Corvette C5 suspension (Australia)

[Thomo5150]

Hi i'm new to this Forum. My project is a Holden 1 tonner ute, I have ordered a ZO6 C5 rolling chassis from ebay. I am setting the chassis up on a chassis table this week to start getting ride height etc. What I need help with is the width of the C5 front and rear cradles or the measurements between the mounting holes. My rolling chassis will take 10 weeks to arrive in Australia, these measurments will help me get a head start on the project. The chassis front end is very similar to a early camaro.

thanks Tim

[RetroTuner]

Sounds like an awesome project mate...Where are you in Australia?

I am Brisbane based ,can assist with electrical/tuning side of things if required.


Cheers
Kyle

[Thomo5150]

I am in Perth, interested if your have modified factory looms??? Looking at rewiring the whole car, vintage air, air con etc.... Looking at shorting the frame rails at the rear to fit the ZO6 C6 rear tyres. The engine will be set back 10" with a custom firewall and trans tunnel.

[Thomo5150]

I thought I better add some more photo's of a Holden one tonner ute. I guess it would be called a truck or a mini truck in America. It is about the same size as a Camaro/ Firebird as per front track, 114 inch wheelbase.

[Bowtieracing]

Hello Tim,

You might want to check this highly detailed "mother of all C5 suspension conversions" project here :

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=5109&highlight=356


I think it cant be done any better than Jim has

[Thomo5150]

Thanks I read that build on the weekend very nice work, sorry the guy lost his job. Hope his back on track soon to finish his project. Lucky for me the Corvette C5 and the Holden has nearly the same front and rear tracks so I won't have to modify the cradles at all. Is there a workshop manual which has the factory suspension measurements???

[Garage Dog 65]

Hey Tim,

Jim here - that's my porsche project you referenced. I'm outta town this week until sunday. The corvette service manual has 2 pages with datum line reference for all the suspension and body mount locations. I'll get you the measurements and scan the chassis manual pages Monday when I get back home.

Jim

[novanutcase]

Hey Tim,

Jim here - that's my porsche project you referenced. I'm outta town this week until sunday. The corvette service manual has 2 pages with datum line reference for all the suspension and body mount locations. I'll get you the measurements and scan the chassis manual pages Monday when I get back home.

Jim

Hey Jim,

Hope all is well!!!!:D

John

[Rhino]

Lucky for me the Corvette C5 and the Holden has nearly the same front and rear tracks so I won't have to modify the cradles at all. Is there a workshop manual which has the factory suspension measurements???

A few things to keep in mind if you will be using the C5 cradle. First and foremost, the engine is pushed far back in a stock Vette. The rack then runs in front of the front pulley. The rack placement will not allow you to move the engine forward. This means your firewall may need to move back to accommodate the engine.

Secondly, the stock C5 geometry isn't conducive to use in a muscle car. The Vette is a light, well balanced, low CG car. Because of this it's camber curve is rather flat. It may not be a great fit for a higher CG, front heavy vehicle, since you'll be experiencing more body roll. If you're looking to do this retrofit for the "feel of the road" you'll be ok. If you're looking for Vette performance, you'll likely be disappointed.

Something else that may be of a little concern is that grafting a K member into a stock frame may be more work than building a new front clip. By the time you get everything tied back together, you'll have very little original frame left.

I only mention this because I wanted to build my own front sub for a first gen camaro and thought about taking this route. When you do a little research, you'll quickly find many reasons why there are better options out there. I'm working on finalizing my C5 based front now. If you have any questions, just ask.

If you're wanting something a little simpler, and want to continue to use the C5 component, you may look into an Art Morrison weld in clip. Essentially it's a short set of frame rails, and suspension pickups, that you'll then weld into your chassis. http://artmorrison.com/layout.php?y=frontclip/c5vette/&x=index

[68RS350]

I went the Art Morrison weld in front subframe route. I would highly recommend it. They work with and figure out all of your requirements and are very flexible in their design. I am building a 68 camaro with a full C5 drive line and suspension and I elected to go with their front weld in subframe to solve the steering rack issue and the differences in the suspension geometry. Just give them a call and they will steer you in the right direction! Plus their clips look AMAZING. Below is a link to my project with pics of the subframe.

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=21535

[Thomo5150]

Thanks guy for you help and comments.

Hi Jim, that is exactly what I am looking for, thanks for your help. Love the 356 my favorite Porsche.

Hi Rhino, Excellent points made about weight and steering issues. I have planned to have the engine recessed into the firewall more than 10 inches. The engine will basiaclly be mid mounted. The Holden in standard form weighs the same as the C5 Corvette, I expect to loose about 200lbs from the swap. I have my racecar engineer designing the frame modifications for the chassis. I have a LMP2 type race car 1100lbs / 500+ hp Carbon fibre, Honeycomb alloy chassis.

The guy who lives next door built this in his garage so I can use is knowledge to find out how to go fast!!!!!

www.aussieinvader.com

[Rhino]

It sounds like you have a well thought out plan. I can't wait to see some more progress.

How much interior room does it leave you with a 10" setback?

[Thomo5150]

Still have room, comes half way under the dash, a taller tunnel is needed for the torque tube. A Kenne Bell supercharger is going on the LS6.

The LS engine sits about 3 inches from the firewall in the normal location, so the recess will be only 6 to 7 inches.

[Garage Dog 65]

Front cradle is :

33 3/4 inches between C/L of the front mount bolts

34 inches between C/L of the rear mount bolts

20 inches between C/L of the front mount bolts to the rear mount bolts

Rear cradle is :

29 13/16 inches between C/L of the front mount bolts

28 1/4 inches between C/L of the rear mount bolts

17 inches between C/L of the front mount bolts to the rear mount bolts

[Thomo5150]

Thanks Jim thats exactly what I need. will post more on this project when my parts arrive. Right now its back to sheet metal work and body prep for paint.

cheers Tim :thumbsup: