Author Topic: Subframe Connectors ?  (Read 9811 times)

Offline AMXguy

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Subframe Connectors ?
« on: July 09, 2014 - 01:07:10 AM »
I'm going to start driving my '70 R/T SE  440 six pack more so I'm planning on doing a few upgrades to it.

Are subframe connectors worth doing on a street car? I get on it a little but I don't beat on it.

If so what are the best ones that do their job but don't look like a cheap  add on ?    the bolt on ones seem like an easy fix but I'd think weld in would be better ?   I can weld thats not a problem.
1970 R/T SE Challenger
 1970 Superbee
 1969 S code Mach 1
 1967  GTO




Offline moparman82

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #1 on: July 09, 2014 - 01:23:07 AM »
Get the whole US Car Tool chassis stiffening kit
Scott in Omaha
Searching for the right 70 Cuda driver
1973 challenger in go-mango, on it's way to a 70 T/A clone SOLD
2015 crew cab Hemi ram SOLD
2019 Ram Laramie
2016 Tahoe LTZ SOLD
1976 Ramcharger 383 4spd SOLD
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24 mopars past and 2 present

Offline cudabob496

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2014 - 02:24:52 AM »
on a 440 six pack, definitely!! I had a guy weld in
1 inch boxed steel sub frame connectors.

One of the best things you can do. Prevents all the body
twisting, and maybe damage, and helps plant horsepower to the ground.

This guy needs them:

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=drag+car+launch+body+twist&go=Submit&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=drag+car+launch+body+twist&sc=0-0&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=F314CBD56292B5B1903A1DD1C6FC1412ACDDC9F3&selectedIndex=8
« Last Edit: July 09, 2014 - 04:31:10 AM by cudabob496 »
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline brads70

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2014 - 08:02:07 AM »
I had the US Cartool subframe connectors but sold them. Too much work to fit them to the floor IMO . I made my own for like $10
Pictures here ( reply #7)
 http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=75255.0
Don't forget to add the torque boxes too!
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline anlauto

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #4 on: July 09, 2014 - 10:25:39 AM »
Unless you're over 500 ft/lbs of torque....I think they are a pretty useless ugly addition... :2cents:
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
www.alangallantautomotiverestoration.com

Offline torredcuda

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #5 on: July 09, 2014 - 11:51:17 AM »
 :iagree: Unless you want to really beat on it or drag race it I wouldn`t do it just for driving around especially if it`s a real R/T SE 440-6. I have actually thought of putting some inside the rockers so they stiffen without being seen.  :2thumbs:
Jeff
72 Barracuda 340/4spd  Torred
70 roadrunner 383/auto  In-Violet
70 Duster 360/auto drag car  (Petty Blue soon)
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Offline anlauto

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2014 - 12:12:28 PM »
It's a V code RT/SE and you want to cut it up ? :22yikes:
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
www.alangallantautomotiverestoration.com

Offline cudabob496

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #7 on: July 09, 2014 - 01:18:11 PM »
The 1 inch boxed steel black connectors on my Cuda are snug against the floor boards, and
difficult to see. I would not consider welding in two 4 ft lengths of steel cutting up the car.
Would consider it almost a necessary mod, for a big block.

http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/projectbuild/mopp_0612_classic_barracuda/welding.html
« Last Edit: July 09, 2014 - 01:22:43 PM by cudabob496 »
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline soundcontrol

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #8 on: July 09, 2014 - 02:23:35 PM »
I just installed my US Car Tool connectors and it is the best mod I did to an e-body so far. I can feel a big difference, it totally stopped ratteling, and that was really bothering me, and it handles better also. Now, mine is a convertible, the 2 non convertible Challenger I had before did not rattle that much. It took me a few hours to grind and fit them and once installed they look fine. Mine is a G code car with no original parts left, I would not do it on a rare matching numbers car though.
In this tread there is some pictures of my installation.

/Ken

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=98361.30
/ Ken
Restoration thread: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=102525.0
topic=108917.new#new

Offline RCCDrew

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #9 on: July 09, 2014 - 05:11:52 PM »
I have no experience, but the XV connectors that fit to the floor sound like a good idea.

Offline cudabob496

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #10 on: July 09, 2014 - 07:02:42 PM »
about anytime you see an article, where a car has improved over the years,
they will mention that the frame has been made more rigid.  So, increasing
frame rigidity on an old E body can be a big improvement in overall
handling.
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline AMXguy

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #11 on: July 09, 2014 - 08:05:46 PM »
It's not a V code, but it is a real R/T SE 4spd with almost every option.   

Unless there is a real advantage to doing it I try to keep things as original as possible.   
1970 R/T SE Challenger
 1970 Superbee
 1969 S code Mach 1
 1967  GTO

Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #12 on: July 09, 2014 - 10:00:05 PM »
I put the Hotchkis system on my 1970 Challenger and the difference in driving enjoyment is like day and night.  From driving a squeaky marshmallow to a real sports car.   :2thumbs:

Offline soundcontrol

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #13 on: July 10, 2014 - 08:45:53 AM »
I put the Hotchkis system on my 1970 Challenger and the difference in driving enjoyment is like day and night.  From driving a squeaky marshmallow to a real sports car.   :2thumbs:

I totally agree! I really enjoy driving mine now. And the Hotchkiss is a lot less work to install, the US Cartool was quite a bit of work.
Easier to remove if you wanna go back to stock later also.
/ Ken
Restoration thread: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=102525.0
topic=108917.new#new

Offline HP2

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Re: Subframe Connectors ?
« Reply #14 on: July 10, 2014 - 09:42:38 AM »
There is a significant advantage to adding them. The additional rigidity that connectors add to the frame not only help put power down but they firm up the uni-body to such a degree that doors will open and close easier, panel alignment will remain more consistant, squeaks and rattles will disappear, window weatherstriping will seal better, and of course the suspension will  be able to better respond as it is intended. When the body becomes and activate participant in the suspension equation, no good can come of it.

Look at it this way, a unibody is put together with thousands of spot welds. That is like wearing clothes that are only held together with buttons. They allow flex which can lead to gaps, which will do either one a disservice.