Ever dreamt that your F-body handled like full-blown NASCAR? Well, that fantasy may be closer to a reality than you ever expected, provided that you already have the 850hp small-block.
The suspension that sends Winston Cup cars hurtling around the oval is not as complicated as one might think. In fact, the basic principles are simpler than what is hidden under a box stock C5 Corvette!
Hotrods To Hell, in Burbank, California, has been designing truckarm-style suspension for over 10 years to fit numerous Chevrolet makes and models. We of course were fascinated when we heard about their F-body kit. As many are aware, the stock Gen I Camaros are prone to tremendous wheelhop off the line and are sloppy around the twisties. Although many cures have been sought after over the years, a suspension that is proficient around the corners and on the strip was, to our knowledge, non-existent until now. The HTH truckarm utilizes the same dual arm with coil springs that was pioneered in '60s-era NASCARs.
The design allows each wheel to travel independently without disturbing its counterpart. The car is also being "driven" from a point that is further forward, hence the long control arms. So, when we say that the kit made our test Camaro handle like a slot car, we mean it! In an effort to obtain quantifiable results we made a few passes down the streets of Burbank with our Tazo Vehicle Performance Computer. The stock suspension yielded a best 1/8-mile time of 9.450 at 78 mph. After the truckarm install we clicked off an 8.910 at 84 mph, a marked improvement.
The installation process took approximately 35 man-hours, and required strong MIG welding skills. The actual assemblage was simple and required basic air tools. For the average do-it-yourselfer, this suspension could be installed in about a week's time.
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We began by loosening the rear shocks, driveshaft and leaf springs.
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Next, we removed the exhaust, starting at the header flange.
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Due to the high concentration of welding sparks, the gas tank was removed.
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The carpet kit and interior were removed, to give access to the floor panels.
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After the floor was exposed, the appropriate section was cut with a sawzall on both driver
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The new floor sections provided more clearance under the F-body, which was needed for the
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The panels were sealed with 3M seam sealer, then texturized and painted.
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With the rearend out of the car, the old saddles were torched off.
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The rear diagonal support box was welded in place.