Heidts: Black Betty Gets An Upgrade

When Heidts Suspension launched its PRO-G IRS for third- and fourth-generation Camaros/Firebirds, Ultimate Street Car Challenge racer Mark Golovin was first in line to install it in his 2001 Camaro “Black Betty.”

Golovin competes against newer cars regularly in the GT Class of the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Challenge series. Newer performance vehicles (about 2010 and up) come standard with an IRS, and Black Betty’s straight-axle setup just didn’t get the same traction as the newer vehicles.

“After I spoke with the engineers at Heidts and learned more about the new PRO-G complete IRS and IFS kits for fourth-gen Camaros, I knew it was going to be a game-changer for Black Betty,” Golovin said.

“It’s a completely different machine,” Golovin added. “The PRO-G IRS keeps the rubber on the ground, handles pavement imperfections and stays planted much better than the straight-axle setup.”

Whether competing or just looking for your build to handle as good as it looks, the Heidts PRO-G IRS kit for third- and fourth-generation Camaros/Firebirds provides maximum performance both on and off the track. It’s available in standard (500HP) and high-horsepower (800HP) versions. Options include C4 rotors and calipers, Wilwood brakes, Currie third member and optional ABS hubs.

At the same time the PRO-G IRS was installed, Golovin installed Heidts PRO-G IFS – giving Black Betty a completely upgraded suspension setup from front to back.

The PRO-G IFS from Heidts features adjustable boxed, fully fabricated lower control arms with internal structure for increased strength, fully adjustable and gusseted tubular upper control arms and fabricated upper arm mounts. Additionally, the tubular front K member is designed and reinforced for both street and racing applications and includes adjustable lower control arm alignment locks.