Motorheads Performance
Heidts has finally released product details and pricing on their new independent rear suspension system created especially for the 1955 through 1957 Chevys. The Chevy Tri-Five's have been wildly popular to car collectors and motorheads alike for decades. With the current popularity of upgrading classic cars with modern conveniences that add performance, comfort and safety, manufacturers have slowly been adding after-market products that fit the needs of specific manufacturer makes and models.
With Heidts new Tri-Five Pro-G Independent Rear Suspension, these Chevy owners now have a true bolt-on suspension system that can create rides from pure street-ability to high performance. Heidts introduced their new system at the 43rd Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals Plus in Louisville, Kentucky earlier this month.
"The Tri-Five Chevy owners have been asking us to develop a true, bolt-in IRS solution for them to put under their cars," says Mike Hawley, Heidts Sales Manager. "These cars are hugely popular with both customers and our dealers and are built from mild to wild. This new bolt-in high horsepower PRO-G IRS will allow them to take the ride and handling of these classic builds to a whole new level of performance."
Guy Algar of Motorheads Performance states, "Manufacturers design cars differently, and sometimes the differences can be quite extreme. In order to successfully restore a classic car to original factory specs, the technician or project planner must have an accurate understanding of what the factory specs are in order to do the job correctly. It also helps to have a solid understanding of the engineering, but unfortunately, not many shops do. To understand the "why" of the design build is important to me whether I'm restoring to factory or upgrading a vehicle with after-market products because I need to keep the integrity of the build. I need to keep the vehicle safe. Each manufacturer can have a slightly different twist on things, and the '55, '56 and '57 Chevys are no exception." It appears that Heidts has taken this into account when designing the new IRS system specifically for the Chevy Tri-Fives.
"I have owned my own '55 Belair for 37 years," Guy states. "In the days I was putting my Belair together, you didn't have the convenience of a total system, much less anything like an independent rear suspension! And, you had to make do with what you could get that would work with your vehicle. I run station wagon/sedan delivery springs (5 instead of standard 4) on mine, with 1968 12 bolt posi rear end with 4.88:1 ratio. The rear end of my car is out of a Z28 Camaro. If I were to change to an IRS I would strongly consider using the Pro-G from Heidts. Andrea and I have used Heidts suspension products on customer projects for years and have always been extremely satisfied with their quality and performance."
"When we set out to develop this product, our engineering team had one goal: make this the BEST bolt-in IRS solution on the market - period," says Jim Shaw, one of the Engineering Team members at Heidts that developed the Tri-Five Pro-G IRS. "The bolt-in feature means this Pro-G IRS can be installed on cars that are already complete or easily added to builds already underway. The '55 to '57 Chevy chassis provided some unique challenges, but we addressed them all and even made a few design enhancements to make exhaust routing easier."
These new independent rear suspensions systems aren't cheap. They start at $7995 and have options available that can bring the final price even higher. But, considering that this is a pretty beefy system and has all the components put together for you, it may still be an attractive thing to consider. And, it's designed for an easy install, so it's bound to save you some on labor fees.With a posi track system, it's equipped to handle up to 850hp! The CV shafts are rated at 1100 hp, but at that the third member becomes the weak point. Needless to say, Heidts' new Pro-G IRS system will be able to handle just about any type of build for the street and have the Tri-Five's handling "like a new Corvette"! It's especially appealing for those who are looking for the latest enhancement, a smooth, well-handling ride, or for those who want to really dress up their show vehicle.
Here's what Heidts has created: The Tri-Five Pro-G features a fully-welded and boxed, upper cross member, heavy-duty upper and lower control arms, fully welded uprights, heavy duty constant-velocity joints and axle shafts as well as Heidts' own case center section that can be loaded with a wide range of gear ratios and posi-traction differentials. The Tri-Five Pro-G IRS also makes use of standard 10.5-inch inboard mounted disc brakes with four-piston Wilwood calipers. The Heidts Sales Team will help select the proper spring rates for the coil-over shock assemblies based upon your specific application. It is available in both 56 and 58 inch wheel track width versions.
The Heidts Tri-Five Pro-G IRS package includes:
• 9” Aluminum Housing.
• 3rd Member, Iron, Posi-Traction
• HD CV Joint Half shafts
• Tubular Upper & Lower Arms
• Steel Outer Uprights
• Fully welded and boxed Top Cross Member
• Frame Mounting Brackets
• Front Pinion Support
• Forward Struts (Requires Sub-Frame Connectors)
• 10.5” Wilwood Rotors
• Black Wilwood Calipers
• Billet Single Adjustable Coil-Over’s with Chrome Springs
Heidts Tri-Five Pro-G IRS Options include:
• 56- or 58- inch Wheel Track Widths
• Choice of Gear Ratios
• Choice of Rear Spring Rates
• Choice of component finish: raw or "Show Package"
(Show is polished and chromed steel components & polished center section)
• Parking Brake Kit and Cable Kit
Headquartered in Wauconda, IL, where all of its components are designed and manufactured, Heidts Automotive has served the automotive enthusiast market for more than 25 years, providing industry-leading and high quality suspension solutions for hot rod, muscle car and performance car builders around the world. More recently, the company has focused on expanding their line of products to serve the rapidly growing "resto-mod" and performance markets and has become the industry's largest supplier of high performance Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) systems with its new Pro-G product line, which was voted Best Chassis and Suspension Product at the 2011 Hot Rod & Restoration Show. RESOURCES:
http://heidts.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/new-tri-five-pro-g-irs-for-55-57-chevys/ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.
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