First Mods... OD Tranny or Suspension??

[Weldon0405]

Hi everyone. I've found and am in the process of completing the purchase of my very own '69 Camaro. The is in great shape with almost everything new; to include a TCI TH350... Herein lies my dilemma... Should I upgrade the stock suspension first, put in an overdrive tranny, or just suck it up and do both? My budget for this will be $10K -$15K.

[deuce_454]

my advice is as follow: Suspension, suepension suspension.... doing ot right the first time will gove you a great handling platform to work on... not a crappy handling old car with overdrive transmissoin....

with that kind of budget, id blow it appart and fix whatever rust is in the belly, install an ATS subframe with subframe conectors, and some kind of rear suspension... id personaly go with lateral dynamics, but everyone will chime in here.... slap on some cragar soft 8´s and enjoy the heck out of it, in whatever paint it is in now.... next step fpr me would be a stout engine and transmission to suit the needs of your desire for speed and condition of your wallet.... and lastly send it off for paint and body.....

[dhutton]

I would do the suspension first. I think your budget would allow for an aftermarket subframe (AME, DSE or Jakes) and a nice four bar rear suspension (AME, DSE, Jakes, G-Bar etc) if you do the work yourself. DSE subframe connectors as mentioned would be a good addition.

Don

[rjsjea]

Dont know what you have for wheels, but changing subframes/brakes/rear suspension might cause a need to change wheels too.......just something to consider

[Weldon0405]

Wheels are 17" Torque Thrusts.

[rocketrod]

Firstoff, what are your plans for the car? Do you intend to road race it, drag, or is it just a weekend cruiser?

[Weldon0405]

End goal is road racing. In the mean time I will be driving her daily. Currently has a 383 SBC, but I would eventually like an LS3 or LS7.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Well, with a $15k budget you can do both if you are doing the work yourself. My first order of priority would be suspension . Brakes / frame connectors / solid bushings, etc. I would rather have a car that turned a few extra RPMs because of the TH350, but drove great. then a overdrive that turned lower RPMs but drove like Doo Doo! You can do some really nice front subframe / rear suspension combos (Speedtech subframe / torque arm this month is on a killer special) for about $6500 or so. You can spend up to $9500 for some systems. I am assuming normal freight charges in those figures. Add $3000 for killer brakes. So even at the top of the list, you still have plenty for a transmission for a 500HP or less combo.

[Joel145]

I say give Frank a call, follow his advice and call it a day.

[lil427z]

call kyle at detroit speed . dont spend your money lesser quality parts.
rick k