81 Camaro control arms

[1981lt1]

Well, this is my first post here. I am in the middle of putting my 81 Camaro back together after another rebuild. A friend of mine used to run SCCA and still does alot of racing and pointed me towards some circle track websites for suspension pieces. Since alot of people are running the front subframe from camaros, I am looking at the tubular control arms from Howe or Lefthander. I figure since they are good enough for racing, they should be good enough for the street (not daily driven). Am I assuming correctly?

[Tom.A]

Hello,

Welcome to the site. I am also new here. Since nobody responded I will make my suggestions. Try calling ATS (Sponsor to left) or SC&C (Also sponsor here). I don't know if they handle the specific brands you are asking about, but from what I have heard both companies have have knowledge in this subject. I just recently ordered the AFX spindles from Tyler at ATS and he was very helpful and took the time to talk and explain options. Good Luck

[Mean 69]

I figure since they are good enough for racing, they should be good enough for the street (not daily driven).

Welcome guys!

In many/most cases, because a part is good for race doesn't mean that it's good enough for the street, or at least a darned good portion of the time. No question, the second gen Camaro front setups are widely, widely used in circle track racing, so there is a good assortment of parts that will easily bolt into place for you. A few things to look at with regard to control arms, be wary of the bushing materials used. Most race arms use greasable steel bushings, which will wear very fast in general and require a lot of maintenance (greasing). Not a big deal for some people, but a very big deal for others. Also, the steel bearings will be very harsh. Further, race parts are unique in that they need to be good enough for racing, and that's all. Many times, they will be significantly weaker than a true dual purpose engineered setup. If (or rather, "when") a stock car nails the wall, it's expected that a few parts will be thrown in the dumpster, so the parts are generally made cheap (not all). At the other extreme are the parts that weren't "engineered" at all, and are made far stronger, and subsequently far, far heavier than they need to be. All in the name of budget for the weekend racer, which is terrific really, but not necessarily so good for a street driven car.

There are a ton of posts both here, and on protouring.com that cover the parts you are looking for, or will fit your vehicle, so use the search button liberally. You'll learn more in an afternoon than you can probably imagine. Search terms should include "Second Gen F Body."

Mark

[andrewmp6]

id go with global west i always used there parts when i can havent been let down yet.

[deuce_454]

i went with ATS/GW on my car and loved the quality. I am not sure if marcus (SC&C) has anything for a 3 gen, but he would be the first one on my call list, i didnt go with his controll arms on my g-body as i cannot legally run adjustable ones on the street and keep my liscence... and whatever is good enough on the track is good enough on a non daily driver... but it is no guarantee that just because someone runs it on the track, that it will be optimal for the car your building.... give SC&C a call and sort out what you need