1982-92 camaro
 

who makes the best sub frame connectors weld in or bolt in? also roll bar and 12 bolt rear?

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

S&W for frame, torque arm and roll bar. Strange for rear. You can't go wrong.
Rich
G-H/S 86 camaro

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

2nd that ..if ya want "the best"!

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

where do you get a set of those subframe connectors i have a 1990 pontiac trans-am stocker i am running

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

Go to there web site www.swracecars.com

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

Get the S&W torque arm but make you own subframe connectors and crossmember out of 2x2. Everybody's running S&W but I've see some of the round tubing flex.

http://C:\Documents and Settings\ADM...\Torque Arm 15

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

I know this is a really old thread but is anybody else having a problem with S&W subframe connectors bending / flexing? Is it just the 82-92 or are the 4th gen style bending too. By reading their add and catalog it looks like some of the best of the best racers are using them so what do you think. I am going to purchace a set and a torque arm in the next few days but if they are bending maybe I should try something else. Any opinions would be appreciated or if you know of something better that would be good too. These would be for a 95 camaro / firebird.
Thanks in advance
Rob

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

I've seen some pictures of the round tube stuff bent under stress. This is on cars that run the tubing from side to side w/o bracing it. You can use the round crossmenber but, I would brace it up against the floorboard. The S&W stuff is the best and that is what most Camaro/Firebirds out there are using. I bought the S&W torque but built my subfram connectors and the torque arm crossmember out of 2x2 mild steel. If you build you own just make sure that it can move fore and aft. I also designed a front mount with 3 holes in it for adjustability. Sorry for the fuzzy picture but you can get an idea.

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

My wife and me are trying to sell a S&W kit for a 93-02. This is some first class stuff. We just don't need it anymore or it wouldn't be for sale. They have their whole kit on sale right now from what I understand.

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

I am unsettled about a torque arm front pivot design. Even after talking with S & W plus other racers, I still am not satisfied that a "poly" bushing at the front pivot is best.

I keep having this thought, "when installing ladder bars or four link, we use rod ends, not poly bushings. Why should this application be treated differently?" [of course, it is understood about the need for a pivoting shackle]

I know that other designs are on the market that do not use a poly bushing. Again, this is my thought, I like the design that uses a large, solid aluminum bushing. Here is an example of that design.

http://www.wolferacecraft.com/images...arm/fbtq43.jpg

[this design has two aluminum bushings, one in the bar and one in the shackle pivot. Both have grease fittings]

Also, I think it is very important for the torque arm crossmember to be very stable. As in the above post, it needs to be tight up against the floor and welded/braced in several spots. I also agree with the above post about using 2" x 2" tubing custom fitted for frame connectors, well braced/attached in several sports.

I am interested in the thoughts of others in ref to poly bushing or "other"

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

I to have thought about replacing the poly bushing with a solid spacer. I have asked around and no body makes one. Wouldn't be hard to design one though.

Since I'm not worried about the 2x2 flexing here is how I braced the crossmenber to the subframconnectors.

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

ZRacer,

your design looks good, I like the crossmember being triangulated to the frame connectors. Also, I like your idea about removing the poly bushing and building a solid bushing to replace it. I had not thought of that. This is a good example of our information age, I really like being able to share ideas & thoughts. A fellow can usually learn something! [smile]

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

by tha way, what is the length of the S & W torque arm? [center of axle to center of front bushing?]

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

Yes, there is a lot to learn on this site as well as others like it. The torque arm setup was new to me and I had to do a lot of research before I realized just how it works. I actually got to talk to the engineer who designed it for GM. To really make this setup hook and have you car 60' well there is a lot more than just bolting this thing on.

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

From what I understand it is 12" shorter that the stock one which I beleive is 56". That is from the top attachment point in the rear to the center point in the front. The shorter they are the harder hit on the tires.

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

We used the S&W stuff in our Firebird stocker. Never had any problems and picked the 60' time up quite a bit. You cannot go wrong with that set up!!!

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

I wonder if the racers listed in their ad auctually use them un modified or they modify them. I am hoping Mr Josey,or one of the others in their add will see this and chime in as to how best to use them. (modified or unmodified) I am sure there is something better than what I am currently using (SLP subframe connectors and a adjustable torque arm that has the plate bolted up in the tunnel. very heavy but all that was available back in 95-96 when I started bracket racing current car) Its time update I just want to make sure what I buy is what is the best bang for the buck so to speak.
Once again thanks again for all your opininons/help
Rob

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

just my 2 cents i have 90 pontiac formula j/sa 2x3 tubing for sub frame connectors eibach srings r/r air bag lakewood control arms stock sway bar stock torque arm with homemade frontmount/ driveshaft loop 60fts low 1.40s in j/sa thanks for listening gene monahan 1021 stk

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

I have seen your car and have always admired how well it hooks up on the starting line. If you don't mind me asking...What are your 60' times and what anti-roll bar do you use?

Re: 1982-92 camaro
 

He doesn't use an anti-roll bar Gene has the stock sway bar. It is the old school set up air bags and sway bar. And hell it works!! Might be better with the s and w stuff. Who knows does some one what to donate so he can back to back the set ups????