Stock subframe or not

[gardnerme]

With all the talk of the choices of aftermarket subframes (for 1st gen Camaros) lately, I am just curious if anyone is still using the stock subframe with any success. I am not trying to say that the stock piece is nearly as nice or strong as one of the aftermarket ones, but building up one of the factory ones with new a-arms, shocks, and springs sure is a lot cheaper. I have a decent stock unit (and a budget), and I am just curious if I am going to regret sticking with it and trying to make a decent driving car with it. I am not looking to go road racing; just trying to make a nice weekend driver. Right now, it looks like if I change my mind later, I am limited to one subframe that accepts "factory style" parts. Or, do I just bite the bullet, get an aftermarket subframe now and push off the completion of my project while I save up more money to pay for it?

For a little description of the car right now, it is a bare '67 Camaro shell sitting on four jackstands. ALL of the bad sheet metal has already been replaced, and I have installed the main Air-bar/ G-bar bracketry for a coil-over conversion. It will be a small block/ 5-speed combination, and I plan to run 17" wheels all the way around (nothing larger as I want it to ride relatively decently ). I want it to otherwise appear stock looking. Obviously, with the sheet metal replacement and the rear suspension work, I am not afraid to spend some money on the car, but I am just wondering if I can find somehwhere where I can "stop the bleeding". Any help or advice you guys could offer would be greatly appreciated.

[awr68]

I talked to Stacy Tucker of DSE about this very topic, and her response was that there is nothing wrong with upgrading the stock frame. This was great news since a few years ago I did the DSE c/o conversion on mine and use their control arms. I am entering the last year of my build and it's way too late to change the frame...and the budget doesn't allow!

For what you have planned there is no reason you can't use your stock subframe. As a matter of fact many have sucess with just doing the Guldstrand mod and not even converting to coilovers. I have read that just bolting on DSE or Global West arms and upgrading the steering box will make a huge differance. Hope this helps!

[XcYZ]

Stielow let me drive Camaro X for most of the Power Tour, it has a stock frame with DSE's control arms and steering box, AFX spindles, etc (the springs and shocks were spec'd by Mark). I was totally amazed with how well it drove, rode, and how it responded to input. I have absolutely NO doubt in my mind that you'd be incredibly happy with that setup.

[ProdigyCustoms]

If you already have the Air Bar out back. just get the Strong Arms, tall spindles and shockwaves up front, along with the sway bars, and you will have a street challenge package. You will be very happy

[awr68]

Frank I think he's going with c/o's....

[gardnerme]

Thank you all for your input. My budget and I both appreciate it very much.

[RBR]

I have an aftermarket frame, probably not the right one, but so far it has been a chalange. I wish my old frame was still good, or just bought a used one that was not hammered. I had big plans, at this point I just want to make things work, I hope. Just my 2 cents, I may have just picked the wrong frame. For the money, I would be way ahead of the game if I used a stock frame. I'm learning as I go.

[Mrfixit]

One of my best car buddy races his 69 Camaro in the Vintage class at Sebring. The car has been extensively modified and is now a "race only" car and he consistently runs mid to upper pack using a tired 302. The car should be even faster when he finishes building his 350. He is using his stock subframe, stock upper and lower arms, and stock steering box with solid body mounts and firmer springs. The major modifications are the Goldstrand conversion and he tweeked the steering arms to eliminate bump steer. When he really got serious he stiffened the whole car by adding a full roll cage that extends through the firewall and is welded to the front of the frame rails and is cross braced between the frame rails behind the radiator. His latest modification was to add a NASCAR style sway bar. In the back he's running multi-leaf springs and a panhard bar. Sweet setup.

By the way, we've visited with Stacy Tucker of DSE the last couple of years at the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona and she really knows her stuff. He has picked her brain about various topics and she was instrumental in helping his maximize the rim sizes to use so he could squeeze more rubber under in the front of the car. I asked her father if he had any more like her at home. She's every car-guy's dream girl.