Just wondering if anyone ever used it yet, and how do you like. I'm not too crazy about running the exhaust in front of the rear tire. Is there a way around that. Thank's, Cal

I'd be interested to hear unbiased opinions on the actual handling/ traction benefits it provides... Benefits above that off an aftermarket setup using the "stock" mounting (tubular arms, etc from Global West, Hotchkis, etc).

I have heard its kind of a hinderance in NASCAR, especially on the road courses, but not sure what to believe...

Tony, hinderance how? I am very seriously considering building this type of suspension for my elco, I had heard nothing but good things. Of course this was from folks who sell the system or bought the system so i don't know how much is accurate.

I have never driven or rode in a vehicle that has a retrofit truckarm setup (I have however ridden in many Chevy trucks that have it, but that's a bad comparison.)

I considered it as well but the biggest turn off for me was that out-the-back exhaust is EXTREMELY difficult if not impossible with the Chevelle setup. I have seen it done on a Camaro truckarm setup, but things were still VERY tight. I didn't want low hanging mufflers under the front area of the floorpans and exhaust dumping in front of the rear tires.

That being said, the concept is sound and it appears it would work extremely well. I would have to drive a car with a truckarm setup though to have a real judgement on them.

Troy

If I can ever get my darn car finished I'll post up a comprehensive, objective review... I fully intend to beat the crap out of my car when it's done :D
I have some pics on my website, but I havn't updated it in a while.

There is some pretty good discussion in this thread (http://www.chevelles.com/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=006896#000011)
A couple of the guys that posted run the HTH set up. You might want to contact them directly.

And just a personal opinion, and this does not apply to Chevelles, but I think the exhaust that exits before the wheels on a Cuda AAR or Challenger T/A is very :cool: I dig that look.

Originally posted by K_Janisch:
And just a personal opinion, and this does not apply to Chevelles, but I think the exhaust that exits before the wheels on a Cuda AAR or Challenger T/A is very :cool: I dig that look. I like the look of side exit exhaust too (I have factory sidepipes on my '65 Vette and love them dearly), but on a Chevelle you have to snake the pipe under a frame rail, which puts it really low to the ground, unlike your unibody Mopar example (and I admit, sidepipes on those look WAY cool.) Our floorpan reliefs for the mufflers are too far back to use in a side exit application. IMO, things just hang too low and look ugly from the side of the car.

Troy

I agree with you Gokou.
For reference, I believe there was a red 66 Chevelle in the latest issue of that Chevelle Magazine. (I can't remember the actual name of the mag but it is the annual one that came out in December and is a reprint of a bunch of articles from some other magazine.)
Anyway, that 66 had the HTH suspension and exhaust that exited in front of the wheels. Also, the HTH website has some Chevelles on it. It will at least give you an idea on how they look.

http://www.hotrodhomepage.com/gallery/P0001930.jpg

http://www.hotrodhomepage.com/gallery/P0001933.jpg

http://www.hotrodhomepage.com/gallery/P0001935.jpg

Shoot me an e-mail if you have any questions about the setup. I have been running it on my car for a few years now.

Be looking for some third party testing of the setup in next months Chevy High Performance Magazine.

Geoff

Tony, hinderance how?I have heard from several different people that the truck-arm for Nascar wasn't the best, but rather "required" (like restrictor plates at some tracks, etc) to help limit the cars potential...

I am not sure if this is true, and I don't know if these people really have any evidence/personal experience, or if its just what they have heard/made up... Which is why I was asking about "unbiased" opinions. I believe Geoff Chandler works for Hot Rods to Hell, (correct?), So while his information/opinion may be biased.

I think its kind of like the "Tall" spindle debate. Some say its great, but others say the extra bumpsteer negate any gains...

About the exhaust, it might take some extra work, but if you were to install this setup, would it be that much more difficult to modify the floor pans to allow the exhaust to go over the arms at some location?

Yes, Geoff does work for HTH, but he had the system before he started there I think. I have researched the system, it seems to work very well. On paper I can find no flaws other than it is not bolt-in, welding required. Modifying the floors to fit exhaust would be quite a bit of work. I would use the uni-ball design over bushings but I don't mind the harsh ride.

