As you've already read earlier in this issue, building a brand new '60s musclecar is now possible, and we're not just talking about sheetmetal. Thanks to the surge in musclecar popularity, especially with the Camaro and Mustang, you can build a brand-new '69 Camaro without using a single '69-vintage part. As evidence, witness the plethora of bolt-on front subframe/suspension kits the aftermarket has made available for the first-gen Camaro. Most fit similar-vintage Firebirds and Novas as well as the Camaro. Nearly all accept stock sheetmetal, bumpers, and radiators. Just about everyone supports the big- and small-block Chevy and late GM LS-series motors; a few have (or will soon have) real Pontiac mounts. But what's really trick is the latest OEM and racing suspension and design technology available in some of the units that's capable of delivering ride and handling only dreamed of back in the '60s.
Heidt's beefy front subframe is a ground-up design engineered for maximum stiffness and durability. The stock bumpers and radiator fit, and there's ample header clearance. It's shown here with the optional Wilwood brakes and trans crossmember.
Heidt's Hot Rod Shop
Starting out fabricating Mustang II-style crossmembers in a home garage back in 1985, Heidt's has since grown into one of the industry's leading custom street rod and musclecar chassis and suspension manufacturers. Its new first-gen Camaro subframe is not just a warmed-over street rod suspension-the new Pro-G third-generation setup is said to be purpose-designed for the Camaro as a true race car-style suspension with race car geometry.
What models are covered? '67-'69 Camaro/Firebird, '68-'74 Nova.
What engines fit? Chevy big- and small-block, GM LS-series (uses parts-store rubbers).
What do you get? Subframe with full suspension, including tubular A-arms, 2-inch dropped spindles, 11-inch rotors with GM calipers, Heidt's billet 10-position rebound adjustable coilovers, manual rack-and-pinion steering.
What extras are available? Wilwood brakes (up to 13-inch rotors and six-piston calipers), power R&P, stainless A-arms and other parts, Heidt's antisway bars (two available sizes), hookup kit for stock steering column, reversible trans crossmember, trans mount.
Why should I buy it? "Our frame is strong and the geometry is right. We have the stiffest, most flex-resistant frame available with two (not one) front crossmembers."
How do I buy it? Direct or from distributors.
How much does it cost? Base price with GM brakes and manual rack, $3,695; option pricing to be determined.
Scott's subframe carries a lifetime guarantee and is 100 percent TIG-welded. It is designed to directly bolt in place of original subframes.
Scott's Hotrods
Owner Justin Padfield started Scott's HotRods to build high-end street rods, but has since branched out into mail-order and on-line parts for rods and street trucks. He offers a direct bolt-on subframe for first-gen Camaros and Firebirds, and a partial clip for '70-'78 second-gen F-cars. Most off-the-shelf headers fit.
What models are covered? '67-'69 Camaro/Firebird, '68-'72 Nova.
What engines fit? Chevy big- and small-block, LS-series, custom apps on special order.
What do you get? Assembled subframe with unequal-length tubular A-arms, maintenance-free ball joints, 11-inch brake rotors and calipers, stainless steel billet rod ends, manual or power R&P steering, dropped spindles.
What extras are available?Polished stainless steel A-arms, polished billet spindles, Wilwood brakes with 11- to 13-inch rotors and four- to six-piston calipers, polished steering racks, antisway bar (polished stainless available), polished stainless steel tie-rod ends, powdercoating, stock spindles, coilovers, airbags, Shockwaves, mechanical clutch linkage bracket, custom trans crossmembers, ears to accept stock trans crossmembers.
Why should I buy it? "It's the only clip that's 100 percent TIG-welded, the only one designed for Alden coilovers, an airbag, or Shockwaves. The rod ends are CNC-machined. We can accommodate custom track widths, ride heights, and otherwise tailor the clip to specific customer needs. All parts have a lifetime guarantee. We are a full-service rod shop: We build what we sell and sell what we make."
How do I buy it? Direct or through dealers.
