Suspension & Brakes - K-member choice for SBC/BBC application

From what it appears, going with a SBC/BBC setup leaves us with two options in terms of K-Members; the PA Racing and BMR Fabrications K-members. There is a significant price difference between the two units which would lead me to believe there may also be a slight difference in build quality and/or durability. I know there are many whom have utilized the BMR unit for their LSX and LT1 setups, but when it comes to SBC/BBC applications, the amount of information isn't overly abundant. For my specific setup, I'm not completely resigned to the notion of using a motor plate, but I honestly haven't done very much research in that area. Also, I'm aware that Spohn and UMI Performance produce K-Members as well, but per their websites, they have no listing for a SBC/BBC version (that may not be the actual case however)

So, if the only two options (outside the motor plate) are the following, which would you guys choose if it were your car and money?

Thanks in advance.

PA Racing - $339.00

K-Member, 82-02 Camaro/Firebird
- Color Red
- Material Mild Steel
- Motor Mounts Standard Chevy SB/BB
- Rack Option Standard Rack
- Road Race Option No
- Spring Perches No
- Year 1993-2002

http://paracing.com/images/1203mm.jpg

K-member Specifications:

* 1.150" x .120" mildsteel 1.150"x .083 4130N Chromoly seamless DOM tubing
* Any motor/chassi combo can be built (call with measurements)
* Lightest Best fitting k-members on the market most possible header room
* Works with stock a-arms or any aftermarket a-arms (minor modifacations required)
* CNC laser cut 3/16" mounts
* Formed motor mounts with optional Solid direct block mounts available
* Powdercoated using the highest quality
* Can be built and used on all sorts of applications including street, road race, autocross, or drag strip
* Using our tubular K-member and upper/lower a-arm & coil over kit, expect a weight reduction of up to 85 lbs. Combine this with a Santhuff or Afco spring/shock combo and a lightweight Pa Racing rack & pinion kit and front brake setup and lose over 150 lbs. off the front end!
* Grade 8 shock mounting hardware Available (extra)
* Fully assembled and ready to install
* 100% jig welded! All parts are Jig built in-house!
* Made in USA with best materials available!
* STRONGER, and LIGHTER than stock! (loose over 75lbs)



BMR Fabrication - KM005 - Red - $420.98 shipped (on clearance)

TUBULAR K-MEMBERS

http://www.bmrfabrication.com/K-Members/BBK-member.jpg

BMR Tubular K-members are designed to provide a lightweight alternative to the factory K-member as well as provide additional clearance for aftermarket headers and turbo systems. Our unique design on our V8 models feature integrated frame stands that replace the factory cast iron frame stands. This additional weight reduction allows us to use larger diameter tubing and thicker mounting plates for additional strength over the competition. This means that you can use the K-member for street use, road race, autocross, or drag strip use. BMR K-members are built exclusively using larger diameter 1-5/8" x .120" and 1-1/4" x .095" tubing yet still remain up to 7.5 lbs. lighter than the competitions due to our integrated mount design. Using our tubular K-member and upper/lower a-arm set, expect a weight reduction of 42 lbs. Combine this with a QA1 spring/shock combo and a lightweight front brake setup and lose over 100 lbs. off the front end! Available standard in your color choice of red or black powdercoat, additional colors also available by special order.

NOTE: While we sell this product as "streetable", it is still a race-inspired piece and may not be choice for an everyday driver.

Extra Features

* Larger diameter tubing than most competitors to increase durability. Equally at home on the street, road course or drag strip
* Lighter than other competitors K-members due to integrated motor mount design
* Boxed A-arm mounts provide increased rigidity
* Additional 1/4" of a-arm adjustability provides up to 4 degrees of additional camber adjustment
* Works with stock a-arms or any aftermarket a-arms

id go with the first to save $100.

i'd go with whichever has the better quality, get a few opinions and make a wise choce based on material and construction methods and what works best for you

check out UMI , they have a nice one I believe

check out UMI , they have a nice one I believe

From above:

I'm aware that Spohn and UMI Performance produce K-Members as well, but per their websites, they have no listing for a SBC/BBC version (that may not be the actual case however)

you can get one with out motor mounts however and go from there i believe

Maybe Ryan from UMI can chime in on that one.

Thanks for the information so far guys.

Maybe Ryan from UMI can chime in on that one.

Thanks for the information so far guys.

Unfortanutly you are correct we do not have the SBC/BBC mounts available yet :( ... this is a project we will be working on shortly though.

Thanks for asking!
Ryan

To me the LT1 is still a SBC block, so maybe you want
a LT1 K-member from an early 4th-gen? Maybe with
some weight-reduced mounts if they're like the LS1
cast iron pedestals.

I'm most likely going BBC, so the LT1 configuration will probably not work in this case.

b u m p

take a look at the 25.2 car that madman is building right now with a big block in it, he might have some insight and wisdom for you, its in drag racing tech

That PA racing claims 85lbs off the front with the A-Arms and those things? That seems phenominal. Is it really that light?

That PA racing claims 85lbs off the front with the A-Arms and those things? That seems phenominal. Is it really that light?

That is absolutely impossible, the stock K-member weighs 57 lbs and the stock A-Arm set is right around 43-44lbs. That means that there K-Member and A-Arm set only weighs 16lbs together? Now If you would add some other stuff like manual rack, light weight shocks and springs, and front sway bar delete I see it being possible.

Hope that helps,
Ryan

Personally I would just order the UMI and see if they can ship it without the motor mounts and just get a motor plate. Seems like your going with an agressive set up and not having the motor mounts on the side gives you plenty of room for the custom headers that your gona need to stuff a big block in there.

That PA racing claims 85lbs off the front with the A-Arms and those things? That seems phenominal. Is it really that light?

Must be built with hydrogen-filled tubing. Neat stuff - I hear it can be dangerous to weld though... :smokin2:

I agree with DONAIMIAN. Get your choice of k-member without motor mounts and then get a motorplate. That setup will be very sturdy and leave you with plenty of header room. Also, I don't see why an LT1 k-member wouldn't work. It is basically a sbc or are the motor mount holes in the block moved or in a different location than the old style sbc? And the bbc will bolt right to the sbc frame mounts. Either way would probably work.