Quick Notes
What We Did
Install a complete BMR Level 2 Handling Package onto a '70 Chevelle
Bottom Line
Easy to install and well worth the results
It's been awhile since we showcased Robert Varoujanian's '70 Chevelle. When we first introduced his project, it was a skeleton with a few select items that he picked up through the classifieds; the owner before Robert was doing his best to convert this Chevelle into a grudge night racer. Unfortunately for him, a lack of funds and interest left the A-body sitting by the wayside.
On the other hand, the good news for Robert was that aside from the missing sheetmetal, the entire drivetrain was intact with a fresh GMPP 502ci crate motor, a Turbo 400 transmission, and a rather robust 12-bolt rearend. Since then, we've slowly watched the transformation as he installed the new front sheetmetal and even swapped out the straight line specific 12-bolt unit for the street friendly Currie 9-inch rearend.
More recently, we've learned that he's had the Chevelle sprayed a brilliant orange hue with white stripes, and no one can deny that it's a looker. While the 'Velle had the aesthetics department covered, it was still sporting a mostly stock suspension that was well worn at best. Rather than replacing it with factory components, Robert was looking for a suspension setup that would allow for a comfortable ride, yet still be able to handle the occasional weekend autocross or open-track session; we're not talking full blown road race car, but something that could offer the best of both worlds.
The factory A-arms served...
The factory A-arms served well for what The General originally intended them for; you know, daily commuting. For high-performance applications, there's no excuse not to step up to aftermarket offerings, especially when they're priced so reasonably well these days.
For our requirements, BMR Fabrication offered the ideal solution and it was a no-brainer to install their Level 2 suspension package. This all-inclusive system comes complete with 1-inch lowering springs, front and rear swaybars, Bilstein shocks, tubular front upper/lower control arms, rear upper/lower control arms, and control arm mount braces for $1,999. You also have a number of options available, such as your choice of poly bushings or spherical bearings, along with adjustable upper control arms out back.
If you're looking to do something similar, then you'll appreciate the attention to detail BMR has put into their packages. Should you want to upgrade from stock, but only need the bare essentials, then you may want to consider their Level 1 suspension package for around $900; these come with front and rear sway bars with 1-inch lowering springs. Of course, should you want an even more aggressive setup than ours; BMR can also take care of those requirements with their Pro Coil System, which is their coilover setup with your choice of single- or double-adjustable shocks-very trick stuff.
All said and done, the install was extremely simple and has left a rather large impression on Robert. For just an afternoon's worth of wrenching, the Chevelle has completely changed its demeanor, eliminating the spongy factory feel with its aged suspension and making it more refined, like a modern-day performance vehicle. Stay tuned, once we get a set of rollers, we're planning to head out to our test track and push this baby to the limits. Until, then follow along and check out the install highlights.