Control arms/coil overs - any difference?

[mrr1999]

Hey guys-

I am looking to purchase a set of control arms for my 69 Camaro (running a big block). I am leaning towards a kit by either DSE or Speed tech. Is one better than the other, or maybe the better question is what is the difference between the 2? (performance, feel, installation?) Also, each set comes with coil overs. DSE's come with Koni's and Speed tech has QA1's. Same question - is there a major difference in performance and/or feel? Thanks!

[dhutton]

I thought the DSE kit requires that you weld in their brackets using their alignment jig. This can only be done with the engine out of the car. You also have break the balljoint and drop the control arm to adjust them. I think the ATS setup is easier to use and install if you want to weld in the brackets.

The Speedtech ones are just bolt in as far as I know.

Don

[Heidts#14]

What are you looking to get out of the car? Are you looking for killer performance or an upgrade from stock?

[mrr1999]

The car will be 95% street (for now). I would like to get into something that I won't outgrow if I decide to autoX or road race in the future, but realistically I wont do it all that often. It's the old standard - I want to get the maximum performance at the best price. I see comparable systems out there fluxuating in price by $600-700. Some are MIG welded, some are TIG. Some are 100% bolt in and some require some minor fabrication. Different groups of guys swear by all of them so I am assuming most kits are pretty close in performance and quality...however I could be horribly mistaken.

[DFRESH]

I was in your space awhile back---ended up with complete Speedtech setup, coilovers, their reccomended sway bar, and ATS spindles. I was going to do the frame mod for the DSE coilover and use their speed 3 kit (I believe that was the one), however it didn't make sense since my car was together. I have yet to be in a similar equiped DSE car, but mine handles very well, mostly street and will be used for autocrossing and some track days. Roger, Blake and the guys at Speedtech are great to deal with as well.

Doug

[JRouche]

Dont mean to add any confusion into the mix but SPC also makes some quality parts. I bought some CAs from them. Got them from SC&C. JR
http://www.spcperformance.com/PROD_D...LECHEVCAM.html

[Vegas69]

I'd just go with a DSE subframe. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned a Hotchkis TVS kit. Then you could do a gulstrand mod for camber gain and an upper like a speedtech with more caster.

[tones2SS]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

I'd just go with a DSE subframe.

What Todd said. I know you said no auto-x for the car, but maybe in the future. In that case, why not be "ahead" of the game and get the DSE? It's got a "proven" track record, no pun intended.
I am not putting down Speed-Tech's stuff at all, they make some killer stuff as well. I've seen both,the DSE and Speed-Tech first hand in person and if I wasn't going DSE, Speed-Tech would be my first choice. (I actually may still go with the Speed-Tech sub frame and rear suspension.)
GOOD LUCK and let us know what you did chose.

[mrr1999]

If a new sub frame wasn't possible due to budget, would you say the control arms between DSE and Speed-Tech are comparable in feel/performance? I know the welding processes are different, but since I won't be hard-core autoX or road racing it ever, I doubt that weld strength will ever be an issue.

Also, I read somewhere that the DSE arms do not require the g-mod due to the construction geometry. Is that true? Thanks for your input.

[Vegas69]

Actually, DSE has their own specific template for the gmod. I was going that route before I decided to swap subs.