RedZed Reloaded

[CamaroAJ]

If you guys are looking for another '69 to upgrade from your gen 1 sub frame to your gen 2 sub frame I'd be willing to help out. I mean, just to be sure it fits and all.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

@ Marty- The ExtReme subframe was inspired by many things, including more front tire width with good steering angle, the quest for perfect geometry numbers, and the ability for non Corvette cars to start winning the bigger races. The new system will drive just as well on the street as the Pro Touring subframes but they will be on "kill" mode at the track. It would be too lengthy to type everything that makes this subframe so great, I hope while you're shopping around you'll take the time to call us and ask for more info. For first hand experience Blake was the key designer, Roger has it in his car, and for an outside opinion call Ron Sutton since he helped optimize the whole package for any suspension strategy.

@Lance- Thanks! Roger is like a kid at Christmas time so far.

@AJ- In the beginning there was talk among the salesmen about trade in value if you already have a Pro Touring subframe, but I'm in marketing and am out of the loop on the sales end so I don't know if that's in effect or the details. Roger is our sales manager so I'd suggest you call and chat with him about it all. 435.628.4300

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Moving back to the rear, RedZed used to roll on a GM 12 bolt rear axle, but with all the changes it was decided to convert to the stronger 9" that's available with our Torque Arm packages. Dutchman supplies our rear axles and we couldn't be happier with them. They custom build them to our specs with your choice of width and gears. Short of going with our full floater axle, Roger opted for all the upgrades including billet 1350 yoke, billet front bearing support, Dutchman's cool Super Set 20 double bearing housing ends, internal axle seals, pro Street axle shafts, True Trac diff and 3.89 gears. The axle housing was narrowed 4" from stock and on the long ends front matching 14" discs and 6 piston Baers with internal park brakes button things up.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Roger kept the panhard bar from the old system, back in the day they were clear anodized and that matches some trim on the car. Now we powdercoat them black to match the rest of the torque arm parts. The first pic here illustrates how the Torque arm bolts to the axle- there are two small brackets on the center of the housing and a super strong billet mount that bolts over the pinion support.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

With a front suspension as refined as this one you have to back it up with something pretty special. From the get go our Torque Arm has always performed beyond what was expected and unlike leafs or 4 links creates a near bind free 3 link style suspension that operates incredibly smooth on the road and supports and follows the front suspension with exactness and grace on the race track. It shines on both the autoX and the road course so we're confident in pairing it up with our new ExtReme chassis and subframes. We've gone this route with our C10 chassis systems and our shop truck has gotten three first place wins at it's three events attended so far. It works so good we're even putting it in our new Chevelle and Tri-5 chassis rather than the typical 4 link.

Our torque arm is made of a special higher strength steel and is internally gusseted for superior strength in a small, clean, easy to install package that isn't cumbersome and leaves room for large tube exhaust routing. Not only does this kit hang the rear suspension, it includes an upper crossmember that's integrated into and strengthens the rear frame rails, and essentially the entire rear half of the car. Our system takes on average 8 hours to install and uses existing mounting points. In comparison some 4 link systems take up to 40 hours to install and include cutting up the floor and rear seat. With all the conveniences of the Torque Arm backed by it's performance it's no wonder we sell so many of them. In RedZed's case the main center arm got powdercoated to match the subframe and wheel centers.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

At this point it's probably fitting to look at wheel and tire fitment. Choice of wheels were Forgeline GZ3, 18x11 up front with 8.5" BS, and 18x11.5 out back with 6" BS. 315-30-18 Falkens all around. The rear also uses 3/4" spacers so in the future there's still room to jump up to a 335 on a 12" out back.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

More turny/ clearance shots...







This one below looks like it's rubbing the arm but it's not. At full lock it will polish the paint off the arm but that's beyond 30 degrees of steering angle. In most race venues 28 degrees is about all you'll ever need.



Back on it's feet...

[RPitts]

Car looks great! Great job on the updates.

[grendel]

very tempting.

[Build-It-Break-it]

Originally Posted by grendel

very tempting.

Do it JJ you'll be a thousand times happier, I am.