69 camaro front suspension question

[69lsvert]

I have a 69 camaro with stock subframe and 2 inch drop spindles new oem springs. Car is in mock up stage and was wondering what some of you are choosing for shocks and springs. I set car on the ground last night and it still needs to go atleast 2 inches lower. Stock springs don't have to stay.
I also need suggestion on front sway bar
I want the car to handle good and it may see some thrashing here and there. Autocross at charlotte isn't out if the equation but it will be driven there also.
I purchased the TCI tourqe arm for the rear and got there sway bar and ride tech coilovers and subframe connectors.
Now not sure if any of this is needs but I will give some more info on car.
69 convertible
Ls6 six speed
Holley install for ls (brackets and crossmember)
Hooker headers
Stock power steering box
Cpp 2 inch drop spindles
18" wheels
Mini tub
If you need more info let me know I'm open to all suggestions springs shocks sway bar.

[Build-It-Break-it]

I would look into a Speed Tech performance coil over conversion. It's priced right, clean and easy install and they're a vendor on this site.

[Chassisworks]

Something to consider, if it has two inch drop spindles and you drop it another two inches the front crossmember is only going to be about 3.5" off the ground. That's with a 12" rolling radius tire. Might make things interesting in the header and oil pan clearance department.

Those numbers are taken from the information on our g-Street bolt-on front suspensions: http://www.cachassisworks.com/c-556-...gm-f-body.aspx

[69lsvert]

Thanks for that info. Oil pan and crossmember are no problem and the headers sit about 1/4 inch below subframe. Do I need to go with coilovers so I can adjust the heigth? If so what coilover goes good with stock subframe geometry?
Right now there is now travel in the front and that's with me standing on front crossmember, it may move 1/4 or less. We did tighten the a arms while it was in the air so maybe that has something to do with it.

[Chassisworks]

If there is NO travel that means that the suspension is locked and in total bind. This is possible but uncommon. If you're standing on the crossmember that leads me to believe that the engine is out of the car. That would mean that the springs and shocks are topped out. Your position in the center of the car is spreading the load low and even to both springs. Basically, don't sweat it.

Coilover shocks allow you to make small adjustments to ride height, usually about 3/4" max in the front. More than that and you are out of the shocks 'sweet spot' in the center of the travel range. The benefit of this type of suspension is not ride height adjustment but spring tension adjustment.

Whatever parts you decide to go with, they should be suited to the job they will be required to do. If the car is going to be mostly a cruiser with the occaisional onramp/backroad rip then a coil spring suspension will work fine when paired with a good set of adjustable shocks. If you want to get a little more aggressive, then consider going to coilovers.

Obviously we also offer a complete replacement clip with modern geometry which is a big improvement. Depending on how in depth your build is going and what other goals you may have they can sometimes be more cost effective. Sometimes some bolt-on parts are best for your build and will pay dividends.

Take the time to click and read this article: "Coil-Over Conversions Explained." It goes in depth about the different front options available and applies to your Camaro.

[69lsvert]

The motor is in the car. I can stand on the front crossbar where the front part of the lower ca bolts on. If I jump up and down the suspension will move. Right now the upper ca bump stop is touching. Is that correct?
I have 5.75 clearance from bottom of subframe to the ground and the headers hang a little below maybe a 1/4 inch or less. 2 inches maybe to much.

[Chassisworks]

If the car is static/at rest and the UCA is resting on the bump stop then your springs are shot. Not uncommon for a 45 year old car. Or, they have been cut to lower the ride height and the previous owner just lived with the poor ride quality. Also not uncommon.

[69lsvert]

Sorry not sure I stated in 1st post but I have new stock springs form classic industries. I'll post some pics later.

[dhutton]

Is the car complete with the front clip sheet metal, interior, transmission etc installed? If not, then I think you are worrying about this a little too soon...

By any chance did you get BB springs?

Don

[69lsvert]

Yes car is in stage without all that so yes I may be worrying to soon. I had the fenders and radiator support on. Just trying to get ride heigth figured out. As for having big block springs they may have sent the wrong ones it's been a while since I ordered them.