocket estimates when factoring the front option. When it's all said and done how much more would you be out of pocket if you went with their front subframe setup? And which option will add more performance and resale value to the car?

[67Rally]

Originally Posted by Sieg

It's not the cost of their suspension that's holding me back..............it's the brakes!

Be realistic with your net out of pocket estimates when factoring the front option. When it's all said and done how much more would you be out of pocket if you went with their front subframe setup? And which option will add more performance and resale value to the car?

$4900 list for their front subframe setup.

I already have brand new steering box, rag joint, pitman arm, idler arm, center link, inner and outer tierod ends, heavy duty tierod sleeves, and front sway bar.

So I would be looking at the cost of UCA/LCA plus shocks and springs, or plus coilovers. Somewhere in the $1500-$2000 range.

I can't justify the extra $2900-3400 on a new subframe right now.

[Sieg]

In that case, the Speed Tech arms and probably the Ride Tech coilovers. The adjustability of coilovers vs. traditional coil springs is a plus.

[DOOM]

SPEED TECH hands down!!

[Hotchkis]

Originally Posted by 67Rally

I'm going to be doing new front and rear suspension in the next few weeks and I've been going back and forth between a few options. Right now everything is stock, worn and squeaking. This will be a hard driven street machine. I'd like the option to do an autocross in the future, but I'm not really sure it will ever see the track. I'm looking to lower the car, and really improve performance in the twists and turns. I don't know that I'll spend a lot of time adjusting the suspension if/once it's where I like it.

I really like the Speed Tech upper and lower control arms for their price and reputation. My options with this setup are 1) package them with the QA1 adjustable coilovers, 2) package them with the RideTech adjustable coilovers or 3) package them with the Hotchkis 2" lowering springs and matched Bilstein shocks.

For the rear, I was originally going to go with the Hotchkis 1 1/2" lowering leafs and the matched Bilsteins as well. I don't want to go 4 link and dump a couple of grand into the rear. What are my other options?

I have talked with a couple of the vendors, and have a good idea where I'll get my parts, but really looking for real world experience with any of these setups.

Other info: 1967 Camaro, 350 sbc, 4 speed. I already have a new 670 Delphi box and all new steering linkage, new 18" wheels and tires, new Hotchkis front sway bar, and new Hotchkis tie rod sleeves. And I will also be ordering a big brake kit, most likely the 12" Wilwood front and rear, or possibly 13" up front with the 12's in the rear.

(I'm posting this here and two other sites to see if there is a big difference of opions. Any and all opinions are welcome!)

Rally67,

Carl Casanova and Mary Pozzi have proven you can get great performance from leaf spring suspension. Install some good multi-leaf rear springs and get some invaluable instruction at a performance driving school.

Here’s Carl Casanova's '68 Camaro in the March 2011 issue of Super Chevy Magazine with his new Hotchkis TVS kit. Watch the videos too.

http://www.superchevy.com/features/c...aro/index.html







If you have tech questions, you can always call us toll free. 1-888-735-6425

[randy]

i have my hotchkis 1 1/2 lowered rear leafs on my car. Currently switching to dse quadralink. If you are interested LMK. My sell the front lower springs too