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View Full Version : all around suspension question for rear and front


jeff5347
07-07-2009, 06:27 AM
well i havent posted in quite some time. im finally getting back into getting my 68 camaro in a running state again and am trying to decide on the susp components that best suite what i want to do. to give break down the car is in all around good shape., it needs new rocker panels and somepanels aligned and a good paint job but all in all good shape. i paln to do:
drag racing 5 %
week end driver 70 %
autocross or somesort of running the car in corners 25%

i would eventually like to bring the car to nevada for the silver state classic.
so that in mind i have a completely stock susp. minus hotckis 2 inch lowering springs up front and kybs all around.
for the front would upgrading to tubular upper and lower control arms that correct the geometry and getting good shocks and doing the guldstrnd mod suffice for the front?
Also fro the rear i was looking into changing from leafs to says a watts link.
something like the bmr
http://www.bmrfabrication.com/f1/f1ta.html
or fays2
http://www.fays2.net/fays2_watts_link_22_.html
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tech/0604_rear_suspension_guide/photo_05.html
as they arent as exp as the dse gbar.
the fays 2 looks like it would do a good job but i really like how the bmr is a bolt in and looks like a real good design. any help or direction is
appreciated.
Jeff

Hotchkis
07-07-2009, 10:06 AM
Hi Jeff,

Sounds like a fun project. Up front, if you swap out the upper and lower a-arms (http://www.hotchkis.net/6769_gm_fbody_front_sport_sway_bar.html), add a performance sway bar and invest in a good set of performance shocks, you should be good to go for autocross, Silver State, etc. Also consider subframe connectors, they help a lot on first gen cars.

jeff5347
07-07-2009, 02:17 PM
i have the subframeconnectors. also i need a new front sway bar as mine is the stock tiny one. after installing the uper and lowers and all other related items will this handle atall likeafirst gen with an aftermarket subframe and assembly such as achassisworks or such. i just cant convince the wife spending 6g for the front clip is a good investment.

BMR Tech
07-08-2009, 01:07 PM
A good set of tubular front upper and lower A-arms with the Guldstrand-mod, a larger sway bar, and a good set of shocks is a great start for the front. Most people would be extremely happy with this setup. Add a set of ATS spindles , higher rate coil springs and a quick ratio steering box and you are getting pretty close to what the aftermarket front subframes can provide. The front subframe is a rugged piece as is, it just has 60's era suspension geometry. The main benefits of most aftermarket subframes are geometry corrections, rack and pinion conversions, weight savings, and more tire clearance. Just think of it this way: if your subframe is in good shape, if you perform the above suspension mods and are happy with a 255 section width front tire, keep the front subframe and save money to upgrade the rear suspension!

Our new Torque arm setup is a great, all-around rear suspension. Torque arms tend to handle very similar to a 3 link when setup properly. They also work great at the drag strip (we have specialized in drag racing torque arm suspensions for 10 years in the 3rd and 4th gen market), and are very stable at high speeds (Hello Nevada Silver State Classic!) On top of that you won't believe how much better the car rides once you get those leaf springs off of it!