Are you looking for drag racing suspension components for your 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, or 1981 Firebird? Try this Drag Race Tubular Suspension Trac-Pro Kit from Global West Suspension.
The Global West Advantage:
Global West manufactures the arms with low friction bushings that allow the front end to respond quickly. The upper control arms also have built in more positive caster. These particular units have 6 degrees built in.
- The upper arms will provide superior geometry, more caster, low friction upper bushings and weight savings.
- The lower arms provide strength and low friction bushings.
The combination will allow the front end to snap up rapidly, and due to the design, it will not deflect. The front end will hold an alignment and be stable. New alignment specifications are included in the kit.
What is Caster:Caster provides straight-line stability. The 1970-81 Camaro never had enough positive caster available using the stock components. Even if you used offset upper control arm shafts in your stock arm, the best you may get is 3 or 4 degrees caster. Remember it’s not just getting enough caster, the trick is also getting proper camber at the same time.
Why Choose Global West Parts Over Stock:Did you know that the factory alignment specifications for the 1970-81 Camaro had similar specifications calling out preferred caster at negative 1 degree to 1 degree positive, camber at negative 3/4 degree to 3/4 positive, and toe-in 1/16 to 5/16 in?
We have progressed a long way knowing what is required to make these cars work. The factory specifications are not it.
When to use Coilover or Stock:The lower control arms are designed to support a standard shock and spring combination. In many cases keeping the stock shock and spring configuration gives you more travel for lift than a coilover.
The advantage using a coilover is adjustable ride height and easy spring rate change; however, if the car requires a lot of lift, a coilover can restrict the travel. The decision of buying a coilover should be based on how good the rear end is working. Many times people will buy front end parts for a rear end problem.
So what is the answer? If you have to tie the front end down to get the car to perform properly, then you can get away with a coilover because you do not need the upward travel. If you need every inch of movement you can get in the front end to make the rear end hook, then you should stay with the stock spring and shock combination.
The lower arm bushings are made from a low friction plastic. When bolted on to the car, the arm should fall to the ground. Even though the arm moves freely there is still no deflection fore or aft, this is a great improvement over stock or polyurethane bushings. The straight-line stability is improved automatically.
Weight Considerations:Let’s talk about weight! The lower arms are a trade off from stock. We are more concerned with safety then weight. The lower arm needs to withstand a tremendous load, especially wheel standers. The upper arms are considered followers and are made out of 4130. They do not hold the car up. The cross shafts are made out of aluminum. You will save 8 pounds over the stock units. All of the savings will be in the upper arms.
Tech Tip:When aligning a drag car, lift the front end up 1 inch when setting the alignment.
The alignment specifications we are going to call out for is caster 5 1/2 degrees positive, camber zero, and the toe set to toe in 1/32 per side measure during deflection. The car is raised 1 inch.