The Ultimate Front Subframe Solution?

[tyoneal]

To All:

I know by now I'm probably beating a dead horse, but, I really want to get some thoughts on what I see as a hole in the subframe after market.

As you know I have been asking a lot of questions regarding the different subframes out on the market. From what I can tell, Kevin at, "California Auto Restoration", has the ultimate front subframe for first generation Camaro's for these reasons.

-Everything can be made adjustable, or in a sense can be made into a true, "Road Racing Suspension". (Kind of a Mild or Wild option)

When I spoke with him he sells a subframe and depending on your wants, needs or wallet, he can add as little or as much as you want.

The Big difference is, That HE DOES the install AND your looking at around $4-5 Grand for the install. (Certain additions drive the price up from there) I'm not saying thats a bad deal or he does anything other than top notch work, but the headache as I see it is, I live in Texas, he works in California. You can add about $2500 for shipping on top of everything else.

The Subframe has some really kick ass parts on it, and the customers specs as little or as much as they want, AND they can run 315's on the front end if they want to go with the 335's in back for an ultra cool look.

If someone sold a subframe that could hold up to 315's on the front, then sell SC&C, or whichever made the adjustable upper and lower control arms that you would recommend or prefer, or they could simple put on DSE, Hotchkiss, Speedtech, etc. parts for those that wanted fixed or non-adjustable Control Arms. For the springs someone could do the same run DSE or top of the line Eibecks. (For all I know DSE might be better than Eibecks, this is for the sake of explanation purposes only) Same with Shocks which are already segmented in the market place based on adjustability, performance, etc. R & P Steering, same thing run everything up to the Appleton rack. Same with Brakes, Wheels ect. You could have your own inner fenders for your kit as well. The kit could come assembled or unassembled as your time and expertise allows. It would also be really cool if you could offer thing like a splined sway bar that could be changed out, up to an "in" cockpit adjustable sway bar. (The Oval track parts are really cool)

Since many people already have some of these parts already, (UCA and LCA, Shocks, springs etc) They could purchase the subframe and NOT have to re-buy these parts all over again unless they just wanted to, and it would give them the option of updating at a later date.

From what I keep reading there are a number of subframes on the market, but for the most part DSE, AM are some of the top tier and everything else at different price points below them. Essentially, all the major performance sub frame suppliers have targeted the same demographic segment.

In the current subframes you see prices from $3995 to $7000, with basically similar bells and whistles. From what I see there is a significant market gap between the $7000 DSE Subframe, and the $12,000 Subframe sold by CAR. The difference, other than money, is the move from a standard front subframe (Street/Track), to a more race inspired piece.(Track/Street) For instance, when people ask about a PT rear suspension, the choices range from modified leaf spring system, 4 link, triangulated 4 link etc. etc. usually ending up with the Lateral-Dynamics 3 link, or some other specialized, adjustable, high tech system that is truly race inspired, or simply race equipment set up for the Track and Street. It's not necessarily the easiest to install (Just Bolt in), but rather it's engineered for performance first with packaging being of secondary consideration.

As most people know by now, I have the LD 3-link and it is terrific. I am always surprised at, "What it allows be to get away with when taking some pretty, "Spirited", corners.

That said it seems logical that a front subframe should be on the market that brings the same level of, "performance, adjustability, tuning etc.", to the Market. Together these would yield a truly hard core foundation for a top of the line PT car.

You can get buy engines that make 1000+ "street-able", horse power, You can buy and install the infinitely adjustable 3-link suspension. You can buy Carbon Fiber panels now for your cars. It seems to me that the other part of the suspension should be available for those who want the very top end of technology.

Of course these are two totally different markets, and I think there is a good possibility for a company to tap into and capture this market segment.

This segment certainly isn't huge, but there are a number of engine builders making and selling 1200+ hp, $35,000 engines that wind up in a, "Ultimate Pro Touring", application, and there apparently is enough volume to make a buck.

Packages could be put together that would really give the buyer a choice of some of the best technology on the market. There is lot of oval track suspension parts that would really be trick on a PT car.

Do I need all the adjustability and technology, and huge 315 front tires? Hell no, however if I had a way of buying it complete or a bit at a time if I wanted to, without having to ship my car across the country, I would do it in a heartbeat.

As I mentioned above, true racing technology is slowly creeping into the Pro Touring scene. If I was told 15 years ago that 1000 hp pump gas street engines would be available along with the high tech, weight reducing carbon fiber body panels, 3 piece racing wheels etc., I would of called someone a damn liar, but it's here and it's not even unusual to find these items at local car shows or track days.

I would really like to be able to buy a Front Sub for my car with that class of performance possibilities, whether I do it all at once or over a period of years.
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What are your thoughts about this?


Thanks for reading.

Ty O'Neal