thunder57

iTrader: (3)

This is for my 1987 Camaro, and I'm not sure if this is the right place to post. I know the rear seconds of the third and fourth gens are about the same and there are a lot of educated people on this forum so I figured I'd give it a shot.

Motor is a LQ9 and Built T56 - Hoping to end up at 450-500 rwhp after some engine mods
TNT Built 8.8 Rear end that uses the stock torque arm mount. Have all upgraded rear suspension from founders performance. UMI Square tubing subframe connectors. Might be running Inner Subframe connectors too.

I plan on using the Sklute T56 Transmission Crossmember to help clear long tube headers. Hopefully have a true dual exhaust setup one day.

I want to do a fair bit of daily driving with the car, yet be able to take it to the track and push it when I want. Don't really have a budget, want to do it right the first time and built to last.

At first I was considering the BMR Trak Pak, seems like a solid setup.. But it makes running dual exhaust a pain and can't do inner subframe connectors this way.
$430
http://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=p...402&superpro=0

Next option was to run a Spohn transmission torque arm with a custom mount on my Skulte crossmember. I've came across people damaging their front subframe from the extra torque applied because the t56 sits so far back. I don't want to risk structural damage to a car I've spent countless hours into. Not sure if that was a freak accident or if their is a way I can beef up the area to prevent structural damage from happening.
$342
http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...GM-F-Body.html

Last option I've recently found was someone running the Alston trans tunnel torque arm:
http://www.thirdgen.org/forums/suspe...ed-torque.html (Alston tunnel mounted torque arm install)

This setup would be pretty easy to do, I still have the interior stripped and doesn't require welding. As well the price is right. What I'm worried about is the strength of doing hard launches with it with it bolted to the floor. Not too concerned about extra noise coming into the car but having a good ride would be ideal.
$219
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alston-Race-...-/181594908330

Any input into what they've done or can recommend a different setup or advice in general would be appreciated. Thanks

camarof41_383

iTrader: (7)

Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are any aftermarket torque arms/ crossmembers that offer exhaust clearance, grould clearance, strength. Trak Pak is a solid setup but exhaust/ground clearance can be an issue on a lowered car. I've had several different spohn torque arms and crossmembers, they work great but exhaust/ground clearance was always an issue. Can't comment on the tunnel mounted arm, I never tried one of those because I didn't want to drill a bunch of holes in the trans tunnel.

So far this is the best setup I've used. Bought a BMR torque arm and a friend fabricated a crossmember. This was a LS1/T56 92 Camaro with Kooks mid length headers. Y-pipe connects to a 3.5in mufflex cat back system. We did remove the exhaust hanger on the crossmember after these pics were taken, it transmitted too much vibration.

Since you have LT headers you would probably need a double hump type crossmember but hopefully this will help give you some ideas. I would use the Skulte crossmember and fabricate a torque arm mount for it.

Torque arm used
http://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=p...397&superpro=0

thunder57

iTrader: (3)

Looks pretty solid, thanks for the input!

MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

We offer a third gen torque arm and SFC package. There is welding involved with this package but it is pretty straight forward. You have to weld the SFC and then weld the crossmember to the SFC. Everything is already powder coated in a black finish but you could use a red torque arm if you desire. The torque arm and crossmember with removable center section is $425 and our SFC are $170.

Any questions please feel free to ask.