How much does it cost? Basic clip with manual rack, Alden coilovers, and 11-inch brakes, $3,395; with power rack, $3,495; with power rack and Shockwaves, $4,295. The largest Wilwood brakes can add up to $1,950 more. A trans crossmember is available for another $165.
Built out of strong but light DOM mild steel round tubing, TCI's subframe is said to shave 120 pounds over a stock rectangular-rail subframe. It's shown here decked out in the optional show package and larger Wilwood brakes. Painting is up to the end-user.
Total Cost Involved
Total Cost Involved Engineering (TCI) is another company that started out building street rod chassis. Today TCI also sells truck and classic musclecar suspension parts and complete chassis. Included in its lineup are front and rear Camaro subframes made from race car-style, DOM (drawn-over mandrel) round tubing instead of the usual production-based rectangular rails.
What models are covered? '67-'69 Camaro/Firebird, '68-'72 Nova.
What engines fit? Chevy big- and small-block, LS-series.
What do you get? Assembled subframe with 2-inch dropped spindles, GM-style calipers with 11-inch rotors, antisway bar, engine mounts, core support, body mounts, suspension brackets, multiposition trans crossmember and mount, urethane-bushed tubular A-arms, new manual R&P steering gear, coilovers.
What extras are available? Show package with polished stainless A-arms; chrome spindles, steering arms, and antisway bar; polished billet coilovers, custom 11-inch brakes with polished billet calipers and backing plates. Other options include black powdercoated A-arms, power rack, air springs, chrome coils, and a 12- or 13-inch brake kit.
Why should I buy it? "Because your car will stop better, handle better, and look better. Our frame is unique in appearance, it's stronger, it accommodates more transmissions, it drops the car 3-4 inches (depending on the tire), and the suspension is set up for modern handling."
How do I buy it? Through local dealers.
How much does it cost? Base package, $3,995; equipped with optional show package and Wilwood 13-inch rotors and six-piston calipers (as shown in photo but unpainted), $6,443; with air suspension and every possible bell and whistle, $6,492.
Morrison's subframe is computer engineered to achieve optimum-handling suspension geometry. The engine cradle clears all LS-engine accessories, while the adjustable trans crossmember accommodates virtually all popular manual and automatic transmissions.
Art Morrison
Art Morrison started out building hardcore race car chassis, but nowadays a big part of its business is complete chassis for high-end street cars. Morrison's new first-gen GT-Sport subframe bolts in with no cutting or welding required using commonly available hand tools. Weighing only 105 pounds bare, the chassis uses late-model '97-'05 C5 Corvette suspension and brake parts. The basic geometry has been further improved over the stock Vette using computerized design programs and Finite Element Analysis to maximize its strength, increase handling potential, and reduce tire scrub and antidive under braking. Morrison also offers a complete full perimeter frame for upgrading first-gen unibody Camaros and Firebirds.
What models are covered? '67-'69 Camaro/Firebird, '68-'72 Nova.
What engines fit? Currently Chevy big- and small-block, LS-series; Pontiac mounts under development.
What do you get? Subframe with all C5 suspension parts, coilover shocks, adjustable trans crossmember, power R&P box in choice of 15:1 or 20:1 ratios, antisway bar.
What extras are available?Custom headers (standard headers have ground clearance issues), stock C5 brakes, Wilwood brakes with 13- or 14-inch rotors, adapters to bolt up stock steering column (aftermarket column recommended).
Why should I buy it? "It's just a great piece. We're a company that's focused on driving performance. We've got just unbelievable craftsmen on the manufacturing side that do a beautiful job in fitment and welding. We've engineered the subframe; we've done computer analysis to make sure it's right; we've test-fitted on cars to make sure everything works and nothing rubs."
How do I buy it? Direct as well as through a nationwide network of dealers and installers.
How much does it cost? Base package, less brakes, $5,590.
Detroit Speed's subframe is the only available aftermarket unit utilizing hydroformed frame-rails. Previously this technology was only available on some of the latest OEM vehicles.
