Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
#51
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Macedonia ,OH
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: Formula
Engine: 6.0 LSX
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt 3:27
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
I talked with him back in 06 and they said the K was right around the corner lol.
#53
Member
iTrader: (2)
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Gentlemen,
I started a thread for a "petition" for the UMI K member here
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...-petition.html
UMI chimed in and said they have a designer back on the K member project and should have some pics in the next 1-2 weeks.
Feel free to "sign" the "petition" I am holding out for a UMI K member for my LS1 swap. If not, I ll just use my stocker in the meantime.
I started a thread for a "petition" for the UMI K member here
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...-petition.html
UMI chimed in and said they have a designer back on the K member project and should have some pics in the next 1-2 weeks.
Feel free to "sign" the "petition" I am holding out for a UMI K member for my LS1 swap. If not, I ll just use my stocker in the meantime.
#54
Banned
Thread Starter
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Yes, the K-member is almost completed and I will be posting some pictures next week.
If anyone is attending the Fall Carlisle swap meet next week we will have one there to show as well.
Thanks!
Ryan
If anyone is attending the Fall Carlisle swap meet next week we will have one there to show as well.
Thanks!
Ryan
#56
#57
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Aussie 9-bolt/3.27 posi
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Why there be 2 different K-members? The smart way to build would be just 1 design & the buyer chooses to put on standard SBC motor mounts or LS1 motor mounts adapters (like you use for a LS1 to stock crossmember) on.
#59
Supreme Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: West of Toronto
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
UMI said they were coming out with the LS1 k-member first.
#60
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
This is what was posted by UMI in response to a guy asking if they would make duramax motor mounts for their k'member:
"Unfortunately the K-member at this time will only be available with standard motor mounts and LS1 motor mounts. Sorry I couldn't help."
I understood that as it having SBC and LS1 motor mounts?
"Unfortunately the K-member at this time will only be available with standard motor mounts and LS1 motor mounts. Sorry I couldn't help."
I understood that as it having SBC and LS1 motor mounts?
#61
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Aussie 9-bolt/3.27 posi
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
I, personally, wouldn't buy a LS or SBC specific crossmember. I'd rather buy the "basic" SBC crossmember & put on the bolt-on LS adapter brackets if I chose to go LS.
What happens if you drop in a LS, it blows & you have a LS-specific crossmember? You couldn't toss in a SBC just to get to going temporarily if needed. Or if you (or the next buyer of your car IF you sell it) ever wanted to go BBC, you couldn't with a welded up LS-specific crossmember.
Universal crossmember + motor mount adapters = win-win for everyone for all time.
What happens if you drop in a LS, it blows & you have a LS-specific crossmember? You couldn't toss in a SBC just to get to going temporarily if needed. Or if you (or the next buyer of your car IF you sell it) ever wanted to go BBC, you couldn't with a welded up LS-specific crossmember.
Universal crossmember + motor mount adapters = win-win for everyone for all time.
#62
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
I, personally, wouldn't buy a LS or SBC specific crossmember. I'd rather buy the "basic" SBC crossmember & put on the bolt-on LS adapter brackets if I chose to go LS.
What happens if you drop in a LS, it blows & you have a LS-specific crossmember? You couldn't toss in a SBC just to get to going temporarily if needed. Or if you (or the next buyer of your car IF you sell it) ever wanted to go BBC, you couldn't with a welded up LS-specific crossmember.
Universal crossmember + motor mount adapters = win-win for everyone for all time.
What happens if you drop in a LS, it blows & you have a LS-specific crossmember? You couldn't toss in a SBC just to get to going temporarily if needed. Or if you (or the next buyer of your car IF you sell it) ever wanted to go BBC, you couldn't with a welded up LS-specific crossmember.
Universal crossmember + motor mount adapters = win-win for everyone for all time.
#63
Banned
Thread Starter
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
The K-member will be the same and the motor mounts will be bolt on, so you can switch mounts or buy the k-member and choose what mounts you want.
We have done the same thing with the spring perches. They are bolt on and can be purchased separate.
The one completed now is standard SBC motor mount pads. Next we need to build the LSX mounts next to bolt to the K-member.
I hope that helps,
Ryan
We have done the same thing with the spring perches. They are bolt on and can be purchased separate.
The one completed now is standard SBC motor mount pads. Next we need to build the LSX mounts next to bolt to the K-member.
I hope that helps,
Ryan
#65
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Aussie 9-bolt/3.27 posi
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
What portion of the K-member could/would be modified for springs? Unless somebody is running coilovers, the spring pocket isn't an issue, right? Shouldn't the spring pocket on the K-member always just be the same? Use it for standard springs or not for coilovers. I don't see the benefit of losing the spring pocket, even in coilover cars.
