I recently became a member of Lateral-G to get some ideas and direction for my 69 Camaro that I am about to start building. What I discovered was that the more I see, the tougher the decisions become. So let me ask the rest of you for some opinions. I already got the engine and transmission handled (454 and TH400), the custom touches for the interior are pretty much figured out. Roll bar, racing seats and harness, Covan's dash insert and gauges. Paint scheme and wheels are still uncertain.
What I need help on is the suspension. Short of spending 5K on a pro-touring front and rear setup, I was wondering what is the best bang for the buck that gives a low ride height, great handling and a way lower price tag? Thoughts? Thanks!
__________________ Mike - Las Vegas, NV
69 Camaro - in process
70 Chevelle SS396
69 Mach I
Yes...Chevys and Fords
Welcome man....I'm sure we can get you pointed in the right direction. On the cheap, I'm thinking hotchkis lowering springs(4 corners), sway bar, gulstrand mod, adjustable upper control arms from SC&C to get some camber gain and caster in the car. Probably as important or most important is some sticky tires. I'd go with a set of Toyo R888's(or similar) on the street and track. 275/245 if not mini tubbed. I've always been told to never trust a guy that doesn't drink and owns a mustang and camaro at the same time. LOL
If you wanna keep the stock front clip, I would probably say best bang for the buck would be either the ATS or Detroit Speed coilover conversion, or if you wanna spend even less, Detroit Speed and Global West (among many others) sell upgraded control arms and a sort of half coilover setup for the front that you may want to look into.
For the rear, I'd look into the Chris Alston G-Bar if you want to move away from leaf springs. Relatively inexpensive setup with little fabrication and welding necessary.
All of this of course depends on budget, but I'm sure you would be more than satisfied with even the most simple upgrades to the stock suspension if they are done cleanly and professionally!
Thanks for the replies, guys. I wanted to keep the suspension budget under $3K, but what I say and do are 2 different things. On the same token, as the price tag goes up, so does the build time.
Concerning the drinking vs. mustang saying...Does it make it better to add that I do more than my share of drinking and also have a big block Chevelle?
__________________ Mike - Las Vegas, NV
69 Camaro - in process
70 Chevelle SS396
69 Mach I
Yes...Chevys and Fords
When deciding how to build a car and what parts to put on it, you'll never be totally satisfied, but if you truly enjoy working on cars that's a good thing. I have owned my '69 bird for over 20 years and it has seen a lot of changes. I'm in the middle of a total suspension and chassis mod right now. If you have the money, do it right. If you don't, wait till you do, sounds like you won't be stuck on the curb with having all your other toys. I just was cleaning out the garage from all the old versions of the car and if I get half my money back it would be a miracle. as far as the rear of the car, I installed an air ride 4-link. Haven't driven it yet, but here was a pleasant surprise. I weighed all the parts taken off, and with the lift bars and leaf springs they weighed 100 lbs. That's going to be about 40 lbs min of UNSPRUNG weight removed. Not too many talk about that!
make a total plan that goes together, fits your budget and you like, then start your project buy different parts, and change your mind 100 times like the rest of us.
keep us posted
__________________
Chris
1969 Firebird: injected Pontiac 462ci, T56
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
69 Camaro - New member needs suspension advice
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