Detroit Speed
Founded with the goal of bringing OEM-style engineering and production capabilities to aftermarket hot rod parts, Detroit Speed has introduced a first-gen Camaro subframe manufactured using the latest production technologies. The frame rails are hydroformed; a technology first pioneered by GM on the C5 Corvette, it uses a hydraulic press to form the frame rails from a single large round tube. This maintains a constant wall thickness and results in greater strength without work-hardening the material. The front crossmember clears LS-style low-mount A/C units and the LS7's unique dry sump oil pan.
What models are covered? '67-'69 Camaro/Firebird, '68-'74 Nova and GM clones.
What engines fit? Currently Chevy big- and small-block, LS-series; Pontiac mounts in development.
What do you get? Hydroformed subframe with tubular upper and lower control arms, coilover hocks and tuned springs, 12:1 power R&P, Nextel Cup-splined antisway bar, steering knuckles with late-model sealed bearings, late Corvette brakes; provisions to accept stock transcrossmember.
What extras are available? Black powdercoat, weld-in T56 crossmember (shop-built cars only), Baer brake packages, stock or half-height body-mounts, custom R&P hose kits, steering input coupler shafts, stock-style trans crossmembers, stock clutch linkage Z-bar mounting bracket, stock parking brake cables.
Why should I buy it? "Because it is the most engineered subframe from an all-around standpoint. It does everything well. It can do a road course, a car show, a cruise, or drive to dinner. It gives you the comfort and ride quality of a late-model performance car as well as the handling. We start on the computer, but thoroughly test it in the real world to perfect it. We don't just package our parts, we engineer them!"
How do I buy it? Direct as well as through dealers and recommended installers. "We build turnkey cars on the premises, but there's about a two-year waiting list."
How much does it cost? Unpainted with rust preservative, $6,700; powdercoat adds $485.
Not a converted Mustang II product-Alston designed the subframe's suspension on the computer to fit properly and develop good handling and cornering. A billet steering rack and frame stands are standard, as are 11.75-inch Wilwood brakes and rotors. The frames ship in bare metal only.
Chassis Works
Chris Alston's Chassisworks started life building drag chassis, got into Pro Streeters, and now has a full line of race car, hot rod, and street machine products for a variety of applications-including a direct bolt-on first-gen Camaro subframe that is laser-cut, formed, and welded out of 7-gauge steel. Alston's product keeps the tire in the stock location, but there's ample room for up to a 17x8-inch front wheel with 431/44-inch backspacing and P225/45-17 tires. The subframe uses a billet rack of Alston's own manufacture.
What models are covered? '67-'69. Camaro/Firebird, '68-'74 Nova and GM clones.
What engines fit? Currently Chevy big-and small-block; LS-series mounts in development. Engines mount in stock location with billet side mounts or using a motor plate and mid-plates.
What do you get? Subframe with tubular upper and lower A-arms, coilover shocks, manual R&P steering, engine mounts, Wilwood 11.75-inch brake rotors and four-piston calipers, trans crossmember, e-brake cable mounts, hardware and fasteners, 104-page photo-illustrated instruction guide.
What extras are available? Billet motor mounts or motor plates; powdercoated, polished stainless, or G-Machine A-arms; antisway bar; power R&P unit; urethane or aluminum body bushings; clutch pivot-shaft bracket; rubber inner fender splash guards; bolt-in subframe connectors; larger four-piston Wilwood calipers and 13-inch rotors or six-piston calipers with 14-inch rotors; intermediate adapter shaft for stock steering column; headers.
Why should I buy it? "Because of the design and the quality of the part. We spent a lot of time and energy to design a true bolt-on that fits without any mods. For example, an original Nova core-support has a different set of boltholes and bumper mounts. We incorporate these differences into the product."
How do I buy it? Direct or through local shops.
How much does it cost? Basic kit, including manual rack and 11.75 brakes, $4,478 plus shipping; with power and 11.75 brakes, $4,852; with everything, $7,000-$8,000.
