T-Top vs hardtop structure.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, California
T-Top vs hardtop structure. Hey guys im curious how much stronger (less flex or problems) a hardtop would be compared to a t top? would it only change the structure if the t tops were taken out or be just as strong if they were still on the car like a hardtop? thanks i plan on having about 700hp at the crank so this may be an issue, ps not dragging it.
The metal (ie structural) part of the hardtop and t top cars are exactly the same in the center of the car. Around the door/window on each side is where it's different. I highly doubt a solid piece of metal vs. a glass and plastic t top is going to be comparable in strength, but does that area of the car even flex is the question.
99% of people will never be able to tell the difference between the two.
The 4th gen cars were designed to have ttops.
I believe there is a difference, but its so small thats its not measurable.
A properly setup 4th gen will be rigid as hell. (mine
)
The 4th gen cars were designed to have ttops.
I believe there is a difference, but its so small thats its not measurable.
A properly setup 4th gen will be rigid as hell. (mine
) no.
Hate to say it but 700hp now isnt like 700 hp used to be.
Much more common with all the turbo builds we have now.
The car will only flex if you can put that 700 hp to the ground.
Get some strut frame connectors, tubular torque arm, panhard bar, and lower control arms and you will be fine.
Better yet, find the threads where guys convert to Ttops and look at the thin metal that they cut out.
Hate to say it but 700hp now isnt like 700 hp used to be.
Much more common with all the turbo builds we have now.
The car will only flex if you can put that 700 hp to the ground.
Get some strut frame connectors, tubular torque arm, panhard bar, and lower control arms and you will be fine.
Better yet, find the threads where guys convert to Ttops and look at the thin metal that they cut out.
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, California
ok will all that add to much weight? so t tops could be just a strong as a hard top? what if i take the car to a drag strip with all the stuff you said on the car will it be completely fine?
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Weld in subfame connectors and then this question will be rendered moot. If you're thinking of building a high power car without doing the proper suspension work to handle it than that is just crazy.
Back in 2002 people were popping t tops off at the track when they were spraying out of the hole. Sub-frame connectors would fix this problem. Can't say I ever saw a hardtop car have roof flex or anything like that though.
I was under the impression the hard top wasn't even metal, but fiberglass like the sail panel on t-top cars, and glued on. Never looked into it though. I wish I had my hard top back.
Interesting about taking t tops off at the track. Seems like that would cause aero disadvantages toward the end of the track that may slow one down even more.
Launching!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Those A-B pillar outer frame rails on the hardtop would provide a significant increase in torsional rigidity and probably at least some in bending, although I doubt this has ever been published outside of GM testing. I was never impressed with the 4th gen t-top structure and in hindsight I would have searched for a hardtop if I had to do it over.
there is extra rigidity to be had from the metal bracing on both sides of the car on a hardtop car, though...many people say it's negligible, but if you're into cornering at all, even that thin sheet metal will cause the top to flex a lot less than it would if it were a t-top car, especially if you're hard cornering at road race/auto-x events on really sticky tires. welded subframe connectors, sway bars, and a shock tower brace will all reduce how much flex there is during hard cornering, but every little bit helps, right? something is better than nothing when it comes to bracing.
