1st Gen rear suspension question!

[CraigMorrison]

We are looking at doing something new for the rear suspension on a 1st Gen Camaro and we need your input! In terms of suspension, how much are you willing to compromise the geometry so it will fit under the stock floor pan? We are talking about doing two options: a triangulated 4-bar and a 3-link. The Tri 4 will fit under the stock sheet metal with only very minimal floor cutting. But what about the 3-link? If we have the tri 4-bar option, would you guys want the 3-link to be a no-compromise piece where more floor mods are required? Or is keeping the stock floor more important than maximizing the suspension’s performance? We are working on some designs now, but it looks like the stock seat will need some mods or you might have to run custom rear seat or no back seat at all. Thanks for your input on this! The more we hear back from you guys, the better this is going to be for the 1st Gen community.

[XcYZ]

Craig, is it possible to offer 2 different versions? A 'bolt in' version and one where you have to cut the floor? Just thinking out loud here...

Personally, I have no problem cutting the floor as needed. Look at how many people are mini-tubbing their cars these days. As long as the stock back seat still fit in the car, I'd be more than happy with it. :thumbsup:

[CraigMorrison]

We are planning two different options, the Tri 4-bar will have the same amount of trimming as what you would have with the DSE kit, the three link more.

[mazspeed]

A c-5 rear :D

[gearhead1186]

I was planning on getting the tri 4 bar rear clip but now that you guys are doing this I will def wait. Lateral Dynamics already offers a 3 link that requires alot of work. I think if you make a 3 link that requires some modification, but lets you retain the rear seat while only sacrifing the performancte that wuld be noticed on an all out track car you would have a winner. I think I talk for alot of the people here as I think the majority of cars are street/strip cars and we can sacrifice a tad of performance for ease of installation. How much performance will be sacrificed for both systems, tri 4 bar and 3 link?

[simbad's68]

A c-5 rear :D
+1 for the C5

[Spiffav8]

Craig, is it possible to offer 2 different versions? A 'bolt in' version and one where you have to cut the floor? Just thinking out loud here...

Personally, I have no problem cutting the floor as needed. Look at how many people are mini-tubbing their cars these days. As long as the stock back seat still fit in the car, I'd be more than happy with it. :thumbsup:


I have to agree with Scott. I want to keep a stock looking interior as much as possible. I'd sacrifice some performance to keep the look I want.

If you need a car to install a 4 bar in and test...mines available. :D

[Bowtieracing]

How about "allmost" bolt on watts link for us leaf spring guys?

[customcam]

i was thinking a rear end that you can run 19 or 20 inch rear wheels with anywere from 305- 345 tyre BUT get a great stance with it without major mods and if any1 nows about stance its you guys!

[Milehigh69]

I think many guys don't want to do major fabrication. I think the more instruction you can provide the better. It is the fear of the unknown, cutting into these classics, is an undesirable. I think it just depends on how well the project is engineered and how well you can document it will determine its success. Good luck.

[holschen]

Originally Posted by XcYZ
Craig, is it possible to offer 2 different versions? A 'bolt in' version and one where you have to cut the floor? Just thinking out loud here...

Personally, I have no problem cutting the floor as needed. Look at how many people are mini-tubbing their cars these days. As long as the stock back seat still fit in the car, I'd be more than happy with it.


I have to agree with Scott. I want to keep a stock looking interior as much as possible. I'd sacrifice some performance to keep the look I want. :D

I´m with scott and curtis on this one ,I realy want the stock backseat were it´s at
and I realy want the 3-link too and with a watts link preferably:bow:
if it´s doable:lateral:

[FreddieCougar]

We are working on a 95% bolt-in rear canted 4-bar for the 1st gen Camaros as well. We have finished the Mustang/Cougar application, and the Camaro is next. This is the Ford Piece, the Gm will be very similar.
http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/gbar.html
Chris says March-ish.....
Adjustable ride height, shock angle, 3 kinds of arms, 2 kinds of sway bars, etc. very cool stuff!

Tim

[Blake Foster]

We put a Morrison triangulater 4 link in the black Camaro with minor cutting to mount the upper bars and some minor reworking of the seat back frame. there is alot of room behind the rear seat to cut away for a 3 link but it would be some major cutting.
i don't think there is any way to put a propper geometry 4 link in there without cutting.
in my opinion the tri 4 link is the best to work with as far a exhaust routing having the panhard or watts link makes for very little room to run stuff, alltho we just put 3" stainless pipes on Surreyboys camaro with the DSE quadra link.

[Liquid Force NZ]

I would be interested in a 3 Link Rear, not concerned if I have to chop the car up-to fit, if you were to do this what is the likely hood of it coming to fruition and how far away?

cheers

[johnny rockett]

Not one person has mentioned probably the most simple suspension piece out there used by every fourth/fifth gen camaro. A torque Arm...with the advance in rear end we now have the S60 rear end from strange with torque arm mounts already in place. Build the mount in the front that will swivel and leave the leaf springs in place. SIMPLE or am I wrong about this.

There is one going in my car as I speak. I will keep upi updated. Remember that cars are stupid. Your first gen dones not know the difference and wont mind a torque arm. Great anti squat.....very little fabrication. No choping up the back seat.





I would be interested in a 3 Link Rear, not concerned if I have to chop the car up-to fit, if you were to do this what is the likely hood of it coming to fruition and how far away?

cheers

[awr68]

Craig I'm a big fan of retaining the back seat...it can be modded, but I like to have it.

I actually have a 4-bar and used parts from AME to build it, it took a lot of fab time...a kit would have been nice a few year ago! :lol:

If you can figure out how to package a 3-link and feel good about the geometry improvements (it should out-perform the 4-bar) I say build it! As you know every car/suspension has compromise...with the LD 3-Link it's back seat fitment. And install instructions and templates are VERY important as many customers are only hobbiests, not that we cant do the work...but a little help goes a long ways!

Good luck with this, very exciting stuff!!

[itlbtu]

Not one person has mentioned probably the most simple suspension piece out there used by every fourth/fifth gen camaro. A torque Arm...with the advance in rear end we now have the S60 rear end from strange with torque arm mounts already in place. Build the mount in the front that will swivel and leave the leaf springs in place. SIMPLE or am I wrong about this.

There is one going in my car as I speak. I will keep upi updated. Remember that cars are stupid. Your first gen dones not know the difference and wont mind a torque arm. Great anti squat.....very little fabrication. No choping up the back seat.

How is your Torque Arm coming? I have wanted to do this to my 69 as well. I started with the G-Bar set-up, but I want to remove the top arms and make a de-coupled TA along with a watts link.

[ArisESQ]

i already did the DSE kit, and am very satisfied with the results... HOWEVER:

if i had to do it again, and a reasonably affordable kit was available that allowed me to run a 12 bolt rear end, i would GLADLY ditch the rear seats and hack up the floor for the performance improvements.
i think a no-compromise, all out performance setup would be a nice addition to the available aftermarket out there today.