Thats the misconception with those connectors. If you were to do a STAAD analysis, you would find out real quick they do not have the same strength. Its simple really. Take a section of flat steel thats .093 thick, 6 inches wide by 36 inches long, put 2 @ 90 degree bends in it so you have an open channel. Grab each end and twist it opposite ways. It will bend. Not a lot, maybe 1/8" either side, thats 1/4" along a 3 foot span.
Do the same with a 3 foot length of square tubing. No flex, no twist. Sure, welding the full length along the floor will help reduce the twist, but, you are putting the primary load into an area that was not designed for it. Plus you are using thinner material (.063 or less ) to "box" in the channel, also you are welding it, which is not as strong as a D.O.M. tubing. My observations is the formed connectors are not very accurate as to the way they fit up to the pan, and are usually NOT welded solid along the floor pan, but welded wherever they happen to fit good. Thats ok for a simple solution, but will not provide maximum strength.
Now look at it from a front to rear forces applied scenario. Think about what is happening when a car is launched, there is twisting forces as well as beaming loads being transfered instantly, every time you shift the loads are again transfered. Every time you brake hard loads are transferred again, this time in an opposite direction. There is an awful lot of stuff going on underneath there that no one realizes.
Any engineer will tell you, square is were the strength is. The forces transfered follow a direct line. If the reinforcements are not perpendicular or squared off, then the direct loads will not be absorbed and transfered equally amongst the structural components.
I am surprised by the pictures showing the connectors on the cuda. Look at the line the connectors follow, definitely not square to the rocker, which is your main structural rib.
If you want maximum strength, install a set of torque boxes while your under there. Its what the factory determined was a great way to help the structure spread the loads equally throughout the unitized construction.
Look, anything on the bottom of these cars will help significantly. I doesn't matter if you buy them from me, from John at Us Cartool, or put an old piece of bed frame under there, but put something, it will help significantly.
One of The benefits of using my connectors, is you can put them on after your done with the build, you do not need to remove the interior so you can weld to the floor pan. ( like mrob is doing)
Its all good.
mrob, thanks for the order, I look forward to seeing your pictures when you do the install. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give me a call anytime.
30below, next time you call and order any parts, ask if there are any discounts available. I could have helped if it was recent, but last year. ? . ? . ? . ? . . . . .
Dave