The Speed-Tech subframe is unique in that it uses all first-gen Camaro steering and suspension components (or aftermarket upgrades for those parts). Options include enhanced suspension parts and rack-and-pinion steering.
Speed-Tech
Speed Tech Performance announces a new '67-'69 Camaro/'68-'74 Nova Sub Frame. The sub frame offers the benefits of rack and pinion rear steer, sway bar, built in guldstrand mod, coil over shocks and you can reuse aftermarket suspension components or upgrade to our new HI Clearance control arms designed to fit up to an 18"x10" rim. The Sub frame accepts SB/BB or LSx motors.
What models are covered? '67-'69 Camaro/Firebird, '68-'74 Nova.
What engines fit? Chevy big- and small-block with original oil pan; LSx engines with aftermarket oil pan and motor mounts(available as an option).
What do you get? * High Clearance control arms have been tested to fit up to a 10" 295 wheel/tire with a 7" back space.
* A true coil over combination.
* Available Air Ride Shock Wave 3.0 (SKW1000) bolt in.
* Direct bolt on any factory replacement tubular control arms that worked with your original frame.
* Extra adjustments built into the frame to fine tune your suspension.
* Fully adjustable transmission cross member fits all GM Transmissions also T56 and TKO.
* Power Rack and pinion steering.
* Strong box construction, laser cut and jig welded.
* Reduced weight, sub frame weight only 125lb.
* Factory alignment hole to ease in the installation and alignment of the sub frame.
* Built in tow/ tie down hook mounts, no more wrapping tie downs around your painted frame.
* Increased header and exhaust clearance.
* Can reuse your existing sway bar if you are reusing your aftermarket control arms
What extras are available? Air Ride Shock Waves; double adjustable QA1 coil over's; Baer or Wilwood brakes; high clearance, stainless steel, slip fit headers and shaft kit; billet ball joint covers; billet body mounts.
Why should I buy it? "It's a great product at a fair price." Some of the benefits are: Direct bolt in/ no modifications to be made; lighter/stronger design with upgraded suspension geometry and built in guild strand mod; upgraded Power Rack and Pinion included; adjustable ride height with QA1 Coil over's included or Air Ride Shock Waves option; increase engine and under vehicle clearance; increased front wheel size for up to a 10" 295mm front tire; customers can reuse their stock spindles, brakes and wheels.
How do I buy it? Direct or through dealers.
How much does it cost? Complete sub frame kit $4695.
Nowadays Many of Brewer's remanufactured Camaro subframes include rack-and-pinion steering, upgraded suspension and brakes, LS-series engine mounts, and modified engine and trans crossmembers that clear LS-engine accessories and late-model transmissions.
Brewer's Restoration
Rather than building brand-new front clips, Brewer remanufactures and refurbishes original factory subframes-either back to totally original condition, or with virtually any options desired by the customer, including rack-and-pinion steering and clearance mods to accept LS-series engines. Typical prices start at $1,190 to refurbish existing customer-furnished cores and go as high as $2,500 with a full quota of mods and additional add-ons. There is also a $300-$400 core charge, depending on part condition. Owner Phil Brewer says, "If you want a stock-appearing frame with strength and reliability where everything just bolts up, go with us."
Fat Man Fabrications
Fat Man Fabrications has long specialized in independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion conversions for all sorts of street rods, trucks, and musclecars. It covers over 500 vehicles, including many oddball or niche combos. Besides a first-gen Camaro subframe, Fat Man offers subframes for the '70-'81 second-gen cars. You can also get a rear four-link conversion. The data below applies to the first-gen product.
Fat Man's beefy subframe is built using 51/416-inch heavy-wall tubing. Stainless A-arms are standard.
What models are covered? '67-'69 Camaro/Firebird, '68-'74 Nova and GM clones.
What engines fit? Chevy big- and small-block, LS-series, Pontiac V-8-all fit with off-the-shelf headers.
