I reeeeaaallllllyyyyy want to get an aftermarket front subframe for my '68. I've found three so far, one from Chris Alston's Chassisworks (www.cachassisworks.com), several different versions from Martz (www.martzchassis.com, I'd go with the rally/road version), and Fat Man Fabrications (http://www.fatmanfab.com/fm-22.htm). I think I like the Chassisworks and Martz frames better. I've seen an install of the Chassisworks one in Super Chevy, but of course, they never did a follow up test to tell how it performed. Does anyone have on installed? Or know anyone who does? What do ya'll think about those three. Which would you recommend?

 

protouring go into the suspension section and do a search

 

Are you going for handling or straight-line accelleration? I've always thought of Chris Alston's stuff as being more drag related.

Not to throw you another curve, but if its better handling you desire (not that I don't think the stock front subframe can't be made to handle better) then you should check-out what Wayne Due has to offer. (C4 corvette f&r subframes for 1st gen f-bodies). A couple folks around here have gone that route.

 

Well it will be my daily driver, and it will see some drag duty, but mostly I want improved handling, less weight, and a better ride.

Yeah, I forgot about Wayne Due. I looked at his website a couple weeks ago. Mark Stielow used one of his front subs in his new "Mule" Camaro. It looks nice, but everything that guy makes is a one-off. I'm already looking at spending $3500 EASY for a Chassisworks or Martz, so I'm afraid to ask how much Wayne Due wants for one of his.

 

Check out Detroit Speed and Engineering. www.detroitspeed.com They have a lot of great front suspension components for a stock sub frame. Dumn question but, what benefits are you getting by changing the frame vs. changing the suspension geometery?

 

Well the frame isn't the expensive part, it's the suspension and brakes. But some benefits are a new frame reduces a lot of weight compared to the old one. Also, the aftermarket ones are fully welded and boxed, making it a loooot stronger and stiffer than the stock one.

Also, you can't really change the geometry without drilling new mounting points for the A-arms. Tubular A-arms help some, but the mounting points are still the same, and the spindle is still short, making the camber curve HORRIBLE for when you're going through the twisties. I've got a little template that I got from some company, can't remember which one, that shows you where you can redrill the holes for mounting your upper A-arms to get them more even with the top of the spindle. I'll probably do that to my existing subframe until I get the money for an aftermarket one. But I want better geometry, tubular A-arms (saves weight, less flex, close to 1000 for upper and lower A-arms), coil overs (450 bucks), and bigger brakes than what I have now (single piston, iron caliper, 11" discs). So after all those upgrades, I'd be able to nearly buy a whole new front subframe.

 

this will help you with the front suspension

 

Actually I was thinking the same thing for my 69 Camero, and am even thinking towards the road/rally pkg. My next question is do you set up a 4-link for the rear, or tie the sub chassis to a multileaf set up. I'm somewhere in the 400 hp range.....

 

Personally, I think a 4-link is too much to tune and set up. I'm going to go with this truckarm package from Hot Rods to Hell.

www.hotrodstohell.net

Check out the Centerdrive Truckarm Suspension. I think that's what it's called. Much better than leaf springs, but not as complicated as a 4-link.

 

That certainly looks like it would do the trick. Kinda on the same lines as a sub-chassis link but not as complicated. Kewlness! Now I have more choices. More fun than a kid in a candy shop!!

 

Like what was mentioned before, head over to Pro-Touring.com. Wayne Due hangs out there as well as a few guys from some other aftermarket chassis mfg's. Also, I was told the Martz is a direct replacement, meaning that it has all the same characteristics as the stock. So in essence, all you're getting is looks, no performance gain. I'll be going with an aftermarket front clip as well as something different in the rear. I want front steer and rack and pinion steering. I'm going to SEMA in Vegas in a few weeks, specifically to meet a few guys and to talk a few ideas over.

What are your goals? Increased caster? Better camber curve? Weight savings? Front steer? Coilovers? There are a lot of variables...

 

Xc, you suck. I wish I could go to SEMA. Let us know how it is and what you find out.

About Martz, I got some information from them. I'm no engineer or anything, and while it might not provide an "ideal" camber curve, just the geometry looks a helluva lot better than the stock geometry does. Also, it should be lighter.

Mostly I want a better camber curve, front steer rack and pinion, and a better, adjustable ride. Wayne Due looks to be the best, although I've HEARD (sshh, I heard it from an insider) that Detroit Speed and Engineering is developing a new front subframe and should be ready within the next year. I haven't talked to Mr. DSE (Kyle Tucker) himself about it though, so who knows? Also, I requested some information and prices from Wayne Due, but have yet to hear from him. Anybody know a ball park figure for a setup from him?

 

I'll be talking to both Kyle and Wayne about my options at SEMA. I'm meeting those two and a few others for a small get together one evening after the show.

Yes, Kyle will be coming out with a front clip of their own, look for it to debut late March. I won't comment on what options it will have.

I'll be taking tons of digital pictures at SEMA and have them on my website soon after. Can't wait!!