The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro platform built from 1967-69 has been a favorite of drag racers since its introduction; the lightweight, good-looking chassis makes an excellent racecar as the F-body platform these cars are based on has been a solid performer for nearly fifty years. The lifespan of the product has taken its toll – most of the original cars are rotted out and not fit in any way, shape or form for dragstrip duty.
Enter the engineers at Chris Alston’s Chassisworks. They’ve developed a bolt-on front frame clip and strut suspension for the 1st-Gen F-body that’s designed to bolt right into the car and tie in to the existing roll cage structure — or a new roll cage if you’re starting from scratch.
The clip is welded out of 1-5/8-inch 4130 chromoly tubing and provides mounting options for small-block, big-block, and even LS engine platforms. There’s enough space to fit in a set of large-tube headers, pull the engine easily, and even enough room to access the oil pan should at-track maintenance be required.
Included in the kit is the frame clip, a pair of double-adjustable VariStruts, and tubular control arms with chromoly rod ends. Also part of the system is a billet-aluminum drag race steering rack that’s been designed to have extra travel for a sharper turning radius (helpful in tight pit areas), rack clamps, and bumpsteer adjustable tie rod ends to get the steering angles correct. That’s not it — the company even provides a complete brake kit with billet hubs, lightweight rotors, and aluminum calipers.
Available options (at additional cost) include integrated bumper mounts, your choice of spring rate, larger brake system with medium-duty calipers, motor and midplates, a transmission crossmember, an upgraded strut option, and various steering column options. The Chassisworks team is fully equipped to provide solid technical advice on which options would be most applicable for your project.
For more information on this front clip and the rest of the Chassisworks lineup of products, check out their website.