HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

I just put them on the car. My SS is now 22# lighter which means it should be in the 3150# range and still has al the creature comforts.

6techniques

iTrader: (7)

that actually looks kinda cool.
How long did it take you to do the k-member? Are you worried about potential strength issues? (it looks like enough is still there but Im just asking)
And what material did you use for the mounts?
Is this a dd?

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

I worked on it off and on so it took a few weeks. I'm not worried about the strength because the stock member is not welded all the way around it and my modified one is and the after market ones has way less meat through the center. There are places the modified o is stronger because it is tied together a little better. I made the mounts out of 1/4 bottom, 3/16 top and .093 tube. Yes it is a dd.

6techniques

iTrader: (7)

wait, I know you said 22lbs lighter but is that actually how much material you took out of the k-member itself? or is that what it weighed after you "cheesed" it?

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

that's total including the mounts, the k-member now wheighs 29#, the mounts wheigh 4

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

As long as you're happy...but for safety's sake, it would be a cold day in hell before I'd ever do it to mine.

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

It's plenty safe, I work on race cars for a living and this is sronger than some stuff we have ran with no problems. Just wanted to show you guys how to save yourself $500.

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

That doesn't necessarily mean you know what you are doing. I'd hate to see someone try something like this only to have it fail because they just eyeballed it to a "good enough" state...but that's my $.02. Many don't agree with me.

chupr0kabra

iTrader: (10)

How do you know it's stronger? Personally, I'd rather have empirical evidence.

Also, "race cars" don't have to contend with potholes, crowned roads, or other road hazards that street cars do.


-Mike

Beaflag VonRathburg

iTrader: (176)

Interesting to say the least.

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

Sorry, I guess my 16 years of experiance don't mean anything. I forgot that race cars never hit bumps or jump curbs

6techniques

iTrader: (7)

I guess I dont see how taking a some material out could really cause that much of a negative difference...If you really think about it, the factory k-member is overbuilt compared to the aftermarket ones, it has more material and overall size...Im not trying to argue but if some one could actually give a good hard point as to how much the integrity of the "lightened k-member" is corrupted, maybe then I could see how it really isnt that bright of an idea.

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

That what I'm saying. The factory k-member is not completely welded all the way around it either. It's a big lump of partially weld stamped steel.

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

I know some pretty young guys that are crew chiefs on fighter aircraft...so they work on high performance, military aircraft for a living. That doesn't mean they are qualified to make engineering/design choices that could affect the safety of the aircraft. Your 16 years of experience (or "experiance" to directly quote you) doesn't mean you made the best choice for a daily driven car. I don't think what you did was warranted for the relatively small weight savings you saw, nor do I think it was a well thought-out decision. But since you are happy, that is all that matters. I'm just glad you don't live near me so I don't have to worry about your car falling apart as you drive down the road next to me.

In all honesty, if you wanted a lighter frame, you probably should have started out with a better platform.

revtime

iTrader: (1)

If we were all afraid to try new things then we would never improve.
I say go for it. If it folds up on ya you can always go back to the drawing board......if your not dead.

Good luck and let us know how it holds up.

3.4camaro

iTrader: (1)

I love you for so many reasons.

DuronClocker

iTrader: (25)

I think I'll pay the $500-600 for safety (a solid tubular piece that took years to design) when I feel the need to drop a few pounds off the front or change to a turbo setup where I need the room. I've got so much money into safety stuff and the car in general, what's another $500-600.