OK 1st gen experts, I need your help! I just picked up my first Camaro and it's a 67 convertible, 4speed, 6 cylinder RS with a cherry body. It's at the painter now, but I need to start making some decisions about the chassis and rear suspension.

The drivetrain I plan to drop in the car is from my 88 Trans Am, but it's not your run of the mill TPI 350. It's actually a Scat Cranked 383, Ross Piston'd, Trickflowed, SLP'd, 2 stage Water Injected, Vortec blown, FAST computered, nasty little 600HP powerplant! Behind the motor is a T56 and a Moser 12 bolt. The TA does 175MPH now, but since it's a TA and not worth beans, I'd rather see that drivetrain in my 67.

The problem I'm faced with is the fact that the 600HP powerplant will most likely twist the crap out of the weak little 67 unibody. So, I would like you experts out there to give me some advice/suggestions regarding subframe connectors and the rear suspension. Since the car is going to just be a nasty street crusier that I can scare the old lady with (and spank an occasional opponent on the street), I was just planning on setting the rear suspension up with a multi-leaf and then dropping the entire car about 2". (Hotchkis 2" drop up front) That said, I want to find out what the 'best bang for the buck' subframe set-up is for the early cars - especially a convertible!

I don't mind doing a little welding, but I definitely don't want to cut the chassis or floor pans for whatever system I use on the car. This car is 100% rust free, so I don't want to cut it. Anyway, what are the best systems to install in the car, and does it help to install something like the Hotchkis cross brace in addition to the subframe kit?

I'm a road racer and have very little experience with theChevy Chassis. However, I have had many a Chevy motor before in boats and other cars. My last Chevy was a 1972 Porsche 914 - it had a 385HP 302 DZ motor! Wish I kept that motor now!

Anyway, I hate to re-invent the wheel and I know you guys have a ton of knowledge, so hopefully you can shed some light on this subject!

Oh yeah, I'd like to keep the subframe/rear suspension set-up under $1000, and I'll install it myself.

Thanks guys!

Doug
69 DeTomaso Mangusta (Ford 340HP 302 - sorry guys, it's not a DZ!)
72 Porsche RSR Clone 3.5L (340HP and 2000lbs)
68 Charger RT

 

I'd suggest Moroso's Weld in subframe connectors, should be around $ 100, as for the rear suspension, some new replacement multi leafs and good shocks and a sway bar should be within Your budget.