Chassis and Suspension Survey

[bdahlg68]

Hey Everyone -
As I continue to want to get more into the performance aftermarket business, I have been working on developing some potential chassis / suspension offerings. However, there are obviously already a large number of choices out there already - covering the market from bolt on component to full replacement systems. I am hoping to get some feedback and see where there may be some gaps that could possibly guide some development.

1. Do you think there are already too many options out there for Pro-Touring chassis / suspension systems?

2. Most of the companies out there leverage GM / Corvette componentry. Would you prefer to see leverage of a different OEM? If so - which one(s)?

3. Do the full system offerings cover enough of the "touring" in Pro-Touring? Or are they too "pro" in terms of sacrificing ride?

4. Do you feel that the current offerings provide enough focus on light-weighting?

5. Are the brake offerings sufficient? Would a larger system be desired even if it meant to had to run 19" or larger wheels?

6. What is your top 3 wishes as far as what you'd like to see offered for the Pro-Touring crowd?

Much thanks for any feedback!

[dhutton]

1. More IRS options at a reasonable price point. I have an Art Morrison IRS and I love it but the price is high.

2. More focus on ride quality and NVH. Some/most of these suspension systems are too harsh for touring imho. I noticed that Roadstershop introduced a line of chassis at SEMA that focuses on ride quality so maybe I’m not the only one. Lower spring rates with greater travel, more like my second gen CTS-V.

3. A complete industry wide ban of heim joints and cheap poly bushings. . They suck imho....

As you can see I focus on the touring aspect of pro-touring so I may be in the minority.

Don

[simon455]

Definitely more use of quality rubber bushings on swivel ends like dse or speedtech
Propeller shafts that incorporate guibo and cv joints
Use quiet gear sets/get them right in those 9” Center sections out there
Engine mounts! How about oem hydraulic style type, tranny mounts as well, oem type
Isolated steering column mount/kits
Seats/seat tracks for taller dudes
More bracket/adapter kits to adapt modern oem big calipers/rotors
Subframe that would allow you to drop in a ls/lt or possibly other engine
Without relocating lower mount Ac compressor or alternator
Double din or a tablet radio bezel/brackets
Modified wheel well housings to accept bigger tire sizes, more affordable than carbon ones
More variety of oil pans/bigger capacity pans >5.5qt.

These are just some ideas

[bdahlg68]

Thanks for the feedback so far. What about the following thoughts:

1. Is bolt-in important or are you OK cutting out floor pans?
2. Wheel offset - is more modern, high offset wheel OK? Or are you partial to the deep dish / lip look of many classic wheels?

[dhutton]

Originally Posted by bdahlg68

Thanks for the feedback so far. What about the following thoughts:

1. Is bolt-in important or are you OK cutting out floor pans?
2. Wheel offset - is more modern, high offset wheel OK? Or are you partial to the deep dish / lip look of many classic wheels?

I am ok with both, especially if there is something to be gained in cost and/or performance.

I may be in the minority regarding wheel lip depth. Some folks insist on substantial wheel lip.

Don

[Tony V]

I'll second the fender wheel wells option...something to accept the updated suspension with a wider wheel would be a real nice option other than CF. I think I've got more labor in wheel well modifications than any other part of my entire project.

[Zspoiler]

A lot of it depends on the budget .time and mechanical aptitude of the individual .Also there is a lot more options now than there was "Back in the day"When we had to adapt and or fabricate parts