What am I missing? - Lateral-g Forums

millerman340 · #1 09-19-2010, 02:05 PM

What is so difficult that a weld in c5 suspension can't be made for Mopar products ? I'm not the smartest guy but all the stuff made for the fist gen Camaro that it should be easy while keeping the Front frame rail intact. First of all the inside of the rails are 31.50 & 36" to the outside with a 60.7 "track 68.5" fender lip to fender lip leaving one inch on each side for clearance. side. Sounds awfully close to the stock C5 measurements. (I have a C5 front frame for reference) It's about three inches from the bottom of the rail to the top of the factory K member so with Drop arms & a lower rack it does not have to sit like a 4x4. I understand the upper arms are to long but once the pocket is moved there's plenty of room. I've already laid this out with 2x4 tubing like the A.M. member & if I can get that far with limited knowledge what am I missing? Come one someone fill this need without being $ 5000 or so.. No I do not want hack the front rails. dave,

wellis77 · #2 09-19-2010, 10:26 PM

Someone probably can but there is not a demand for it. Mopar guys on this site are different than the "traditional" Mopar guy. The traditional, from my experience and perspective, does not want to even consider something other than Mopar for there car. The thought of a C5 suspension, albeit better in all ways, would be a complete abomination to everything Mopar stands for. I don't disagree with you and I think it would be great to see someone do it, but it will never happen because the demand is so small. Consider also what the traditional Mopar guy typically does with his car, 1/4 mile builds or street/strip builds. There are VERY FEW of us that are building these things to handle well. I "think" it will begin coming around in the coming years but it's going to take time, and a lot of it.

pro-tour79 · #3 09-20-2010, 05:14 AM

One thing you are not taking into consideration is that you just can't willy nilly move A-arms and steering rack to fit, it will screw up the geometry, cause bump steer, there is FAR more to this than fit.

millerman340 · #4 09-20-2010, 06:08 AM

I understand that but the E body cars are not that much different than the Gen 1 Camaro. I used to be one of those Mopar guys & yes mopars 's calling card was being fast! ( But handle like crap stock) My messing around with making the cross member is more of a learning experience than anything else but starting where c5 pickup points are must be somewhere close. Beside who would hack up a 70 convertible?

MoparCar · #5 09-20-2010, 11:45 AM

I'm building a Challenger also (6.1 hemi, T-56, mini-tubbed) and have asked this question in my head before.

XV Motorsports does utilize lower C6 arms and hubs by the way.

I've talked to both Art Morrison and Jakes Rod Shop about building me a front "stub" clip or bikini clip as AME calls them. Both shops will do this and you are correct with the factory frame width it would be possible. I've measured and mocked this up at ride height (that is the key-don't make assumptions about clearances at ride height) and most likely it would work. It would amount to cutting a long "C" notch in the inner side of the frame rails, boxing and installing the portion of the stub clip containing all the C6 mounts into this notch much the same as some of the street rod style Mustang II set ups install.

Please note I am only talking about an aftermarket clip such as AME or Jakes since they sort of tighten everything up into a package that works with available racks and the proper geometry.

I would not attempt this with a factory vette front.

Keep in mind you will have to modify and build new inner fenders, etc. and your headers may be tight and probably custom. Both vendors could probably build a clip that would attach to the front rad support if you made a very good diagram and then jigged your frame while you where cutting.

You will also need to mock up the actual tire size you will be running to see at lock to lock if there is adequate clearance to the outer side of the frame rail.

I need to measure again since I am ready to do something with the front. Either XV Motorsports, Alterkation, CA Chassis Works G-Machine weld to fit system or one of these front stub clips.

Wes

millerman340 · #6 09-20-2010, 04:36 PM

Here are a few pics of my experiment just for conversation.
Now let's assume that my lower mounts are set at 27" apart & my LCA runs down hill toward the front about 3*. Now with a spacer to hold the upper arm parallel with the hub level & setting the Castor angle @ 9* you should be able to locate your upper mount, Right?

coolwelder62 · #7 09-20-2010, 05:08 PM

https://lateral-g.net/forums/show...p4?t=26454This is the weld in C6 clip I made for Jon for his javelin build up. Give me a call at 1-785-594-7481 and we can talk about how to get the job done.Scott

millerman340 · #8 09-20-2010, 06:06 PM

Scott , What a sweet frame that is & a hell of a price ! I was surprised the Javelin measurements are as close to the Challengers . I'd still have to hack the frame rails to graft it in & the Challenger's rails are angled up towards the front . I def get in touch with you & my Boss has a 68 Charger he want to do the same also.

coolwelder62 · #9 09-20-2010, 08:37 PM

I can build the outside frame rails from 31inches to 34inches wide and make them how ever long you need them. track wt. is 60.5 inches wide w/std.c6 brakes. I could even build them on an angle for you so they would graft right in place.just need to know the angle of the bottom frame rail when the car is level.Jon's clip worked pretty well for him.Thanks Scott.

**camcojb** · #10 09-20-2010, 09:12 PM

I'm on my second Scott Mock C6 front clip, very nice stuff.

Jody