Choosing an aftermarket subframe

[TheJDMan]

I spent a good deal of time researching the numerous front suspension options available. I looked at installing components on my stock subframe and complete subframes. When all was said and done, adding components saved a little money but required a lot of time to install. I ended up installing the DSE subframe and I have not regretted the choice. I too am not big into track days or auto-X.

[Roadrage David]

Im not sure what resirtch you have done. But I dont call 2200(speed tech bare subframe) usd little money!!. for the averitch worker today!!. and im sure they are""not"" the most exspensife subframe out there!!!!!!!.
so 2200 upto 3000+ usd just for looks and a couple of lbs lighter is NOT the most bang for your buck.

let me see for 2200/3000 usd i can get fibre glass doors, fenders, inner, fenders ,frond bumper, rear bumper, Dek lid , Hood.
and with a little bit of luck blemised persy,s speed glass al round .

now thats saving a lot of weight and getting bang for your $$, if you are building a road racer ore auto cross car.
the rest of the money witch you would spend on a aftermarket subframe,s suspention parts that come with a ""compleat"" subframe, you just spend on practiculy the same suspention parts!!.
that come with that subframe.
and put those on the origenal frame. Now i have a MUTCH lighter car with top notch suspention parts . and because of that a better handling faster car. Boom Done Finished.........

[skatinjay27]

^^^^^^^chip.chip.chip....

[Astontibs]

Roadrage, I hear you , but we are talking about a 43 year old subframe here that has been through millions of load cycles. My stock sub is not bent (as far as I know), but it must be fatigued by now. In addition, since I am looking at an LS swap in the future, the move to front steer will simplify my oil pan choices. In addition, I will get some money back by selling my stock subframe with poly bushings, disc brakes and 1" swaybar.
I stand with TheJDMan that a new subframe is the way to go.
Now with that said, I had a nice conversation with Killer69 about the Speedtech unit and it is true that their frame appears technically superior to the Martz and Heidts that I was looking at. I also concur that outfitting the Speedtech similar to the Martz makes the price difference much less. This is all making this choice harder and harder.
I have to go do some research on DSE, AME, Jakes and TCI now.
Please keep the information coming.

[Roadrage David]

Originally Posted by Astontibs

Roadrage, I hear you , but we are talking about a 43 year old subframe here that has been through millions of load cycles. My stock sub is not bent (as far as I know), but it must be fatigued by now. In addition, since I am looking at an LS swap in the future, the move to front steer will simplify my oil pan choices. In addition, I will get some money back by selling my stock subframe with poly bushings, disc brakes and 1" swaybar.
.

so is the subframe i am useing and of the transam above!!. that thussend meen anything. front stearing is ez. but not realy nesersary. having said all that. its your money and your car....

[vinz68]

I bought Jake's test car last year and couln't be happier!! It has his first subframe in it. We did add his DOM C6 upper and lower control arm's and a splined sway bar. IMO his stuff works great!! I haven't had the opportunity to drive car's with the the other's you are looking into so I can't compare. All I can say is that I am very happy with what I have and the accomplishments I'v made with car. I have recently won the RTTS event and qualified for the Optima event, this past weekend placed 3rd at the Motorstate Challange.What ever you choose is your choice. Just thought I'd add my.02

[carbuff]

Unfortunately I can only look at my JRS (Jake's) subframe right now, but from all of my conversations with him as well as looking at the workmanship of the items I purchased, I can't wait to drive this thing! Jake was able to answer all of my technical questions in great detail and made me very comfortable with his pieces.

I think it's hard to go wrong with most any of these items, you really just need to decide what your price point is going to be and go from there.

Good luck!

[Astontibs]

I looked at all the rest, and they are all more expensive than the two I am considering, but I do like the ones based on Corvette suspension. Aaaarrrghhh. I wish I had more money. I may have to save one more year and do this right.
One thing about the Martz that is starting to bother me is that it looks like a Mustang II derived system. They are adamant that it is not, that it is their own design, but damn if it doesn't look similar.