#66
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
What portion of the K-member could/would be modified for springs? Unless somebody is running coilovers, the spring pocket isn't an issue, right? Shouldn't the spring pocket on the K-member always just be the same? Use it for standard springs or not for coilovers. I don't see the benefit of losing the spring pocket, even in coilover cars.
My question about durability still troubles me.
#67
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 12,666
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes
on
48 Posts
Car: 86 Trans Am, 92 Firebird
Engine: 408 sbc, 3.1L of raw power
Transmission: TKO600, T5
Axle/Gears: Moser 9", 3:70 trutac, 3:23 torsion
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
its like what bmr does, the upper spring perch is removable. After everything is sandwiched and bolted into the car, there is no place for the perch to move, its BOLTED IN, and resting against the frame, so i dont see any issues with strength. FWIW, if it bothers you so much, you can always just weld it on...
This is actually good news for me, since i would be adding weight jack plates to the pockets, and iif they are removable, that makes re-coating easier.
im looking forward to seeing these. There is a chance i will be at the carlisle swap meet, so maybe i can check it out there, and when nobody is looking, run away with it
This is actually good news for me, since i would be adding weight jack plates to the pockets, and iif they are removable, that makes re-coating easier.
im looking forward to seeing these. There is a chance i will be at the carlisle swap meet, so maybe i can check it out there, and when nobody is looking, run away with it
#69
Supreme Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: West of Toronto
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
The K-member will be the same and the motor mounts will be bolt on, so you can switch mounts or buy the k-member and choose what mounts you want.
We have done the same thing with the spring perches. They are bolt on and can be purchased separate.
The one completed now is standard SBC motor mount pads. Next we need to build the LSX mounts next to bolt to the K-member.
I hope that helps,
Ryan
We have done the same thing with the spring perches. They are bolt on and can be purchased separate.
The one completed now is standard SBC motor mount pads. Next we need to build the LSX mounts next to bolt to the K-member.
I hope that helps,
Ryan
#70
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
i dont understand why the a arms wouldnt be good for the street? i stay in the ohio valley so there 5 toilet loads of pot holes and i dont want to buy something that would brake so easy what is the plan for road racing a arms they would take some hard beating but would it hold out
Last edited by Iroc zseven; 10-12-2011 at 10:33 PM.
#71
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 87' IROC
Engine: L98
Transmission: T56
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
i dont understand why the a arms wouldnt be good for the street? i stay in the ohio valley so there 5 toilet loads of pot holes and i dont want to buy something that would brake so easy what is the plan for street racing a arms they would take some hard beating but would it hold out
#74
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Not to be a pain, but welds in mild steel don't crack unless there are other problems, but lets face it, the sheet metal that they're pressed out of is thicker than what most aftermarket tubular stuff is made out of, with smooth bends (instead of the hard angles where tubes are welded together), everything about them is stronger.
#76
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 12,666
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes
on
48 Posts
Car: 86 Trans Am, 92 Firebird
Engine: 408 sbc, 3.1L of raw power
Transmission: TKO600, T5
Axle/Gears: Moser 9", 3:70 trutac, 3:23 torsion
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Im not an engineer, but i dont see any way a part like this could fail under normal circumstances unless them were improperly welded. And if you hit a curb hard enough, you can break anything.
Last edited by //<86TA>\\; 10-09-2011 at 05:28 PM.
#77
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Nothing against UMI but why havent they said anything to this? makes me question the a arms .I would like them to tell me how much better there product is to my factory a arm, and prove it. if i was a business thats where i would start
Last edited by Iroc zseven; 10-12-2011 at 10:36 PM.
#78
Banned
Thread Starter
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Finally, here are a few pictures as promised. Final design will be very similar but please remember this is a proto-type. The final design may contain some more support and some tweaks. Also the motor mounts will have one more hole rather than three as shown.
Price will be around the $500.00 range, close to where everyone else is. Once completed we will be sure to offer an introductory offer or sale.
We have a new Engineer taken over this project, his name is Ramey Womer and you will be seeing him post quite a bit. Ramey is a Mechanical and Industrial Engineer with over 15 years of late model building and racing. He also worked on the Hooters cup team and we are excited to have him aboard.
Price will be around the $500.00 range, close to where everyone else is. Once completed we will be sure to offer an introductory offer or sale.
We have a new Engineer taken over this project, his name is Ramey Womer and you will be seeing him post quite a bit. Ramey is a Mechanical and Industrial Engineer with over 15 years of late model building and racing. He also worked on the Hooters cup team and we are excited to have him aboard.
#79
Banned
Thread Starter
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
I will be glad to help with any questions regarding our A-Arms.
Our A-Arms are designed to be a lighter item that is able to with stand the same abuse, if not more than a factory A-Arm. We have done extensive testing at the track, skid pad and salmon to insure this. Along with the robust tubular design there is a Delrin bushing option, the Delrin bushings are design to offer less friction in the suspension and smoother travel. If you want 100% benefit from the lower A-Arms I do recommend the Delrin bushing option.
