Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
#1
Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
Im looking into purchasing a set of subframe connectors for my 1991 convertible. I've seen on TOP DOWN SOLUTIONS website (Sub-Frame Connectors, 82-92 Camaro or Firebird (top-downsolutions.com)) where they talk about the Alston Racing version being the only ones that work with the ASC built convertibles. Ive seen that the UMI ones seem to have more bracing and are said to work on convertibles as well so I thought about going with them instead. Has anyone tried any of the other brands other than the Alston ones?
#2
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
I have Alstons on the inner, and Spohn outter sides.
#3
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Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
I have a 91 Trans Am convertible and my car as I'm sure yours is also has a boxed section running down both sills. You won't be able to add subframe connnectors down the sides of your car unless you take out those boxed additions which is a major job. I used to make subframe connectors and I was going to put them down the sides but found out that I could not. I bought Aliston connectors from Top Down Solutions and they work well along with what I already have. Have you not looked at that? Hope that helps.
#4
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
I have a 91 Trans Am convertible and my car as I'm sure yours is also has a boxed section running down both sills. You won't be able to add subframe connnectors down the sides of your car unless you take out those boxed additions which is a major job. I used to make subframe connectors and I was going to put them down the sides but found out that I could not. I bought Aliston connectors from Top Down Solutions and they work well along with what I already have. Have you not looked at that? Hope that helps.
Was the Alston braces alone enough for a convertible?
#5
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...ible-Cars.html
Hmm, I'll take that under consideration.
#6
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Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
I'm sorry. Are you telling me that I cannot add the subframe connectors to my car? You know, the ones that are ALREADY on my car. So you are saying that these won't fit on my car:
http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...ible-Cars.html
Hmm, I'll take that under consideration.
http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...ible-Cars.html
Hmm, I'll take that under consideration.
#7
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Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
Sorry, but you can add them to the sides. I also have the TDS units in the center and the global west (which are NOT even designed for verts), but with a little modification i was able to fit and weld them on. I went with GW because they are tubular like the TDS connectors.
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Car: Resto-Mod 1987 IROC-Z Clone
Engine: Alky fed L92 Vortec Twin-Turbo 6.8L
Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
I personally install both types of Sub-Frame Connectors on every Customers Solid-Roof and T-Top Third-Gen.
I make my own versions of each design In-House (it is easier to fit and correct twisted Uni-Bodies this way).
On Convertible Cars, I go even further by connecting by types of Sub-Frame Connectors in many places to further stiffen the Uni-Body.
I also do this for all high HP Non-Convertibles (I will not install a high HP Engine in a Convertible).
I make my own versions of each design In-House (it is easier to fit and correct twisted Uni-Bodies this way).
On Convertible Cars, I go even further by connecting by types of Sub-Frame Connectors in many places to further stiffen the Uni-Body.
I also do this for all high HP Non-Convertibles (I will not install a high HP Engine in a Convertible).
#9
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
These are the Alston ones your using aren't they: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/a...maro/year/1991
And the Spohn ones your using are these http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...ible-Cars.html ?
And the Spohn ones your using are these http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...ible-Cars.html ?
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
These are the Alston ones your using aren't they: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/a...maro/year/1991
And the Spohn ones your using are these http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...ible-Cars.html ?
And the Spohn ones your using are these http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...ible-Cars.html ?
#11
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
Sorry, but you can add them to the sides. I also have the TDS units in the center and the global west (which are NOT even designed for verts), but with a little modification i was able to fit and weld them on. I went with GW because they are tubular like the TDS connectors.
#12
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
The 91 and 92 convertibles came with a boxed section on the sills from front to back. The way subframe connectors are attached are to the sills. I was going to put a heavier style of connector on mine until I saw how the boxed sections are attached. They have really large rivets and I didn't want to disturb it. I have added connectors that attach more on the center of the car (Alliston). Please tell me that I am wrong?
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Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
If you have the ability and or means to pay for the fab work, the DSE subframes are IMHO the best out there. They truly connect front and rear suframes with full welds down the length. Higher cost of entry, but final fit is as if there were OEM and the stiffness they add is unparalleled.
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
Yes, all '91-92 F-body convertibles were built by ASC. I don't see any reason to not install both sets. I don't know what having only the Alstons would do. I had both sets installed at the same time.
#17
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
I’ve looked at the install pics of the Spohn set on eBay ( https://www.ebay.com/itm/Subframe-Co...-127632-2357-0) and it seems like there isn’t anywhere else to mount more bracing.
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Car: 1988 IROC Convertible
Engine: 305
Transmission: 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: G92/3.45
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
I had the spohn's installed on my 88. Maybe not as good as having both sets installed, but it did make a huge difference.
Last edited by 88IROCDT; 10-07-2021 at 11:15 AM.
#20
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Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
You and me both. I've been trying to understand how they both get installed.
Now to order a set.
Thanks to everyone for all the posts
Now to order a set.
Thanks to everyone for all the posts
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Car: 1987 GTA Vert & 1991 GTA 5 Speed
Engine: 87 GTA-L98 91 GTA LB9
Transmission: GTA-700R4 & GTA T5
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
Any local muffler shop should be able to weld these in correct?
http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...ible-Cars.html
http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...ible-Cars.html
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
Weren’t all the Third Gen Vert F Bodies, converted by ASC? My ‘89 IROC Z Vert has the ASC LABEL and the reinforced rocker panels. We’re the factory rocker reinforcements changed over the Third Gen run?
I am restoring my IROC Z Vert for resale and am debating if I should install Subframe Connectors. Probably would add zero value and might be a negative in an otherwise
stock car. What say youse?
I am restoring my IROC Z Vert for resale and am debating if I should install Subframe Connectors. Probably would add zero value and might be a negative in an otherwise
stock car. What say youse?
#25
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
Weren’t all the Third Gen Vert F Bodies, converted by ASC? My ‘89 IROC Z Vert has the ASC LABEL and the reinforced rocker panels. We’re the factory rocker reinforcements changed over the Third Gen run?
I am restoring my IROC Z Vert for resale and am debating if I should install Subframe Connectors. Probably would add zero value and might be a negative in an otherwise
stock car. What say youse?
I am restoring my IROC Z Vert for resale and am debating if I should install Subframe Connectors. Probably would add zero value and might be a negative in an otherwise
stock car. What say youse?
In looking at all these photos you guys posted do you think it would be possible to have 4 tubes fabricated to go from the brackets on the Alstons to the angle rail on the rocker and weld them direct? I can see where the addition of that side tube welded to the angle would help but it just seems a little overkill as you already have a support there. Plus that support is riveted in place so I would think if the welder can tack that ASC support to the body at the same time IMHO would work much better. If you weld that tube to the angle and don't weld the angle I think it would put more stress on the rivets that hold the angle in place...
#26
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
I have a new set of the Alston Inner connectors I was going to list for sale. I bought them when I had my 89 Formula 350 vert. Did not put them on when I found it had N10 and didn't want to alter such a rare car. Anyway - let me know if you're interested. I'll post a FS listing soon.
#27
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Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
I have a new set of the Alston Inner connectors I was going to list for sale. I bought them when I had my 89 Formula 350 vert. Did not put them on when I found it had N10 and didn't want to alter such a rare car. Anyway - let me know if you're interested. I'll post a FS listing soon.
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
WOW! That is a lot of bracing and appear to be a clean, quality install! Please describe the improvements you experienced, after the install. NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) improvement, stiffness of the unibody, rattles/squeaks. Can you tell if they might interfere with service and repair, in the future? I think I'm gonna have a body shop check my 89 IROC Z Vert for "frame straightness " (as thirdgen.org "vorteciroc" suggested) and copy your install.
#29
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Subframe Connectors - Convertibles
WOW! That is a lot of bracing and appear to be a clean, quality install! Please describe the improvements you experienced, after the install. NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) improvement, stiffness of the unibody, rattles/squeaks. Can you tell if they might interfere with service and repair, in the future? I think I'm gonna have a body shop check my 89 IROC Z Vert for "frame straightness " (as thirdgen.org "vorteciroc" suggested) and copy your install.
I don't think that either of the SFCs will impact any serviceability in the future at all. The issue most people have with them is exhaust pipe interference. The inner Alstons did not have any issues with that. One of the things that I always look for when making improvements to my cars is that they fit most factory locations/can be undone if they don't work the way I want. Just my opinion, but when you do that it eliminates (or grossly minimizes) the issue related to using parts from different manufacturers (if that makes sense).
Hope that helps. Feel free to ask any other questions.
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