Thread: S10 frame vs. Camaro/Nova sub-frame

Tweet

I got a question for some of you guys with a little more experience than me.
I just got done welding on a camaro sub-frame to my 54 Chevy. I hung the fenders back on and noticed that the track width seemed a bit wide. Only with 14x7" wheels, the tires are pretty close to the fenders. I know Camaro/Nova sub-framing is quite popular, but I've also heard of s10 front clipping.

So whats the difference?? Is there an advantage to using an s10's front suspension rather than the typical Camaro or Nova? Also, does an s10 have a narrower track allowing for wider wheels up front?

I've seen 49-54 Chevys with alot of space between the wheel and fender, yet they're slammed on the ground, so front suspension is obviously not stock. Im guessing they're all using a M-II setup, but mabey not...??

So, s10 vs. Camaro/Nova suspension....what do y'all think??

Most of the s-10 adaptations used the entire frame,71-up camaro clips handle the best,but are wide,67-69 handling fair,rear steer.I've put an 83 olds 88 frame under a 51 merc,fit pretty well,needed a little work to get the wheelbase right. Hank

Either subframe can be narrowed up to fit the track width but usually by the time you get everything jigged up, cut, and put back together you've wrapped enough time up in them that a MII conversion on the stock frame would be more cost effective.

I will say that I have probably seen more of the front subframe grafts onto an old car done wrong then I have seen done right!!!! Double and triple checking all the measurements before, during, and after the graft is just as important as having things correct on an MII!!!

Dave, I've seen where narrowed up clips cause as many problems as they solve,just ask Pat about his Stude.I would go mII every time if they weren't so butt ugly in stock form,and turning rather pricey to go full tubular and coilovers. Hank

Yup, Know what ya mean on the narrowed one's. Takes a good fixture and some forethought and planning to get them right!!! I don't even use the stamped steel arms MII kits, the one's with the tubular arms are a bit more spendy, but they sure do look and perform better.... Just trying to let Zombie know that there are some options to resolve his problem, even though none of them are cheap or easy......

Zombie,

I've noticed that no one has responded since May. Your stock Chevy track measurement (hub to hub mating surface) is 58". The Camaro clip is 60". And the S-10 is 55". You can get your track back to 58" by using rims that are set back an inch.

I had to do the reverse on my 52 Ford pick up. My stock track was 60". I swapped the frame to an S-10 with a 55" track, and had to swap the rear to a 4X4 S-10 rear with a 59" track. For the front I used a 2" spacer on each side.

I'd guess the s-10 is too narrow and the 70 and up camaro is too wide, but I'll bet the trackwidth of a 78-90 GM midsize chassis is probably just about right. These are coil suspended in the rear, came with v-8 worthy rears with good ratios and power steering and front disc. The framerails are a lightweight c-channel and are parallell and straight for easy lengthening or shortening.

Hank, My narrowed Nova Sub actually works and drives just fine, it was just a pain in the butt to do an engine swap on because of the narrower rails. Made the exhaust a real challenge.

Pat

Pat,That's exactly what I was alluding to. Hank

If you are going to set it down low, "too narrow" is just right.

My 48 is sitting on a S-10 frame. I can turn lock to lock with 20's. and besides, the "stuffed" look is cool.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...8/HPIM0249.jpg