Lateral-g project front suspension

[3kidsnotime]

This is a serious thought I have been tossing around in my head, But the original Idea of this project it to show people what they can do so we are going to have a poll on it, I want people to vote on this but I also want reasons posted so I can evaluate the outcome of this poll, Now here is the hard part if I dont get some logical reasons to evaluate I might over ride this poll in the intrest of the project I will not say what I want to do but I will leave it up to you the voters to explain why. This is our options we can do just simple front suspension bolt ons the every day guy can buy and put on the car, the combination of these parts are expensive and the out come is good far better than oem. The second option is this we have a c-4 corvette front clip we can graft on the frame complete with brakes, the car will out handle the bolt ons, total cost of the front suspension with all costs are 700.00 way cheaper than all the bolt on goodies, But this is going to be a large amount of labor, down side we have to build custom headers front wheels are also going to have to have a custom off set. I want thought out input on this and I want to hear them all.

[Hdesign]

Originally Posted by 3kidsnotime

This is a serious thought I have been tossing around in my head, But the original Idea of this project it to show people what they can do so we are going to have a poll on it, I want people to vote on this but I also want reasons posted so I can evaluate the outcome of this poll, Now here is the hard part if I dont get some logical reasons to evaluate I might over ride this poll in the intrest of the project I will not say what I want to do but I will leave it up to you the voters to explain why. This is our options we can do just simple front suspension bolt ons the every day guy can buy and put on the car, the combination of these parts are expensive and the out come is good far better than oem. The second option is this we have a c-4 corvette front clip we can graft on the frame complete with brakes, the car will out handle the bolt ons, total cost of the front suspension with all costs are 700.00 way cheaper than all the bolt on goodies, But this is going to be a large amount of labor, down side we have to build custom headers front wheels are also going to have to have a custom off set. I want thought out input on this and I want to hear them all.

I think these are the key points right here. Again, it's another trade off. I think we need to keep the goal clear. Are we doing a project that any guy could do in his driveway or are we going to assume that the average guy knows how to properly square a frame section and weld it safely? Being forced to buy custom offset wheels may remove some low cost options as far as selection for new or possibly used wheels. Plus, how much are custom headers going to cost vs. bolt-ons? Though, the C4 graft looks like an all-in-one shot that's a pretty slick set up, there's a lot of secondary costs involved that may jeopardize other parts we want. After all is said and done, which set up costs less and does the more expensive option really have a dramatic advantage? Can we justify the price difference basically? I tend to think that the C4 option closes a few doors that we may need open as we approach $15K.

[3kidsnotime]

Thanks Ben good job this is the input I want.

Jeff

[71Nova]

I agree with Ben. as much as I would like to learn how to graft a C4 front end on my car, it does make more sence for this project to be bolt ons

David

[novanutcase]

Hmmmm.....for me it's a toss up. I guess what Ben says makes sense from a build stand point but doesn't part of the equation have to do with after it's done? I think the real question before ANY other question can be asked is what will the car be used for? 3Kids you probably said it in your first post but I'm to lazy to go look for it! If the car will be strictly a cruiser, going to and from car shows and occasionally running some twisties in the canyons, then bolt on all the way. If this car is going to see any serious track time then I say C-4! I haven't added Drag to the equation since I am under the assumption that this is not the direction the car is being considered for. As far as the wheel cost issue, if you go C-4 you'll probably have to go with stock 'vette wheels in the stock offset since there won't be much room to dish because of the difference in width of the Nova front end and the 'vette front end. I know I'm getting ahead of myself but what kind of engine are you planning on putting in this beast? Are you planning on doing an engine set back(Wouldn't cost much to change motor mounts since front clip is out of the car although you would have to cut open firewall and trans tunnel to make it fit!)

[ProTouring442]

No, I think bolt ons would be best for the budget. Upper a-arm, tall ball joint, Late S-10 spindle. With these you can do some sort of cool brakes, but I don't remember which ones. Search around though, there was a post about this recently.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"

[Bowtieracing]

I would personally like to bay "weld kit" system wich uses C4 stuff. I love the looks and availability.

[olds87]

I would use bolt-ons for the car, not ever person who is starting with there first project car know how to merge a C4 front end up (like me).

Just my 2 cents

[Derek69SS]

Bolt-ons:

SC&C stage II kit
poly bushings for lower arms
stock spindle with stock discs or C5 big brake conversion
700# front springs, stock 15/16" sway-bar, or 550# springs and 1-1/8" 2nd gen F-body sway-bar

[Bowtieracing]

again C4s