Backfire

I realize the benefits to adding SFCs to a vehicle; my main goal is to tighten up my '02 while it is still relatively new, and to hopefully avoid the rattle trap syndrome that plagued my 94. But are there any long term issues to deal with? Since the SFCs prevent some flex in the 'middle' of the chassis, the forces responsible for the twisting must be transfered elsewhere, right? Do you wind up subjecting other areas of the body/car to stresses not intended in the car's design? I just don't want to cure one problem but at the same time cause others.

Thanks for the help!

Bryan

jlrz28

iTrader: (7)

Just got my BMR subframe connectors on very nice fit and also strengthed it up a whole lot.

Dal1as

I don't know of any long term problems. It may cause a bit more wear and tear on your shocks but it would be miniscule.

BlackBowtie

I don't have too much(or any, for that matter) experience with welding. How hard is it to weld in SFC's? Also, can anyone estimate what a shop might charge to do it? Is there any cutting involved?
I had a 69 Nova with a lot of suspension work done, and I had SFC's welded in. But you had to remove the back seat and carpeting, and actually cut into the floor. That was a bit costly, but well worth it. I assume there is much less cutting, if any at all with the F-bods.
Thanks for any help.

demonspeed

iTrader: (7)

There is no cutting. Just take it to a frame shop.

The only draw backs I know of would be less ground clearance (not all have this problem), and the extra weight. If you're worried about transfered flex, a strut brace for the front would help. So would a cage too

Backfire

True, but the cage goes a little beyond my goals!! I was just concerned that if the chassis isn't allowed to flex where is did originally, where is it going to show it, if anywhere? Kinda thinking along the same lines as tall building structures where some flex is built in and expected.

P Mack

iTrader: (6)

Seems to me all the flex you would ever need is in the suspension. No need for flex in the chassis.

mcflyz28

choosing where to put the jack since you'll have all those extra jacking points.

macool68

extra weight, slightly reduced ground clearance, and dimples in the rear quarter panels from tearing up the corners- this may or may not be from a more rigid chasis.

B-MAN

There are no draw backs to subframe connectors,Install them as soon as possible. The less miles on your car the better

gMAG

iTrader: (1)

B-MAN... very nice paint and effects on your vehicle! Glenn

Fulton 1

iTrader: (9)

Exactly. To properly tune a suspension you should have as little chassis flex as possible.

4mula1

Get the SFC's from Global West. They are thick tubular ones, and don't affect ground clearance at all. By far the best IMO.

tuffluck

iTrader: (4)

i bought mine from a guy on ebay. they are the same as the global west, only 1/8" smaller in diameter (but 1/8" bigger than BMR SFC's) and they are over $100+ cheaper. made out of the exact same compounds as well.

dimples in the rear quarter panel? i've never heard of that. it must be a problem definetely not associated with SFC's.

if you have t-tops, over time, with more body flexing your chassis will bend, and thus, the tops won't fit on nearly as well, and you car will be much more prone to having leaky t-tops.

drawbacks - there are none really. your car will be a little bit stiffer ride, but i wouldn't really consider that a drawback unless you are looking for a cadillac ride

TaTommyWS6

Drawbacks IMO - none

They are worth the extra weight.

I went with SLP bolt-ins because I did not have a welder at the time. They worked out great. Great, easy mod.

Tommy

sscamaro02

I have Spohn SFC on my 02 SS. As far as ground clearence goes, you can't even see them from the side. They are tucked behind the lip on the rocker panel. See pics:

http://community.webshots.com/user/sscamaro02

Debian Dog

I just got them and no matter what the draw backs the "squeaks" it took away was more than enough to make up for the added weight, etc...

demonspeed

iTrader: (7)

It usually happens without sfc's.

01SSM6

i dont have access to a welder either...would just bolting them on be as good as welding?? i have thoselittle dinky dimples in my 1/4s with 24,000 and change on the odemeter...i was thinking on gettin the SLP bolt on ones..also is the hotchkis any good...and ordering the bilstein shocks all at once...finally...AWESOME lookin car SS Camaro02 i wish mine was as clean

demonspeed

iTrader: (7)

Any frame or body shop can weld them on for you. The difference in price between the bolt on and weld on ones is equal to the labor they'll charge you to put them on.