After many years of sticking with a factory drivetrain, suspension and drum brake setup, I have decided that it is time for a makeover. In order to bring my '69 into the modern age, I am in the process of installing a freshened up '95 Camaro LT1 motor, backed by a 700R4 transmission. I'll soon have this phase done and will be ready to address the next big hurdle, the suspension and braking.

With so many choices out there I am finding it difficult to sort through all the advertising hype and make a decision on what approach is best. I know that I am after a "lowered" look that will improve on the stock cornering/handling characteristics, and I'm looking for better braking than I currently have with the front and rear drum brake setup. Ideally, I'm seeking a balance between cruising, road racing, and drag racing. I don't expect the car to do everything equally well, I just want to be able to get in the car and have fun driving it without wasting money on things I really didn't need.

With all that said, where do I go from here? From the rear perspective, I have just finished putting together a 12 bolt 3:73 posi to replace the stock 8.2 rear and want to address the suspension. For this, I've been contemplating a Hotchkis multi-leaf rear spring kit, and possibly something like a Competition Engineering Slide-a-link setup. Although BMR also offers a "lever link" system, which they claim simulates a 4 link suspension. I've ruled out a rear sway bar, because most things that I have been reading seem to indicate it isn't necessary. I've also decided that the rear drum brakes will suffice for now, but I'm willing to listen to others who have been through this. Bottom line goal for the rear is a 1.5" to 2" lower stance, along with better traction control and cornering.

The front is a whole other story, and frankly the most overwhelming. Do I stick with the stock coil spring setup or do I covert to something like a QA1 or Carrera coil over? Do I stick with the stock control arms and go with poly bushings and a spindle extender, or do I need to replace the control arms completely with tubular versions (like those from Detroit Speed, Global West and Speed Tech). The only thing I am sure of is the addition of a heavier 1 and 1/8" sway bar. For the front brakes I don't believe I will need a 13" brake and therefore would like to go with something like a 12" setup (recommendations on which vendor to buy from gladly accepted). Additionally, I'm having difficulty determing whether a 2" drop spindle is a good or bad thing. My inclination is that could be bad, depending on wheel width and backspacing, because it would put the lower tie rod closer to the wheel. Again, I'm looking for advice from those of you who have learned from your experiences. As per my goals for the rear, I am looking for a 1.5" to 2" lower stance coupled with better handling and braking.

My apologies for the long post. However, those of you who have been where I am now, have probably also agonized over making the right choice when ordering parts. Since they don't make these cars any more, I don't mind spending money to make it better. I just want to make sure that I do it as smartly as possible. Your advice, comments and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Regardful

 

Stop over and ask that question on my forum:

http://www.lateral-g.net/forum

Or on the Pro-Touring forum:

http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/forum.htm

We'll be glad to help you out.


Oh, and I should add that I have a set of Slide-a-links that I'm selling if you're interested.