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.