Should I add more unibody support for 400H.P.
05-05-2006, 05:36 PM
#1
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Should I add more unibody support for 400H.P.
I have an 87 T-Top car with the mods listed under my signature. Since I have increased the H.P. so much from stock do I need to add more support to prevent body twist? I know the T-top L98 cars did get some extra mods. Is it enough? The torque is advertised at 415lbs/ft. with just the headers, 52mm throttle body, and SLP runners. I've done a few more things but I doubt the figures have changed much.
Last edited by 1987IROC350; 05-06-2006 at 05:09 AM.
05-05-2006, 05:47 PM
#2
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Re: Should I add more unibody support for 400H.P.
Subframe connectors are a must on any f-body, especially a t-top third gen.
Get the weld ins(bolt ins get loose after a while, and weld ins are cheaper anyways), any muffler shop could probably do it.
Maybe a strut tower brace, but subframe connectors should be enough.
Get the weld ins(bolt ins get loose after a while, and weld ins are cheaper anyways), any muffler shop could probably do it.
Maybe a strut tower brace, but subframe connectors should be enough.
05-05-2006, 06:14 PM
#3
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Re: Should I add more unibody support for 400H.P.
I'll order some weld-ins tonight. I wonder if my stock extra support will be in the way of the new ones. I'll ask Summit if it will and post the response. Thanks
05-05-2006, 06:17 PM
#4
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Re: Should I add more unibody support for 400H.P.
After installing subframe connectors on my car last week, I can tell you first hand that they are well worth the money and they work wonders in adding chassis strength.
05-05-2006, 06:17 PM
#5
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Re: Should I add more unibody support for 400H.P.
Originally Posted by 1987IROC350
I have an 87 T-Top car with the mods listed under my signature. Since I have increased the H.P. so much from stock do I need to add more support to prevent body twist? I know the T-top L98 cars did get some extra mods. Is it enough? The torque is advertised at 415lbs/ft. with just the headers, 52mm throttle body, and SLP runners. I've done a few more things but I dought the figures have changed much.
05-05-2006, 06:54 PM
#6
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Re: Should I add more unibody support for 400H.P.
Ok. I just ordered Competition engineering frame connectors and an Edelbrock strut tower brace from Summit. What a way to spend $421. I feel good now knowing my unibody will be safe. Summit did mention that some of their frame conn, could not be used with f-bodies equiped with the rear crossmember.
05-05-2006, 08:49 PM
#7
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Re: Should I add more unibody support for 400H.P.
Like everyone said, the subframe connectors will make a big difference.
However, dont think that the strut tower brace or the wonderbar are must-haves: I haven't either one, yet have documented 1.05 g continuous lateral acceleration in the corners of a road race track, plus I've taken a trophy at a national event due to handling.
Other suspension parts that are necessary are better lower control arm bushings, probably all-new Moog front suspension idler arm, centerlink, and lower ball joints. Out back, you'll notice that quality lower control arms will make a huge difference as well as a stiffer track bar.
However, dont think that the strut tower brace or the wonderbar are must-haves: I haven't either one, yet have documented 1.05 g continuous lateral acceleration in the corners of a road race track, plus I've taken a trophy at a national event due to handling.
Other suspension parts that are necessary are better lower control arm bushings, probably all-new Moog front suspension idler arm, centerlink, and lower ball joints. Out back, you'll notice that quality lower control arms will make a huge difference as well as a stiffer track bar.
05-05-2006, 10:14 PM
#8
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Re: Should I add more unibody support for 400H.P.
I have an 1989 Trans Am with T-Tops and I'm putting down 330rwhp and 370rwtq. I had the same concers and had sub frame connectors installed along with a Hotchkiss strut tower brace. It really stiffend the car up. So yes do it.
05-09-2006, 02:12 AM
#15
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Re: Should I add more unibody support for 400H.P.
Thats a good setup you have ws6transam. I cant really picture all the suspension names but I definately want to modify all my susp. eventually. I'll do some research and build something good.