Can you tell me what a metric frame is? (Street/Hobby Stock)?

Question

I am moving up a division into either street or hobby not sure yet and I have been told to get a metric frame GM of some sort. But I have a few Questions.

What is a metric frame?

Why is it different?

What makes it better?

Thanks a million!

Answer 1

In 1978 GM downsized it's line of cars and the frame used mostly metric bolts and dimensions. Most street stocks in use today, besides Camaros, are based on the Metric frame cars. This includes the Chevy Monte Carlo, Pontiac Gran Prix, Olds Cutlass, and the Buick Regal. They all use the same frame and suspension from about 1978 or so until about 1988. Depending on the track, the longer, full size GM frames from the 70s  usually are better for handling, but since everyone is using the 80s metric frames, parts are plentiful and so are cars. One look on ebay will back that up. As far as I know, the metric cars are the last full frame cars GM has made.