I tried to put together a list of parts that would be required for a stock frame, to bring it up to "close" to what you would get with a C4 suspension conversion. I still don't think you'd have near the performance of a C4 setup with this, due to suspension geometry, but I tried to get some sort of comparison between a bolt-on part setup and what we supply with a C4 frame. The C4 setup is also lighter in weight, and upgrades the car to modern specs.
Prices are from manufacturers like Danchuk, Earle's, and other reputable companies.Front:
EW side mounts $209
Tubular stainless lower a-arms $710
Tubular stainless lower a-arms $1001
Dropped spindle/disc brakes 11" $675
Front lowering springs 1" $100
Rack & pinion kit $875
Front swaybar $201
Rear:
Disc brakes $365
Posi unit $800 (to upgrade stock housing)
Rear lowering springs $300
Pocket kit (excluding labor) $240
Caltracs $350
Rear swaybar $224
Total $6050
We sell a complete C4 conversion of your frame without suspensions for $5995. We sell suspensions for $1000 each, but you can often do better buying them yourself, if you can get them locally, as shipping is expensive. We sell a complete C4 conversion WITH FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSIONS for $7995 which is only $1945 more than all the bolt-on parts listed. A basic conversion WITH both suspensions is only $6295.
Figure out what you can get a C4 donor for, and compare to the above prices.
Even if you only upgrade the front suspension, the costs above are $3771. We do a front-only conversion for $4595, and sell it with a complete C4 front suspension for $5595.
We include engine mounts of your choice.
Sure, you don't need stainless tubular a-arms, but I was trying to make a fair comparison to the aluminum a-arms you get with the C4 suspension. They look trick and polish up nice, and have 6 degrees of stock caster. The spindles are also aluminum, and the late C4 suspensions feature 12" brakes stock with 13" brakes options OEM and even 14" brakes available.
Our C4 conversions feature a 3" front drop and 2" rear drop from stock suspension height.
All C4 suspensions have power rack and pinion steering, 1.96 or 2.36 turns lock to lock.
All C4 suspensions come with front and rear swaybars, and our conversions include the mounting brackets on the frame. You have to buy bushings.
C4 rear suspensions feature disc brakes stock, typically 11". I have not included the cost of a new e-brake for the stock setup, but there are two different versions on the stock C4 suspensions included in the suspensions.
All C4 differentials have positraction. Ihave not included a new stock housing or axles in the above costs, if those are needed.
A stock tub will allow a 275 rear tire, and a minitub will allow a 295 tire with a C4 conversion. A pocket kit and minitub will allow for a larger tire than the C4 setup, if you feel you need more than a 295.
I included the caltracs or some other traction control devices since something is needed to prevent wheelhop with a stock setup, which is built-in with the C4 setup.
I know the C4 conversion isn't for everyone, because some guys believe that someday they'll want to go back to original (which rarely happens) and they don't want to alter their frame. However, most guys want a car that drives more like a modern car, and this conversion makes that happen. I put this together for those guys who think they can't afford a C4 conversion, to show that if you go with the bolt-on stuff, you've almost paid for one.
CLASSIC EDGE Designs, LLC
Fort Collins, CO