Sub Frame Connectors
#1
Sub Frame Connectors
It was suggested to me that adding Sub Frame Connectors (weld-In type) will help especially with my 94 Z28 convertable.
????? What are they and what do they do. How much can I expect to pay????
Thanks
????? What are they and what do they do. How much can I expect to pay????
Thanks
#2
Hi, me again. I'm the one that recommended the subframe connectors in the first place.
Your Camaro has a front subframe and a rear subframe, both of which are welded to the car's unibody. The engine, transmission, steering, and front suspension ride on the front subframe, and the rear end and rear suspension ride on the rear subframe. The body itself can flex, which means that the front wheels and the rear wheels can move relative to each other. This is bad for handling, and also is one major cause of interior squeaks and rattles. On a convertible, there is no roof structure contributing to the body's rigidity, so body flex is even more pronounced.
Subframe connectors are long metal tubes with mounting plates on either end. They come in pairs -- one for the left and one for the right side of the car. One end welds to the front subframe, and the other to the rear, linking the two subframes together. This helps eliminate the body flex.
http://www.afterthoughtsauto.com/bmrsubcon4th.html
They're a bit under $200.
Your Camaro has a front subframe and a rear subframe, both of which are welded to the car's unibody. The engine, transmission, steering, and front suspension ride on the front subframe, and the rear end and rear suspension ride on the rear subframe. The body itself can flex, which means that the front wheels and the rear wheels can move relative to each other. This is bad for handling, and also is one major cause of interior squeaks and rattles. On a convertible, there is no roof structure contributing to the body's rigidity, so body flex is even more pronounced.
Subframe connectors are long metal tubes with mounting plates on either end. They come in pairs -- one for the left and one for the right side of the car. One end welds to the front subframe, and the other to the rear, linking the two subframes together. This helps eliminate the body flex.
http://www.afterthoughtsauto.com/bmrsubcon4th.html
They're a bit under $200.
Last edited by JakeRobb; 01-30-2009 at 08:02 PM.
#3
JakeRobb,
Thanks for the info. on the sub frame connectors. I wasn't sure if I should have asked in the new members reply or the suspension thread. Great info and easy to understand. It sounds like a straight forward mod.
NS
Thanks for the info. on the sub frame connectors. I wasn't sure if I should have asked in the new members reply or the suspension thread. Great info and easy to understand. It sounds like a straight forward mod.
NS
#4
http://www.bmrfabrication.com
I used BMR round tube for clearance on my 93Z..... This is their home page...
I used BMR round tube for clearance on my 93Z..... This is their home page...
#5
http://www.bmrfabrication.com
I used BMR round tube for clearance on my 93Z..... This is their home page...
I used BMR round tube for clearance on my 93Z..... This is their home page...
#6
I don't have a vert but it has been the best thing I did to my car. If your not sure it helped, jack up the car before an after from the same spot. With a jack on the sub frame just behind the front tire it will lift three wheels off the ground.
#8
The BMR site shows just one style for "verts." It does not indicate bolt on or weld type. They also appear to be very different. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Because I will not be racing, is the bolt on good enough. JakeRobb suggested the weld on.
Thanks again
NAS
Because I will not be racing, is the bolt on good enough. JakeRobb suggested the weld on.
Thanks again
NAS
#10
The BMR site shows just one style for "verts." It does not indicate bolt on or weld type. They also appear to be very different. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Because I will not be racing, is the bolt on good enough. JakeRobb suggested the weld on.
Thanks again
Because I will not be racing, is the bolt on good enough. JakeRobb suggested the weld on.
Thanks again
A bolt-in set would still work, and would still give you some of the added strength, but welding will give you more strength. Also, weld-ins usually cost less.
Clearance is always an issue on an F-body, lowered or not. However, subframe connectors shouldn't change that.
#11
so you would recommend buying a set of weld ons and getting them put on? I dont weld myself so i would have to pay someone - what sort of price would one expect for a decent job and where could i go to get it done? baltimore md area here, anyone know anyone that does good work but not too expensive?
#12
so you would recommend buying a set of weld ons and getting them put on? I dont weld myself so i would have to pay someone - what sort of price would one expect for a decent job and where could i go to get it done? baltimore md area here, anyone know anyone that does good work but not too expensive?
I've heard some people say that you should pull back the carpet inside the car near where the connectors attach to the frame, since heat from the welder can come through and melt/burn the carpet. BMR's installation instructions don't mention this, so I can't really say how important it is.
#14
These are the subframe connectors that I'm considering...listed as "diamond" design.
If anyone knows where the additional connection point is for 3-point SFCs, and especially if they have the engineering background to comment on whether they actually add value, please comment.
#15
I have the 3 point UMI subframe connectors. They are bolt in and the 3rd point is the crossmember. With stock components this may not work as well but I also have a UMI tunnel mounted torque arm which has a much stiffer crossmember included. With the combination of these 2 things the left and right side of the car are now tied together giving me a much stiffer chassis overall. I can't really elaborate on how much stiffer since I did several other suspension mods at the same time but it is definitely better than a 2 point style subframe connector. The only issue is that you loose some ground clearance, even though the UMI piece is very well designed, the crossmember is still an issue with scraping. If your primary focus is on drag racing, 2 point will work fine, if it is handling, 3 point is the way to go.