Performance Front Subframe and Suspension Swap - Makeover!

Once we established the point, we marked an X on the floor with a paint pen. Precision counts here since as little as 1/16 of an inch can throw the suspension geometry off.

Next, we dropped the plumb bob from the mounting bolt of the rear leaf-spring pocket and marked it as well. Taking careful measurements, we were pleased and surprised to find that Project F73 was fairly straight with only 1/8 inch of variation from side to side.

After that, just a few zips of the air ratchet removed the four mounting bolts for the subframe.

Though they share a similar shape, a nose-to-nose comparison shows some of the key improvements over the factory design that DSE incorporated into their subframe and suspension. Despite being significantly more rigid, the DSE-exclusive hydroformed framerails actually have a thinner O.D. The additional crossmember that mounts the rack and sway bar also serves to stiffen the front of the frame.

Overall, the rails are notably more consistent in form and lack the pinches and seams of the original. Note the multiple transmission crossmember mount options.

Forget rubber or urethane bushings, to eliminate the inevitable flexing between the subframe and body DSE uses solid- aluminum bushings and stainless steel bolts. Whether you use DSE equipment or not, this upgrade is a must for those serious about handling.

With a floor jack placed under the main crossmember, the subframe actually balances quite well. With a buddy's help it's easy to position it and get the body mounts in place. Everything stays loose for now though since we've got more measuring to do.

Since the lower control arm mount location has moved, our original Xs weren't any help in centering the subframe so we dropped the plumb bob again to find our points.

Here you can see how far off the marks really are. These measurements are extra critical, so don't be afraid to take your time since side-to-side variations of 1/16 of an inch or less are considered acceptable.

Believe it or not, without much effort we were exactly 1/16 of an inch different from side to side. Who says there aren't any straight Camaros left out there?

With a little custom modification by A&E Motorsports, we'll be hooking up our steering with a Flaming River steering shaft. This really needs to done before the engine is installed since accessibility will be very tight afterwards.

We've still got plenty of plumbing ahead of us for the brakes and rack-and-pinion, but we now essentially have the front suspension wrapped up. Next, we'll move on to the rear.