Looking at sub-frame connectors...whats good?

[Virtue]

i agree Joel but I really dont have anywhere or know anywhere to get them welded in

im sure a decent exhaust shop could do it, i know even a hand full in my small town can

[kammi10]

Exactly. Plus, how much more strength is a weld-in going to truly offer? I'm no engineer, and maybe this is where it comes in, but if you have something tightened securely or you have it welded, the lateral forces that it's going to see from our sub-500hp beasts doesn't seem to be that big of a deal. Sure, eventually get them welded in just so you don't have to worry about the bolts coming undone, but will it REALLY matter? I think some people just go with the "weld ins are always better" bandwagon without really thinking about it.


On the 2pt vs 3pt, though, I appreciate everyone's input in this thread. I hadn't thought of interference with the y-pipe. Cost aside, that might be enough of a reason to go 2pt instead.

actually weld in ones are substantially stronger since they allow zero flex compared to bolt ins that will flex at the bolts

[meissen]

actually weld in ones are substantially stronger since they allow zero flex compared to bolt ins that will flex at the bolts

Yeah... that does make sense. Meh, I'm still going bolt-in though. Easier to bolt it in and not worry about it for awhile and get it welded later when it's more convenient.

[Fbomb]

Probably weld mine in this summer, just time-constrained during spring break to get everything done so they'll be bolted in for a few months. I'll apply red loc-tite and hopefully it'll help.

[JoeliusZ28]

Nick, finding a shop to weld them in should not be a problem.

Exactly. Plus, how much more strength is a weld-in going to truly offer? I'm no engineer, and maybe this is where it comes in, but if you have something tightened securely or you have it welded, the forces that it's going to see from our sub-500hp beasts doesn't seem to be that big of a deal. Sure, eventually get them welded in just so you don't have to worry about the bolts coming undone, but will it REALLY matter? I think some people just go with the "weld ins are always better" bandwagon without really thinking about it.


On the 2pt vs 3pt, though, I appreciate everyone's input in this thread. I hadn't thought of interference with the y-pipe. Cost aside, that might be enough of a reason to go 2pt instead.

lol ive thought about it. This isnt the first time we've had this arguement here. Strength and rigidity are two different metrics. If saying shear strength is all you need, then basically you are claiming to have enough horsepower to twist your chasis as it is without them. Bolt-ins ad a degree of rigidity as well but it will not compare, especially over time. The whole idea of subframe connectors is to eliminate flex, which is alot more of a rigidity issue than it is strength. You have a strength issue when your doors arent aligning or your quarter panels are creasing.

And im not saying welds are perfect either. In fact I want to get new subframe connectors because i think my old rusty welds are no longer as rigid as they need to be from corrosion and several hundred stress-cycles. And I say that because my quarter panels dont seem to be as picture-perfect as they were when i bought the car, yet I am far from having a creasing issue.

[Fbomb]

Yeah the creasing issue is going to be important for me.

[JoeliusZ28]

Yeah the creasing issue is going to be important for me.

actually, due to the curvature of firebird quarter panels, they are more resistant to flex damage than camaro's are.

[kyleozzie]

i have the UMI 2 points and they came on the car, so i dont know actually what it was like without them.. but i like them lol

[SLPSS]

I have round bmr weld ons on my ragtop bolt on will longate the holes will seem tight but will flex there is a right way to put them on and a wrong way to put them on, if you have them welded make sure that they don't catch the gas line on fire like mine was, Sean did mine at a shop called Cars he was at one time on this site it really keeps the car tight.

[white97z28]

Alright guys maybe ill just get the weld in's and call the local race shop and see if they will weld them in. i just hope the welds look good.

[JoeliusZ28]

dope some chasis saver / por15 over the welds when you get it home.

[sman]

UMI tubular 3pt bolt in here. Got the bolt in so that I can install, and make sure its done right, then have any idiot that can weld, weld them in.

[01badbird]

running kenny brown double diamonds (3 point) that are welded in and driveshaft loop connecting them and seemed to help with the little sqeaks (like t-top area)Don't know if it helps but was told when installing try to have wheels on ground (hoist lifting from tires) so suspension is loaded. Don't just jack up one side then another.Which reminds me since I had sub frame conn. installed sometimes jacking up front the whole side starts lifting.good luck!!

[Fbomb]

Another nice thing about the bolt-ins. You can get under the car with a jack to loosely install the bolts and then set it back down and tighten them if you can reach 'em.

[DETROITMUSCLE]

yep installing with all 4 wheels on the ground is a MUST.