Hey all i have some experience with this stuff in racing applications and it is not the most preferred way to go but is mandated. a 4 link with heim joint ends,adjustable panhard bar,and either coilovers or traditional springs is by far the most tuneable and drivable system out there and if your willing to fab all the stuff for truck arms you would be able to do the neccesary work to go 4 link.

I was seriously considering going this route when the stage one kit was 1299+shipping(mid 2003) now they want 1895 for the same stage one kit. The stage one kit with matching front springs and shocks was quoted at 2400!!(1-2004) I understand that they have been advertising alot(magazine coverage) and a price increase should be expected with the increase in interest and demand for the product, but going from 1299-1899 in a few months seems like a lot and 500 dollars for the extra front springs and shocks seemed like a little much. I was budgeting in to buy the kit but I just don't think I feel like paying an extra grand than what it would have been a few months ago(plus hard to swing on full time student budget). I am all for making money "buy low and sell high" but this really seems like too much for me, since I knew how reasonable it was a few months ago. I hope this isn't vendor trashing because I think they have a great well though out product, it just seems to me that the more you make the cheaper it would be to produce the product and you would still increase your profits without having to have a substantial price increase. Then again I am no expert on manufacturing processes. Not trying to trash anyone graemlins/beers.gif If the price ever goes down again I will buy a kit but 2400(stage one w/ front springs and shocks) is too much for me....but for someone with money to burn just to have the latest stuff; it might be a super deal.
Caleb graemlins/beers.gif

The $1895.00 kit has different shocks, springs and arms then the $1299 kit did. The shocks and springs that come with the kit are top quality and made specifically for the HTH setup. They are not standard a-body springs and shocks. They are not made for circle track cars, but for A-bodys. This is the reason for the price increase. The difference in handling from a modified stock suspension (boxed arms, del-a-lum, springs, shocks, triangulation bracing, etc) is night and day.
I may not be the most non-biased source of information, but I plan on doing the Power Tour with some buddies so I will get my car out there and let more people see the setup first hand. I think this will help people understand just how dramatic the change is as it is hard to convey it on paper, but easy to covey it when you see a basically stock appearing and Chevelle eat up road at 160+ mph and still maintain better the stock ride quality. Anyone who has seen over 125mph in a stock A-body knows it gets pretty hairy, so comparisons of a NASCAR suspension not being optimal, do not hold much ground when comparing it to stock 1960’s GM intermediate rear suspension systems.

If anyone has questions or wants to flame me, just drop me e-mail, I am more then happy to reply to all inquirys.

Thanks for the clarification on the price change subject. The person I talked to did not say that anything had changed about the kits he just told me the price and didn't say much else after me asking why the big difference since my first quote of 1299. I was just told that, that was the price and to add the front springs and shocks would be 4-500 more. Without knowing or being told that the kits had been changed and improved, I was left to think that it just depends on what day or who you talk to that determines the price that was quoted. I am glad to see the prices listed on the website now.

Any chance any of the old kits with non-specific springs, shocks and arms are still laying around that I could get for 1299 or less since they are obsolete stock now???? :D

Caleb

Yes the prices are now listed on the website. As with any new product changes occur as the product matures. I do not think that any of the old style kits are still around. The price change went into effect when all of the first generation kits had been sold.

We are now selling several pieces of the kits for those who are going to attempt to build their own kits at home.

Check out the online catalog:
Online Catalog (http://www.hotrodstohell.net/catalog/catalog.htm)

Originally posted by gchandler:
I plan on doing the Power Tour with some buddies so I will get my car out there and let more people see the setup first hand. Geoff - I look forward to hopefully seeing it this summer at Lake of the Ozarks...unfortunately the only stop I'll be able to go to.

I just now finally finished the installation of mine... nothing left now but running brake and fuel lines, and installing the tranny.
here's a pic that isn't on my website, after I finished having to RE-weld the friggin panhard crossmember, because it was installed wrong the first time.


http://home.nc.rr.com/brengl/images/chevellerear.jpg