Whats a good 1969 Camaro street handling suspension???

[Pasquale]

I have recently bought a 1969 Camaro and am planning to make a powerful street vehicle out of it. Since I am not too familiar with the performance of different suspensions, I

could use some help. Depending on who I talk to, I get different answers. I have heard that 4 and 3 links perform better on the track rather than the street. And I have heard

you can get a good handling car by an upgraded leaf spring kit. I have also been recommended to use a ladder bar suspension. But What I would really like to install is a

independent rear suspension. And if I end up going that route, I need it to handle 1000 hp. I am open to any suggestions, thank you.

I took these pictures last weekend after I drove it into the shop.









Then I started working on it.

[awr68]

I moved your thread in hopes that your specific question gets answered faster from our suspension guys. Also, may I suggest you start a new thread in the Projects Forum where you can show updates starting with these pics of the tear down!! Welcome to the site and thanks for sharing!!

[awr68]

Unless this is a drag race car don't even think of ladder bars!

Updated drop-leaf sprung cars are far better than worn out stock leafs and can ride and handle pretty well....

3-link, 4-link and Torque Arm suspensions are top shelf and are just as good on the street as the track.

I personally don't know a lot about IRS and what if any could handle 1k HP.

Really depends a lot on budget and fab skills.

[Pasquale]

Yeah I want a well handling street car so I'll stay away from ladder bar. As far as a 3 or 4 link, is Heidts the way to go or does someone else prefer another company? I would also like to know a little more about an IRS because I'm sure there is a differential that is made for high HP, but I have not been able to find one. Ive been looking at a Corvette's IRS, but I do not know what those differentials HP are rated to. I know an IRS is priced pretty high. That's why I'm trying to get some opinions. I do not want to regret not doing something I wanted to the car when I'm done. On the other hand, I don't want to spend money on parts that don't do what I would like them to.

[Devil Dog]

I would recommend you read "How to make your muscle car handle" by Mark Sevitske. It is very informative on all types of suspensions and includes specific types for the 69 Camaro. I'm half way through it right now and already has me re-thinking my initial thoughts for what I wanted for my car.

[Pasquale]

Originally Posted by O3HDF150

I would recommend you read "How to make your muscle car handle" by Mark Sevitske. It is very informative on all types of suspensions and includes specific types for the 69 Camaro. I'm half way through it right now and already has me re-thinking my initial thoughts for what I wanted for my car.
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I'll have to check it out because I do not want to get far into my suspension and then change my mind. Although it seems that most people have been suggesting a 4 link.

[nvr2fst]

RPM transmissions IMO builds the most stout C5/C6 trans/diff packages for heavy hp and torque. The IRS most likely will cost u way, way more than other rear end set ups if you plan on mimicing the vette set up. Jakes Rod shop gave me some info awhile back ago about a shop that is building IRS rears the more conventional way. I believe using a 9" ford housing, but could be wrong. Check with JRS.

[killer67]

Originally Posted by nvr2fst

RPM transmissions IMO builds the most stout C5/C6 trans/diff packages for heavy hp and torque. The IRS most likely will cost u way, way more than other rear end set ups if you plan on mimicing the vette set up. Jakes Rod shop gave me some info awhile back ago about a shop that is building IRS rears the more conventional way. I believe using a 9" ford housing, but could be wrong. Check with JRS.

I agree. They rebuilt my tranny and did an awesome job

[Pasquale]

Originally Posted by nvr2fst

RPM transmissions IMO builds the most stout C5/C6 trans/diff packages for heavy hp and torque. The IRS most likely will cost u way, way more than other rear end set ups if you plan on mimicing the vette set up. Jakes Rod shop gave me some info awhile back ago about a shop that is building IRS rears the more conventional way. I believe using a 9" ford housing, but could be wrong. Check with JRS.

Alright I'll give them a call tomorrow. They look like they have a nice sub frame also.

Do you guys know the why people install an IRS. Do most people use an IRS for good street handling or do they install it more for show?

[BMR Tech]

On a smooth road course most will agree that there is no real advantage to IRS. On the street with a properly setup IRS you can have an advantage mainly due to the road inconsistencies and the IRS's ability to compensate with each wheel "independently". They are much more difficult to make work with a high horsepower car however, not to mention much more expensive.

A properly setup solid axle is generally very difficult to beat both in cost effectiveness and simplicity. There are many options out there but it's hard to beat our Torque arm Suspension when it comes to ease of installation, included options, and overall usability. Because of the centrally located main link, a torque arm works similarly to a 3 link design when it comes to bind-free axle articulation. The torque arm acts like a ladder bar in preventing axle counter-rotation and maximizing weight transfer except without all of the negatives associated with ladder bars. Our kit is 100% bolt in wether you are using a 10 bolt, 12 bolt, or Ford 9", no welding or fabrication required.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of our knowledgeable sales staff at 813-986-9302.