If I can help anymore please ask. Thank you!
Ryan
#80
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
thanks ryan i understand its just i want the best for my dollar and best parts for my car will give you a call tommrow to take about opitons and nice k member cant wait to see the final
#81
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
More rigid, maybe, but I'm positive that with repeated impacts (accident, potholes...) they'll break before the factory ones, I'd trust the factory ones to get tweaked eventually where most aftermarket ones would break...
#84
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
The k-member jig is progressing. The jig base is complete and the prototype is being tweaked and massaged as we speak. Our goal is to have the prototype on the '89 IROC by the end of next week.
This is the number one project in-house at the moment for Jerry, our senior technician...
ramey
This is the number one project in-house at the moment for Jerry, our senior technician...
ramey
#86
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Hey iroc zseven. The k-member is going in the car today for final fitment and beta testing (that means we're going to go out and hammer it). It fits with stock manifolds of course and we're bolting headers on today to check that aspect.
Check our website during the Thanksgiving sale for details on pre-order. The first ones of the line will be for standard SBC mounts with LSx mounts soon to follow. Also, the first one will be street/strip/auto-x with road race version after that.
Here's what one customer had to say about our 4th gen K-member: http://www.umiperformance.com/news/?p=373
more soon
ramey
Check our website during the Thanksgiving sale for details on pre-order. The first ones of the line will be for standard SBC mounts with LSx mounts soon to follow. Also, the first one will be street/strip/auto-x with road race version after that.
Here's what one customer had to say about our 4th gen K-member: http://www.umiperformance.com/news/?p=373
more soon
ramey
#87
Banned
Thread Starter
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Like Ramey mentioned it is very close to being released. We will be releasing the K-member at the end of next week during the Holiday weekend.
Stay tuned!
Stay tuned!
#88
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Hey iroc zseven. The k-member is going in the car today for final fitment and beta testing (that means we're going to go out and hammer it). It fits with stock manifolds of course and we're bolting headers on today to check that aspect.
Check our website during the Thanksgiving sale for details on pre-order. The first ones of the line will be for standard SBC mounts with LSx mounts soon to follow. Also, the first one will be street/strip/auto-x with road race version after that.
Here's what one customer had to say about our 4th gen K-member: http://www.umiperformance.com/news/?p=373
more soon
ramey
Check our website during the Thanksgiving sale for details on pre-order. The first ones of the line will be for standard SBC mounts with LSx mounts soon to follow. Also, the first one will be street/strip/auto-x with road race version after that.
Here's what one customer had to say about our 4th gen K-member: http://www.umiperformance.com/news/?p=373
more soon
ramey
#89
Member
iTrader: (2)
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
I'm ready for this to be released. Engine is waiting to be installed for mockup of harness and all
Last edited by jamieschott; 11-15-2011 at 08:49 AM.
#92
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
That's awesome! Can't wait for the road race version... You should do an introductory price plus offer a package deal with your new style a-arms (I have the old style but am willing to upgrade if the price is right!)
#93
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Charlestown, IN
Posts: 3,449
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1971 Camaro
Engine: 427
Transmission: TKO600
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Do you have a weight comparison between the stock k mamber and your tubular version?
#94
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Hey Johnny.
The factory weighs in at 43.6 and the prototype has varied between 24 and 26 with final weight to be determined. The road race version (a few months out) will of course be a bit heavier due to the extra bracing.
Our product announcement will reveal the final weight we end up with.
Thanks
ramey
The factory weighs in at 43.6 and the prototype has varied between 24 and 26 with final weight to be determined. The road race version (a few months out) will of course be a bit heavier due to the extra bracing.
Our product announcement will reveal the final weight we end up with.
Thanks
ramey
#95
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Charlestown, IN
Posts: 3,449
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1971 Camaro
Engine: 427
Transmission: TKO600
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
Thanks. Good to hear about a road race version, I would be more interested in that.
#96
Banned
Thread Starter
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
We are getting close everyone, we appreciate the feedback and patience.
Here is a picture of our last install with a UMI K-member and A-arms... notice the wheel is nice and centered. Don't mind the mud... it has been raining all week here.
Motor mounts will be bolt on like Ramey mentioned, LSX mounts are next.
Here is a picture of our last install with a UMI K-member and A-arms... notice the wheel is nice and centered. Don't mind the mud... it has been raining all week here.
Motor mounts will be bolt on like Ramey mentioned, LSX mounts are next.
#98
Re: Redesigned Lower A-Arms for the 82-92 Camaro/Firebird
The K-member IROC just did a burnout up the street in front of the shop. No air under the front tires though.
Oh, and for the street performance guys it just survived a Pennsylvania pothole test.
ramey
Oh, and for the street performance guys it just survived a Pennsylvania pothole test.
ramey