Square tube or round???
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
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From: Blairsville, GA
Square tube or round??? I'd like y'all's feelings on which makes the better subframe connectors. I'm guessing the round tubing, because of the increased torsional rigidity, but I just wanna know if I'm missing something in the equation here. Thanks, y'all.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: England
Originally Posted by Ric
I'd like y'all's feelings on which makes the better subframe connectors. I'm guessing the round tubing, because of the increased torsional rigidity, but I just wanna know if I'm missing something in the equation here. Thanks, y'all.
Try reading the descriptions on the sellers/makers websites, it explains it all. Very easy, lol.
BTW the square is stronger but hangs down lower so if ground clearance an issue round will be a better bet.
Per unit mass, round tube has better torsional rigidity than square tube. However, most manufacturers of square tube SFC's seem to make them heavier (ie larger cross-section), so they may well be more resistant to twisting. The trade-offs will be that they hang lower and weigh more. In contrast a round tube SFC will generally tuck up into the door sill cavity nicely and will usually weigh less. Obviously this idealized comparison doesn't account for the mounting design of the ends or any attachment to the floor pan area, so take it for what it is.
