Control arms/coil overs - any difference? - Lateral-g Forums

mrr1999 · #1 08-05-2009, 11:39 AM

Hey guys-

I am looking to purchase a set of control arms for my 69 Camaro (running a big block). I am leaning towards a kit by either DSE or Speed tech. Is one better than the other, or maybe the better question is what is the difference between the 2? (performance, feel, installation?) Also, each set comes with coil overs. DSE's come with Koni's and Speed tech has QA1's. Same question - is there a major difference in performance and/or feel? Thanks!

dhutton · #2 08-05-2009, 12:11 PM

I thought the DSE kit requires that you weld in their brackets using their alignment jig. This can only be done with the engine out of the car. You also have break the balljoint and drop the control arm to adjust them. I think the ATS setup is easier to use and install if you want to weld in the brackets.

The Speedtech ones are just bolt in as far as I know.

Don

Heidts#14 · #3 08-11-2009, 10:08 AM

What are you looking to get out of the car? Are you looking for killer performance or an upgrade from stock?

mrr1999 · #4 08-11-2009, 12:54 PM

The car will be 95% street (for now). I would like to get into something that I won't outgrow if I decide to autoX or road race in the future, but realistically I wont do it all that often. It's the old standard - I want to get the maximum performance at the best price. I see comparable systems out there fluxuating in price by $600-700. Some are MIG welded, some are TIG. Some are 100% bolt in and some require some minor fabrication. Different groups of guys swear by all of them so I am assuming most kits are pretty close in performance and quality...however I could be horribly mistaken.

**DFRESH** · #5 08-11-2009, 05:38 PM

I was in your space awhile back---ended up with complete Speedtech setup, coilovers, their reccomended sway bar, and ATS spindles. I was going to do the frame mod for the DSE coilover and use their speed 3 kit (I believe that was the one), however it didn't make sense since my car was together. I have yet to be in a similar equiped DSE car, but mine handles very well, mostly street and will be used for autocrossing and some track days. Roger, Blake and the guys at Speedtech are great to deal with as well.

Doug

JRouche · #6 08-11-2009, 08:44 PM

Dont mean to add any confusion into the mix but SPC also makes some quality parts. I bought some CAs from them. Got them from SC&C. JR
http://www.spcperformance.com/PROD_D...LECHEVCAM.html

mrr1999 · #7 08-11-2009, 09:50 PM

Good info, thanks. The more suspension info the better, so keep it coming.

Since the cost of the ATS spindles is pretty high for my budget, how much of a difference do they make? I know guys have been going crazy over them, but with a good set of UCA's and LCA's, a sway bar, coil overs, the G-Mod and steering box is it worth the associated cost (granted I could find a pair) for a 95% street car?

g_vanlaar · #8 08-12-2009, 11:13 AM

You could do the tall upper ball joint and get some of the gain the afx spindles will give you for the fraction of the cost. Also, if you do go with the afx spindle, it will save money when it comes time for brakes.

mrr1999 · #9 08-12-2009, 12:40 PM

How so? Less components? I was looking at a Wilwood setup now that has all of the pieces.

dhutton · #10 08-12-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrr1999

How so? Less components? I was looking at a Wilwood setup now that has all of the pieces.

AFX spindles allow you to use stock C5 calipers, abuttments and rotors. This is usually a substantial savings over other solutions depending on where you buy them.

Don