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Andrew,
Did you notice any real difference in adding the frame fx kit to your car?
It is Tom's car that got the frame kit. Hopefully he has it all done for LSFest this year. I'm eager to ride in it and see if I can tell the difference from mine. Aside from the frame kit, our builds are very similar.
Gotcha,
I saw you post the frame fx install so i assumed that was on your car.
I have the kit but havent torn down to the frame yet to install so looking for some real world "did it help noticeably"
Jeez, I would hope it helps noticeably.....LOL! I think the biggest challenge is this -- the old muscle car frames/suspensions were SO dated compared to stuff from today. By the time you've stiffened up the frame AND added proper newer suspension components with proper geometry, the difference is so fundamental that it might be difficult to determine what came due to frame improvements and what came due to suspension improvements. One thing seems certain -- making big suspension changes without stiffening the underlying structure doesn't make much sense at all.
I definitely noticed how much stiffer the frame felt after installing the FX kit when we moved it around the shop before you could feel it flexing now it is very rigid. Having a solid stiff frame will definitely make the suspension function better. I also added a front frame brace similar to the one SC&C sells to tie the front frame horns together to reduce flex. Should be painted by the end of March and then final assembly.
Jeez, I would hope it helps noticeably.....LOL! I think the biggest challenge is this -- the old muscle car frames/suspensions were SO dated compared to stuff from today. By the time you've stiffened up the frame AND added proper newer suspension components with proper geometry, the difference is so fundamental that it might be difficult to determine what came due to frame improvements and what came due to suspension improvements. One thing seems certain -- making big suspension changes without stiffening the underlying structure doesn't make much sense at all.
I don't know if you own, or have read Mark Savitske's book, "How to Make Your Muscle Car Handle", but he basically says that until you have the chassis/frame SOLID, don't even start doing suspension mods. You won't know what's doing what.
Like most full build Pro-touring projects progress can be slow at times especially the paint and body portion. We are scheduled to spray the car at the end of the month and then a full on thrash to get it assembled to make LS Fest in September. Not sure how many time we have put this thing together only to take it apart again to get the fitment right. Mini-tubing the rear and running a big tire on the front created a lot of extra work requiring modifications to the front fenders and inner fenders. All in all I am VERY happy with the build and have several talented gear head friends to thank that have kept the build cost down and the workmanship at a high level. Here are a few photos of the progress; hoping the car makes it to LS Fest with me in it!
Close to final ride height not looking to go too low
Chassis and engine final assembly and detail, coated accessories black.
After a year in the body shop I moved to the car to Boneyard Builders in Leeds Alabama to get final body work and paint done. Chad Whitlock and his team jumped on the car and got it sprayed last week and I am extremely pleased with their work. Here is a peek at their work.
01-30-2018, 03:44 PM
