Speedtech questions

[will69camaro]

Ok, so I did a search and read around. I'm just now looking at the speedtech parts. Previously I'd been researching the coilover conversion from DSE and rear quadra-link.

Questions on speedtech.
Front suspension - Has anyone installed this and have good feedback on the setup? I'm looking for something that will be ok for the occasional flogging on a road course but for the most part it will be used for cruising the streets. I already have C5 front brakes waiting on whatever I decide. I want to run the ATS spindle as well. Since the sub has the gulstrand mod built in, I assume I would run the stock "short" style spindle. What kind of height adjustment is available with this subframe. Also I'm not wanting the QA-1 coilover setup they offer with it, can I replace the QA-1 stuff with the koni coil over that is available and same spring or spring with same characteristics as the one supplied with the kit?

Rear suspension - I happen to be a fan of the torque arm setup in my 99 SS. The torque arm setup looks good too but same story. I havn't seen too many people with this (realize it's new) but would like to see installation pics and hear how people are liking this setup. I feel the torque arm setup will allow for less potential to bind as opposed to the 4 link. I would also like to know if this torque arm setup reduces ground clearance with how it mounts to the rearend. Want to make sure I dont have something hanging down really low. Same story back there with the koni coil overs over the QA-1.

I'm not trying to start anything as far as the DSE vs. Speedtech just wanting honest opinions. I have heard nothing but good things about the DSE stuff and may still go the coilover conversion route and quadralink but want to see what options I have so doing a little more research.

William

[Blake Foster]

answers below.

QUOTE I want to run the ATS spindle as well. Since the sub has the gulstrand mod built in, I assume I would run the stock "short" style spindle.

Correct you just need to reuse your stock spindle or the ATS and given the option ( and fact your already considering them) get the tall one. then you actually can tune the camber curve by playing with the UCA mounting location.

QUOTE What kind of height adjustment is available with this subframe.

Have a look at our test car, it runs 19x10 with 275/30/19 and 20x12 with 345/25/20 (mini tubbed obviously) the ride height (with our Stainless Works headers) not on the car in this picture .but the pic below shows a side shot compared to the sub frame. actually the oil pan is lower than the headers. is very agressive. if you didnt want it as low as possible then there is always that option as well.

QUOTE Also I'm not wanting the QA-1 coilover setup they offer with it, can I replace the QA-1 stuff with the koni coil over that is available and same spring or spring with same characteristics as the one supplied with the kit?

Yes we are also working with Bilstien to develope a good all round shock, the only issue with the Koni would possibly be the mounting?? we use a 3/4" T bar lower mount and a 1/2" dia bolt upper mount. i am sure they could be made to fit with little trouble.

QUOTE Rear suspension - I happen to be a fan of the torque arm setup in my 99 SS. The torque arm setup looks good too but same story. I havn't seen too many people with this (realize it's new) but would like to see installation pics

See pics below.


QUOTE and hear how people are liking this setup.

All of our testing and test cars have performed very well, Yes it's "A New Part" we are now shipping the presold units and will be reporting on customer feed back as we get it.

QUOTE I feel the torque arm setup will allow for less potential to bind as opposed to the 4 link.

with our Articulink lower arm there is NO bind.

QUOTE I would also like to know if this torque arm setup reduces ground clearance

NO it is not even as low as the mufflers which are almost 2" lower than the arm.

QUOTE how it mounts to the rearend.

It depends on if it is a 12 bolt or 9" with both the trailing arm and panhard mounts must be welded on the housing, as well as the rear torque arm mount for the 9" the 12 bolt uses a plate sandwiched between the housing and rear cover. the front pinion mount in both cases is billet aluminum the 9" bolts on the front and the 12 bolt clamps arround the housing.
We also can provide NEW housings or complete rear ends in either 12 bolt or 9" , all Strange Engineering components with all the brackets factory welded on and any width you desire.
We have made both with the absolute MAX clearance to lower the car as far as possible with out cutting the floor, the stock pinion snubber and mount are all that need to be removed, the 9" will get the car lower due to its lower pinion height,

Want to make sure I dont have something hanging down really low.

QUOTE Same story back there with the koni coil overs over the QA-1.

rear shocks use a 5/8" lower mount and a 1/2" upper mount

now that the snow has gone we have track time booked for even more testing

[will69camaro]

Subframe has area to adjust the mounting location of the UCA to assist with adjusting the camber curve (ATS tall spindle). I will have to look more into this.

I like the option of running 275's up front as that tire is abundant and cheap. Chances are I'll be looking into 18s front and rear and likely a 315 in the rear.

Let me know how the Bilstein development goes and I'll look into the Koni setup and what would small modifications it would take (as you said not a lot would be needed).

I look forward to hearing about this torque arm setup as you guys get to test it. I have a little time before I'll be getting all this for my car as I'm just now looking at getting into a house with a shop.

Thank you for all the answers and for the pictures. I had been trying to find pics of this setup on a car. Saw the first pic on the site but couldn't get to a gallery where I could see more.

William

[comp-spec]

We've installed 1, but have not had a chance to test it out yet. The install was straight forward install, no issues. Everything lined up perfectly. The quality seems top notch, and I see no reason to doubt it will perform as advertised or better.

[ProdigyCustoms]

We installed the first one (besides Killers own car and love it.

Here is ours at work

[scherp69]

I have the the complete subframe from them, but unfortunately have not had a chance to install it. The craftsmanship is amazing on it. I've had it powder coated and it looks great. If you want any pics of the subframe and components, go to my build thread and I have a bunch. Let me know if you want any more and I'll post/take more.

[tones2SS]

I am also going to go with the Speed-tech sub frame and rear suspension set up as well when I get my '69 Camaro.
I would LOVE to do the DSE, but that's a little pricey for me. So, I'll go with the next best product in my opinion, Speed-tech!

[1FastHaole]

I did the DSE coilover conversion on my 68 Camaro. I found it pretty straight forward and once i was done i powder-coated the subframe, looks as nice as the aftermarket stuff i think. It does leave you still only able to run 245s in the front, and you do have to break the front ball joint to adjust the coilovers for height or adjust the shock setting. I purchased the correct tools to do this and can adjust both sides in about an hour, but this is obviously a much bigger commitment than some of the other options out there. Although this is a drawback, according to DSE the shock mounting upside down that necessitates breaking the ball joint is a design feature to lower unsprung weight and will therefore outperform other products that are easier to adjust. I haven't run the other systems so can't comment on any kind of head to head comparison.

Ride height adjustment is great, you can put it in the weeds or up like a truck if you like. My current ride height is set at about 3.5 inches but i've had it set lower.

I have been autocrossing with the set-up and have been pleased with the results.

Good luck!
Paul

[will69camaro]

Thanks for the responses. Anyone that has done the torque arm have any tips/info on how hard it is to get the exhaust out the back with this setup? I currently have it dumped at the rear 1/4 and would like to keep it that way. Looks like a tight squeeze however.

William

[scherp69]

I started installing mine today....very straight forward. No surprises at all. Here's a few pics: