I bought a major Pro-Touring project from a high school, WOW what were they thinking!

[DannyZ]

Thanks. Has any body rode in a FastTrack framed car and has a review of the ride and handling? Or could someone compare the DSE to the FastTrack?

[214Chevy]

Originally Posted by DannyZ

Thanks. Has any body rode in a FastTrack framed car and has a review of the ride and handling? Or could someone compare the DSE to the FastTrack?

Both of the company's are top notch and you cannot go wrong with either one. Again, unless you just want one and don't mind spending the extra money on a full chassis, a DSE subframe is a hell of subframe. Lot's of high horsepower guys on here run DSE subframes and have no issues. I, personally, have never heard of a complaint about any of DSE parts.

[DannyZ]

Yes your right I've heard good things about DSE and I don't have a problem using them at all. I was thinking that if i'm going to be putting 20K in the motor and trans setup would a full frame be at that level of refinement? Which is to say that if the DSE setup is a 8.5 would the FastTrack frame be a 10? If that was the case I might, but if the DSE is a 9.5 maybe not. I'm just looking for a balance between the two ie engine/chassis setups.

[Vegas69]

I'm with these guys, DSE stuff is top notch in the industry. From reputation to performance. I like the long term support aspect as well. I had one of the first 100 frames in my 69. It was easily one of my favorite aspects of that car.

Take it from a guy that built one of these from scratch. It's addicting and the snow ball gets big quick.

I would opt for an ls or lt and the t56. The engine is just to antiquated for a modern pro touring car. I wouldn't put that tko600 in your tractor.

Good luck with it.

[DannyZ]

Thanks Todd,

Yes the TKO600 isn't going in to this build, going with a new T56. And I agree on the engine LT4 for sure! I guess since I'm going all in, if the FastTrack is any better then a separate DSENfront and rear setup jointed together?

[Rod P]

Originally Posted by DannyZ

if the DSE setup is a 8.5 would the FastTrack frame be a 10? If that was the case I might, but if the DSE is a 9.5 maybe not. I'm just looking for a balance between the two ie engine/chassis setups.

there both 10's and are only as good as the assisting components, what i mean is dont cheap out on shocks, tires, brakes, power steering components, coolers, seats, tuning, and so on

[DannyZ]

Thanks Rob, I appreciate the input and understand what you are saying. I guess I looking at the front and rear components as an upgrade for some that can be done in phases and I'm doing everything at once and just want to make sure I have the best I can buy. i really not worried about the cost, I just don't want to redo things down the road. That's why I respect everyone's input!! Thanks....

[DannyZ]

In making a decision on which direction I will be going, I'm not worried about the cost of the decision. After looking at the DSE quadralink setup and looking at the install and the sub frame connectors I have some thoughts on the comparison between the FastTrack frame and the DSE parts. With DSE you have to weld the sub frames together. I like the idea with the RS FT frame that I can run all the plumbing and lines with the body off the car and easily test fit the body sense it will be bolted together not welded. Also it would seem that a jig built chassis like the RS FT frame would have better front and rear wheel alignment and track alignment sense it is built as one unit verse the DSE separate front and rear units joining with a third factory, the sub frame connectors, plus the fourth variable the body itself. Now all four items need to be aligned and welded together and then you are stuck with alignment good or bad at that point? Also have you guys heard from anybody that has autocrossed the RS FT frame and has any input on the IRS setup and how they like it?

[Flash68]

It sounds like you want someone to tell you to get the RS full frame.

I will be that guy for you.

Just buy it.



Welcome.

[GregWeld]

I spy another "issue" or concern I'd have about the car.

This was a project in a high school car shop..... Who knows what and how many coats and what brands etc were used in the priming of the car? Paint is critical these days and the paints MUST be used in almost a "system" format. And primers have kind of a shelf life of adhesion etc. By that I mean - many times you are to lay a second coat etc within a specific time.... and if you don't then there is another prep procedure etc. We won't know that any of these "rules of paint" have been followed.

Was the body prepped properly at each coat? Or was the class on paint more of a "lay some on and sand it"? Was the intention then to take the body to bare steel before final paint and assembly.

I'm just tossing this out there because I think it's the way you need to think about this particular project.