[Joseph]

I am gathering info. on changing the location of the upper A-arm for better camber gain and elimination of bump steer. I know of two people who have modified the A-arm locations in different ways.

First is Mark Stielow who is a Camaro builder and has had a few cars grace the covers of some magazines. His method lowers only the forward bolt of the upper A-arm 5/8". So, its actually lowered on an arc defined by the rear bolt. He claims that negative camber is increased and bump steer is virtually eliminated.

The second method comes from Dick Guldstrand. He got started with Camaros when they first came out and became the first private owner to win a Trans-Am race in 1969. Now he specializes in Corvette suspensions and is located in Culver city, CA. Anyway, his method requires lowering both upper A-arm bolts 3/4" and moving them forward 3/16". He also states that negative camber is increased but made no mention of bump steer improvement.

Can anyone help me sort out the effects of both changes (positive and negative) and if one modifications is better than the other and why? Are there any other possible A-arm location possibilities to consider before I start to drill. I was going to purchase Global West's new front end kit ($4,000 with brakes) but decided to build a motor instead.

Thanks

Joseph

[Joseph]

I have a correction to make concerning Dick Guldstrand's modification. The new A-arm mounts are located 3/4" lower and 1/4" rearward. They are NOT 3/16" forward as stated above. Sorry for the mistake!

Joseph

[Wes V]

Joseph;

If you read between the lines, Stielow uses a custom spindle that he makes himself. It's a billet CNC piece and I can't help but think that it's MAJOR money.

As I understand it, he is an engineer by trade and worked for GM for quite some time. He's VERY highly respected in the trades.

Gulstrand is also very knowledgable, but the only thing that would scare me is that he tends toward VERY stiff springs, which wouldn't be that comfortable on the street. He's got a long history with Corvettes.

Wes. V

[This message has been edited by Wes V (edited 08-16-99).]

[CarlC]

Wes is correct on the Stielow mods. Big bucks and a machine shop is a necessity to do it yourself. Plus, would someone else pay for those changes if (shudder) you have to sell the car?

I run both the Guldstrand front suspension mods along with their complete slalom suspension kit (springs, shocks, sway bar, shackles, tie-rod sleeves, 1" lowering blocks). After owning this car for 17 years I just completed a 3 1/2 year frame-off restoration. The car handles like I cannot believe. Great for weekend storming, but if I was to have this car be my daily driver I would go for the GT version. A little softer on the sring and damper (shock) rates. I was in Guldstrand's facility late last week and got to eat lunch (off the roach coach) with Dick Guldstrand and the crew. They have been in business for 35 years for a reason, and after talking to Dick, I can understand why. They emphasize reasonable suspension geometry changes (with low cost) combined with proven suspension components.

[Joseph]

My aim is to keep costs down so I guess Guldstrand's mod. is the best chioce in my case.

Carl, I was wondering if I could come and check out your car if you live near Guldstrand's shop. I live just a few miles away and was in there just last week as well. I am considering the exact setup that you have so it would be a great opportunity to see and ride in the car! My e-mail is jsulse@aol.com.

Hope to talk to you soon.

Thanks

Joseph

[This message has been edited by Joseph (edited 08-17-99).]

[wbacall]

are these mods only for gen 1 camaros?I have a 76.

[CarlC]

A-arm relocation is only applicable to the 1st gen models. Guldstrand does offer a full range of suspension components for your '76.