1st Gen Camaro Sub-frame Guidence

[Silver69Camaro]

Originally Posted by rwhite692

How about posting some pics?

Is the frame configured such that it can accept "stock replacement" type tubular upper and lower A-Arms? (Such as DSE, Hotchkis, Global West)?

Not everyone wants to run a C4/5 front suspension...

Currently, it will just be C5 but a stock replacement is in the works. Although the geometry is pretty good with aftermarket replacement components, it's still not as good as our C5 geometry (which isn't stock C5, either).

Pics available soon!

[Bowtieracing]

Originally Posted by Silver69Camaro

Currently, it will just be C5 but a stock replacement is in the works. Although the geometry is pretty good with aftermarket replacement components, it's still not as good as our C5 geometry (which isn't stock C5, either).

Pics available soon!

Wery intresting!! How about price,weight and what kind of R&D and testing you have done it ?

Personally i would prefer C4/5/6 system over the stock sub but cant afford most of them

[jsconiers]

Jeff,
I went with a BRP Hotrods modified stock sub-frame that will accept a ls1 / t56. The sub frame was stripped and modified, powder coated, cross member swapped, etc. My new tubular LCAs / UCAs, new QA1 coil overs, new sway bar, and Fbody disk brakes (additional bracket) were all cleaned up and installed on the sub-frame and mailed to me. Put "roller" tires on the sub frame,drop the engine / trans in, run your lines and put the body back on and your done. Considering everything was done for me the cost was good. Personally, it was the way go unless you pony up for the new Detroit Speed sub-frame or Chris Alston's sub-frame. I have not run either of the two but I've been told they are the best available for the LSX swap. Though the C5 swap mentioned above sounds good!
JOHN

[Silver69Camaro]

Bowtie,
I just read your signature that says you have a '63 Z06. Although you can't tell, I am currently bowing down in front of my computer monitor!

Anyway, currently the prototype is outfitted with 0.188" thick materials (which is way overkill for some areas), so it's heaver than it will be when in production. The 3D model (done in Solidworks) weighs in at 105lbs bare (in production fashion), which is pretty accurate.

As far as stiffness goes, there are two key issues:
1. The stock subframe is quite stiff.
2. The REAL stiffness that we are worried about is when the subframe is bolted to the car.

I have done some torsional tests with our subframe and a good stock piece. The results I have show our unit is "as stiff" as a stock piece. Now, I say "as stiff" because it's within 10% w/o the trans crossmember bolted in, but within 0-5% when it is included. This is all fine and dandy, but who cares what it is when it's out of the car?

Bolting the subframe to the car, with or without the trans crossmember, there was virtually no difference between the stock subframe and ours. I consider this a pretty good accomplishment, considering how bulky the stock frame is. Quite frankly, the fenders & body do so much of the work, I could probably lose some key strutural components and still be as stiff as the stock frame.

Pricing is currently being reviewed, so I can't give an exact number. Obviously it will vary if, say, you decide you'd like 14 6-piston brakes. The only thing I can say is it will not be the most expensive unit on the market, nor will it be the cheapest.

[Bowtieracing]

Hello Silver69camaro!

I am really glad you liked my 63.It was a long project and finally done.If you saw it in my pages i am sorry its mostly finish .

I have been dreaming of 69 camaro since my friend had one and finally agreed a deal with gentleman from texas. So right now iam building it in my mind until i get it home!!

C5/C6 suspension stuff is top of my list , so i cant wait to see your frame! Glad i have not yet bought anything!!!!!

[68LS1]

Hi kaptain kw, another 68 convertible owner here.

If you are only going to cruise, but granted on a twisty bit of road, I think save some bucks, keep the stock subframe and do the ATS tall spindle upgrade & an upgraded steering box. You can still use tubular control arms for that look factor.

You get bolt on C5 brakes using the spindles. Add nice springs, shockers & sway bar and voila!

With the convertible I think subframe connectors are so important for improving the handling. I used DSE weld ins and would again. Haven't driven it yet but the difference when just jacking it up was amazing.

cheers

Roger

[jsconiers]

do you think the sub frame connectors made that much of a difference? Like my earlier post says I went with a modified stock sub frame but opted not to spend the money on the SFCs as I thought they were not very useful....I did however go with a hotchkis x brace.....