What do you get? Subframe with power R&P steering; braided-hose kit; U-joints and steering shaft kit to connect stock column; investment-cast polished stainless steel control arms; standard or 2-inch dropped spindles; brake caliper kit for installing stock disc brakes; custom 1-inch front antisway bar.
What extras are available? Wilwood or Baer brakes, coilovers, airbags, Shockwaves.
Why should I buy it? "It's a heavier-duty piece compared to the competition. Our investment-cast stainless A-arms deflect less than welded arms. We throw in the hoses and other accessories standard."
How do I buy it? Direct or through distributors.
How much does it cost? Basic kit with coil springs, less rotors and calipers, $3,355; with ShockWaves, $4,245; big Wilwood brakes can add up to $2,000 more.
This is Martz's road-race/rally subframe. Hoop pipes that mount to the firewall are included on '67-'69 Camaro systems for extra support.
Martz Chassis
Martz came out of the sprint car and stock car world. It was among the first to offer first-gen subframes, and today has quite a diverse lineup with dedicated street, road-race/rally, and drag racing variants. All sorts of options are available, including different track widths for accommodating the latest huge wheel and tire packages. Martz offers a '70-'81 subframe as well, but the specs below are for one of its typical first-gen offerings.
What models are covered? '67-'69 Camaro/Firebird, '68-'74 Nova and GM clones.
What engines fit? Chevy big- and small-block, LS-series. All mounts center engine in the chassis. Most headers fit, Hedman preferred.
What do you get? Base street package includes subframe, standard GM 11-inch discs and rotors, Martz coilovers, manual or power R&P steering; extra-long tabs allow fore and after trans crossmember repositioning.
What extras are available? Bigger brakes, 1-inch splined racing antisway bar, road-race-quality spherical rod ends in place of urethane bushings, altered uspension geometry for drag or road racing, air suspensions.
Why should I buy it? "Ours is the best. We've been building cars for 37 years. Everything bolts up; you don't even have to take the fenders off the car. Our frame shaves 150-180 pounds over stock. Eccentric bolts on the top A-arm allow quick caster/camber changes. On drag cars, you can offset the front wheels from side to side for more rollout."
How do I buy it? Direct or through distributors; on-premises installation available.
How much does it cost? Base packages start at $2,850; drag and wide-track versions, $3,740; road-race/rally subframe, $4,040; additional options/add-ons available at extra cost.
21st Century
Located in the heart of NASCAR country, 21st Century Street Machines builds a subframe using '97-'05 C5 Corvette parts and stock car suspension geometry that provides fully adjustable caster, camber, and instant center settings. Its subframe is a subset of larger optional packages that include subframe connectors, a rollcage, a gas tank, headers, wheel tubs, firewall smoothers, and inner wheel housings, and rear suspension options that include a 9-inch Ford rearend with four-link or even a C5 IRS.
What models are covered? '67-'69 Camaro/Firebird, '68-'74 Nova.
What engines fit? Chevy big- and small-block, LS-series.
What do you get? A subframe with modified Mustang II-based power rack, outer tie-rod ends, steering arms, coilovers, trans crossmember located for trans of customer's choice; standard stock car 34-inch splined antisway bar (many different diameters available from Speedway Motors).
What extras are available? Lowered ride height option that drops body 1 to 1.875 inches over the frame (ride clearance remains unchanged), firewall and trans tunnel inserts, C5 suspension, C5 brakes, GM ZO6 six-piston calipers, Wilwood brakes, headers (including sets for 18-degree small-block heads and stepped racing sets), stock clutch linkage brackets or other mods per customer request.
Why should I buy it? "For ease of installation and incredible performance gains. The ride, handling and road quality are as good as a C5."
How do I buy it? Direct only; on-premises installation available.
How much does it cost?Basic package, $3,995; with C5 suspension, rotors, and calipers, $6,645; complete less rotors and calipers, $5,995; Wilwood six-piston calipers, add $1,500; dropped ride-height, add $200.
