SEMA 2020: Bolt-in G-Machine Chassis for GM El Camino & Wagons

Vehicles once designed to haul only people or big items are now getting a shot of performance by companies such as Schwartz Performance. Until just a few years ago, station wagons were made to haul kids around and El Caminos were used to chase parts. Both types of haulers have enjoyed a resurgence of popularity lately with some impressive builds from some of the automotive world’s most creative minds.

Schwartz Performance is making sure that GM’s A-Body line, which includes station wagons and the El Camino, will easily have the performance potential to easily match some of their more often hot-rodded brethren. Their all-new G-Machine Chassis is a perfect fit for those who wish to haul in more ways than can be recorded by capacity or seating area.

The G-Machine Chassis is formed with a pair of heavy-duty, mandrel-bent, rectangular steel frame rails that are designed to fit snugly into the original, factory body mounts with no cutting of the floorboards or bed area. The rear rails are narrowed to accommodate mini-tubs and a 355-wide tire, much wider tires and wheels than factory, so installing mini-tubs to allow sufficient clearance may be necessary, should you choose to go that route.

A completely upgraded front suspension includes needle-bearing supported A-arms, which allow for smooth, bind-free movement along with separate caster and camber adjustments. Extra-long RideTech coilover shocks are positioned at each corner to improve the handling and overall ride quality of the car and provide for an adequate rate of travel for an all-purpose suspension. A power steering rack helps the car choose the proper line and splined sway bars with billet arms to make sure the body follows along nice and level.

The full-floating Moser 9-inch rear end is supported by a triangulated four-bar system utilizing Teflon-lined spherical rod ends for smooth, bind-free operation. The rear end housing comes complete with gears and a Truetrac differential. The standard brake package includes a set of 13” 6-piston Wilwoods up front with 12” 4-piston calipers in the rear.

The G-Machine Chassis is designed to welcome nearly any Chevrolet drivetrain and features an adjustable transmission mount so mating all the points of the drivetrain is a breeze. Schwartz Performance offers a broad range of drivetrain options for those looking for a drop-in chassis swap and numerous upgrades are available throughout to get you a roller that will surely rock on the street or track. Check out Schwartz Performance’s all-new G-Machine Chassis for GM A-Bodies and see what they can do for you and your next build.

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About the author

Andy Bolig

Andy has been intrigued by mechanical things all of his life and enjoys tinkering with cars of all makes and ages. Finding value in style points, he can appreciate cars of all power and performance levels. Andy is an avid railfan and gets his “high” by flying radio-controlled model airplanes when time permits. He keeps his feet firmly grounded by working on his two street rods and his supercharged C4 Corvette. Whether planes, trains, motorcycles, or automobiles, Andy has immersed himself in a world driven by internal combustion.
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