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Lt headers not clearing K member

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Old May 19, 2008 | 04:55 AM
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Default Lt headers not clearing K member

Installed LTs and 3 in catted Y this weekend. The headers are right up against the floor, and the y runs tight to the body, but the brace (K?) will not go back in. I read about LT installs where they "notched" this brace, but I don't see how this brace will ever bolt back up, short of cutting a 3 inch chunk down the center. This is near the hanger that went under where the old exhaust met in a "Y". It is never fitting over the 3 in exhaust. This is the spot that drags at high center, so adding a tubular cross brace is only going to make it drag more. I think it is an important brace that keeps the body from torquing side to side. Can someone help educate me?
Anyone know who sells a k member that fits LTs? I did a search and pulled up members that mount under the front of the motor at the A arm. I need the brace that crossed the Y mid chassis. Right where the y joins the pipe running back to the muffler. I thought this was the k location, not up front. What is that called? And other than having a shop weld up one, what are my options?
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Old May 19, 2008 | 05:13 AM
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I think you're talking about the cross member not the K member.
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Old May 19, 2008 | 12:09 PM
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Try BMR for one. You don't really need that stamped sheetmetal plate; I'd go with one with an integrated loop though; just in case
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Old May 19, 2008 | 03:40 PM
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hmmm i still don't know what you mean, anyone have a pic?
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Old May 19, 2008 | 10:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Datzneat
I think you're talking about the cross member not the K member.
I think you are right. Crosses mid chassis over the Y.
I read several write ups before the install and saw reference to notching the K member, and the cross member actually looks like a "K"?
I am surprised no one else mentioned this in a write up, I cant see anyone swapping to a 3" exhaust being able to reuse the factory sheet metal cross member. I would think it is needed to keep the frame from flexing too much. That and the fact that my Z is a vert and has no body strength to start with. The BMR part runs about $ 180. Any other options?
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Old May 20, 2008 | 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Chief Z
I think you are right. Crosses mid chassis over the Y.
I read several write ups before the install and saw reference to notching the K member, and the cross member actually looks like a "K"?
I am surprised no one else mentioned this in a write up, I cant see anyone swapping to a 3" exhaust being able to reuse the factory sheet metal cross member. I would think it is needed to keep the frame from flexing too much. That and the fact that my Z is a vert and has no body strength to start with. The BMR part runs about $ 180. Any other options?
im using the factory one with my LTs and ORY
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Old May 20, 2008 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Chief Z
I am surprised no one else mentioned this in a write up, I cant see anyone swapping to a 3" exhaust being able to reuse the factory sheet metal cross member.
If installed correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.

Originally Posted by TheSilverOne
im using the factory one with my LTs and ORY
Same with two other cars that I have installed headers and ORY pipe on.
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Old May 20, 2008 | 02:44 PM
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HEY! I have a pic because I didn't know what it was a year ago.
Just the Tunnel Brace
ONLY the VERTS have this Brace,
The rest have a little flimsy piece.
Mines been off for like a year with no problems

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Old May 20, 2008 | 03:02 PM
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Oh wow, I didn't know there were different pieces, my bad. I'd say find one from a non-vert and bolt it up, otherwise leave it off, I don't think it's meant to be a stress member.
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Old May 20, 2008 | 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Blazingz28
HEY! I have a pic because I didn't know what it was a year ago.
Just the Tunnel Brace
ONLY the VERTS have this Brace,
The rest have a little flimsy piece.
Mines been off for like a year with no problems

Damn Verts Yup, Thats the bastard. Called the performance shop where i bought the Y and they told me it isn't important. They leave it off installs for weight savings. I was planning on subframes and a light bar anyway. That should more than compensate for the thin sheet metal brace.

Originally Posted by ss.slp.ls1
Oh wow, I didn't know there were different pieces, my bad. I'd say find one from a non-vert and bolt it up, otherwise leave it off, I don't think it's meant to be a stress member.
Right. Thanks for the reply. We learn something every day don't we?
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