[big454blockchevy]

Hi , everyone . It's been a while since I've posted (I've kept browsing though) . This site was the reason I got the nerve to go from a pretty stout 383 to a 496 bbc. Well , I eventually went with a different "toy" and stopped working on my '86 Camaro . My new toy is a '74 corvette that will be driven on the street and I took the high comp 498, and 700r4 out of the Camaro and saved it for the vette . I am still working on getting that vette fitted and running with the big block . It's currently does still have a stockish 350 with side exhaust . My problem is that I need to do something with the camaro and turning it into something that will be trailered not driven on the street is what I am thinking about . I think this camaro deserves to still be in action after all the fun and not so fun memeries of running with it at the track. I took the 10 bolt out of that camaro and installed a 12 bolt from a chevelle when it still had the 700r4 with the torque arm, so some fab work was involved . But now that I will probably end up running the th400 I am taking off the vette it will not need the torque arm. I guess what I am looking for is some ideas of where to take it. I know that it will be easier for me now that I don't want or need to drive it at all on the street . That way I concentrate on making it as fast as I can (here it comes) within a budget. I can't go crazy on parts as I still have the vette to finish and my wife would not and is not very happy with the bill on the vette. I have the vette 350 engine available also or I can go with a big block . I still have the high dome pistons for the big block with me. I will continue to browse and search this site . I know there are other camaro site's I can visit but I love THIS site.

 

[big454blockchevy]

here a side pic of my vette

 

[novaderrik]

not really an answer, but why did you have to do any extra fab work and put a torque arm in with the 700r4?

 

[Mike]

Think he's talking about fitting the Chevelle housing into the Camaro.

 

[big454blockchevy]

Think he's talking about fitting the Chevelle housing into the Camaro.

Yes I am. Here are some pics

 

[onebad82z]

Yes I am. Here are some pics

The torque arm is the deal killer here. Unless you plan on another method?

I remember reading (years ago) that Summer Brothers had a mount "kit" that would allow a bolt in OEM 12 bolt to happen. I searched for a long time and never found it. About the only advice I could give is to look at a GNX rear suspension. May be something there to get you going but is going to require a lot of fabrication. I also see BMR IIRC is selling a torque arm retro fit suspension for 1st gen f bodies. May be something to look at for ideas.

But the single best advice I can honestly stand behind... sell the OEM housing and get an aftermarket... Moser or Strange. I too had a '66 a body housing and looked at every way possible to make it work. Gave up after YEARS, sold it and put the money towards the Moser housing I eventually built and still have in it. Glad I did. Made an a body owner happy with the deal he got and I got a housing I just had to fill and bolt in.

Now if no plans for a torque arm it makes the process easier. I put an OEM 12 bolt in an '88 f body for a buddy with a Southside suspension. Working till this day. But that suspension is no longer available. Nor was it very street friendly. I myself like the TA suspension. Or there is always ladder bars....

Oh.. and plan on cutting the upper control arm mounts off that pumpkin, they will hit.

 

[big454blockchevy]

The torque arm is the deal killer here. Unless you plan on another method?

I remember reading (years ago) that Summer Brothers had a mount "kit" that would allow a bolt in OEM 12 bolt to happen. I searched for a long time and never found it. About the only advice I could give is to look at a GNX rear suspension. May be something there to get you going but is going to require a lot of fabrication. I also see BMR IIRC is selling a torque arm retro fit suspension for 1st gen f bodies. May be something to look at for ideas.

But the single best advice I can honestly stand behind... sell the OEM housing and get an aftermarket... Moser or Strange. I too had a '66 a body housing and looked at every way possible to make it work. Gave up after YEARS, sold it and put the money towards the Moser housing I eventually built and still have in it. Glad I did. Made an a body owner happy with the deal he got and I got a housing I just had to fill and bolt in.

Now if no plans for a torque arm it makes the process easier. I put an OEM 12 bolt in an '88 f body for a buddy with a Southside suspension. Working till this day. But that suspension is no longer available. Nor was it very street friendly. I myself like the TA suspension. Or there is always ladder bars....

Oh.. and plan on cutting the upper control arm mounts off that pumpkin, they will hit.

Thanks for letting me know of the mounts at the pumpkin. I will do away with the torque arm . So I need to look into what suspension will be installed.

 

[onebad82z]

If getting rid of the TA suspension, the only thing I would even consider is a 4 link IMO.

 

[novaderrik]

If getting rid of the TA suspension, the only thing I would even consider is a 4 link IMO.

3 link.. use the upper mounts on the housing and build something off that... it's already got a panhard bar..

 

[big454blockchevy]

3 link.. use the upper mounts on the housing and build something off that... it's already got a panhard bar..

Lol , good thing I didn't go off and cut them right off.

 

[onebad82z]

3 link.. use the upper mounts on the housing and build something off that... it's already got a panhard bar..

Although not a bad idea at all.. I just don't see it fitting. Not with a 3rdgen at a somewhat normal ride height. Maybe with the old 70's "air shock" heights. I'm thinking the third link would need to tuck so close to the pumpkin and yoke it would be iffy at best. Look at the area where the pinion yoke hangs out and how it drops down in that area (underbody sheetmetal). But, you do have the car in the air and don't seem to be in a rush, give it a try.

Jack the rear up to a point where the lower control arms are near level with the body to simulate the rear at ride height. Then see where the a body top ears fall.....