First Gen Camaro Subframe Feedback...

[Tim Baillie]

Looking to get some feedback from guys who have build multiple cars and used multiple types from DSE, Speettech, AM etc.....

We are doing a 69 this winter and were steering towards the Speedtech but he wanted some options........also wanted to know why the DSE is so much more, what makes it so much better.

He narrowed it down to the Speedtech, the DSE (if justified), the AM and the Scotts Hot Rod one....

Thoughts from the guys who have used more then one brand ?

[Stuart Adams]

Had stock with DSE speed 3 kit, had Wayne Due, had new DSE sub. The new DSE sub was far and away better. Handled great and could run a 10" tire with the car ride height low. LS7 with no clearance issues for headers.

I'm biased but I feel the DSE new sub is a great piece and well worth the money. If you want to see pictures of the frame and my car go to DSE and look at previous projects.

Price is a consideration, but I've always went with quality, well self engineered, and customer service. Also all my camaros that I've sold has sold for top dollar because of the quality of the parts they were built with. DSE means alot at resale.

Good luck.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Used all mentioned, have all mentioned in projects in the shop right now, and sell all mentioned.

Speedtech is a screamin deal, especially right now. DSE and Art Morrison are at the top of the heap in excellent geometry.

[Tim Baillie]

Originally Posted by ProdigyCustoms

Used all mentioned, have all mentioned in projects in the shop right now, and sell all mentioned.

Speedtech is a screamin deal, especially right now. DSE and Art Morrison are at the top of the heap in excellent geometry.

So what are the selling points of each one over the other ? Why is a DSE or AM so much better or liked ?

[skatinjay27]

it really depends on what you clients need are... if he wants performance with the BEST geometry then jakes rod shop sub is that...but unfortunatly hes not a big rich company so his name doesent get out much.

[dhutton]

What are the plans for the build? If it is an LSx then I would encourage you to take a close look at the AME. You can use the stock F body oil pan and accessory drives. The savings will more than offset the small additional cost of the AME over the lowest cost subrame option while delivering superior geometry and performance. You can also use C5 brakes and abuttments for around $500 to gain additional savings. Simply comparing the cost of the subframe without considering its effect on the total cost of the build makes no sense to me.

Customer service at AME is also second to none. I can send a PM to the engineer who designed it and have a response within hours. That sort of access is hard to come by or place a price on.

Don

[coolwelder62]

I agree w/ Dhutton The most bang for the buck is the AME, but if you want the most engineered subframe out there then buy the the DSE.The the speed tech is just a prettylooking copy of an old stock sub frame . W/ the rear steer rack they use you really have chop up an oil pan to fit on an LSX motor.Call AME and ask for Brock Baker super nice guy and will fix you right up.

[mazspeed]

I drove a DSE about 6 months ago and it was really good. The AME and the DSE are better then the rest, by a long way. They will both have the best geometry and performance out of them all.

[David Pozzi]

The DSE sub has large hydroformed frame rails, this should provide top of the heap torsional stiffness. I think their choice of suspension geometry is ideal for handling and road use, considering Kyle and Stacy are both suspension engineers.

I also like the Morrison sub, very nice.
I've seen the speed Tech sub and it's a great value.
David

[awr68]

Originally Posted by coolwelder62

the speed tech is just a prettylooking copy of an old stock sub frame.

I have to disagree with this comment. The Speedtech frame has more going for it than just looks over the stock frame. Here is what Blake had to say when asked about his frame vs. a stock frame.

“The differences:
Will fit up to a 20x10" wide wheel and a 285 tire at a lowered ride height.
Lighter weight than stock.
G-mod built in.
Can use other tubular arms (if you desire) we prefer you order the Hi-Clearance arms.
Air ride is a bolt in.
Will fit BB, SB, or LS.
Big 1.25" solid sway bar for use with hi clearance arms.
Also fits any after market sway bar if not using the Hi-Clearance arms.
Will fit any trans.
We have headers that fit with the rack and pinion steering

As for the hi-end subs they are hi-end, there really good, their more expensive.
Our sub concept was never to go head to head with DSE or AME, it is an option for the guys who want to use aftermarket Camaro components instead of Mustang II parts. Having said that all the testing we have done, the car handles awesome. Frank has beaten his up pretty good and is happy with the performance.”

Bottom line, will the Speedtech frame/suspension do everything I need it to do, yes! Only you and/or your client can decide if it's worth the extra money to have one of the others listed. Do I like the others, sure, they are nice! But, ST was a perfect fit for both my budget and needs!