those using the Spohn tubular k-member, I need input - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

BlueZee28 · 08-12-2009, 04:56 PM

The item description on Spohn and Hawk's sites are a little confusing. They mention something about '86-'92 cars coming equipped with a k-member brace and brace mount to keep the subframe from flexing and that if you have a pre-'86 car you can order the brace and the mount if you want to install it. But then at the bottom in an asterik they say that the LS1 alternator will not clear the brace? So for the people using the tubular k-member, are you not using the k-member braces? Please explain...

For reference:

http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...-LSX-Swap.html

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Shinobi'sZ · 08-12-2009, 05:37 PM

This is great catch and I'm hoping that some of the guys who have used the spohn will comment on this. To me if this was the case it would make more sense to use the Y body front accessories which places the Alt on top and away from the K member vs. the F Body Alt location which places the Alt low and next to the K member...wtf???? Might as well use the stock K member and notch it for the AC pump.

BlueZee28 · 08-12-2009, 05:59 PM

If they wanted you to use Vette accessories then why would they add the comment that the LS1 Fbody a/c compressor will fit properly with the tubular k-member with zero modifications.

mtflyboy · 08-12-2009, 06:19 PM

ive been wondering the same thing.

Shinobi'sZ · 08-12-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueZee28

If they wanted you to use Vette accessories then why would they add the comment that the LS1 Fbody a/c compressor will fit properly with the tubular k-member with zero modifications.

Not sure if we misunderstood each other. My pull out motor for my project is out of a Vette and has the accessories from it..which are different from the F body (as you probably know)...I'm just not sure why they would design a K member that didn't allow for the fitment of the Alternator? This is why I mentioned that if the Vette accessories fit..that it would not be an issue because the Alt is up top not down low.

BlueZee28 · 08-12-2009, 06:41 PM

It's not that the alternator won't fit, it just won't fit with those k-member braces. But then again, I don't know if they only don't fit with SPOHN'S aftermarket braces, or what. I will call them tomorrow and ask if someone here doesn't know the answer.

FirehawkSS · 08-12-2009, 07:03 PM

Curious myself. My impression is that the spohn k-member braces only work with the spohn k-member. You cannot use original stock k-member braces with the spohn k-member.

Also if you were to order the spohn k-member braces why would they clear the ac and not the alternator? Doesn't it only say it won't clear the alternator? It doesn't mention anything about the ac does it?

Aaron91RS · 08-12-2009, 08:50 PM

My factory braces clear the alternator and the spohn ones should mount in the same place so they should clear, but I guess it's close enough some don't.

No big deal though just don't use that brace if it doesn't fit.
A lot of people aren't using the other side anyway if they have ls1 a/c.
Or do like I did and cut it off and just attach it to the one hole closer to the frame and not both in the k-member.

Shinobi'sZ · 08-12-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueZee28

If they wanted you to use Vette accessories then why would they add the comment that the LS1 Fbody a/c compressor will fit properly with the tubular k-member with zero modifications.

What's up with the goku in you web link?

BlueZee28 · 08-12-2009, 10:24 PM

That's my photo album from badassiroc.com or whatever the website's name is.

Shinobi'sZ · 08-12-2009, 10:52 PM

OK goku has a different meaning to me...just wondering if it was the same for you.

ssean92 · 08-13-2009, 12:40 AM

Hey Nick I had to remove one of the braces when I did the Alt relocation bracket on my LT1. I dont see it being an issue removing it if you need to.

BlueZee28 · 08-13-2009, 01:14 AM

Do you think removing the braces will really hurt the subframe?

ssean92 · 08-13-2009, 01:41 AM

I have been running with out it for sometime now, No issues

screeminchicken · 08-13-2009, 11:48 AM

I did a lot of research on K-members to use when I started the swap.

Some things I found out.

1. Not all factory K-members came with that brace.
2. The spohn K-member does allow for the brace on the drives side because of LS1 alternator being too low except for the stock one and BMR.
3. The BMR K-member is comparatively stronger than the spohn one. But down fall is you cannot use your factory A-arms with it.
4. Notching the stock k-member for A/C will eliminate the holes for the passenger side brace.
5. The only way u can use both those braces at the same time is to get a high mount alt kit (e.g. kwik performance) and relocate the Alternator. I don’t think anybody has tried it due to the brackets costing over 300 bucks.

Or

6. Use factory K-member, no notch, no ac. you can use both those braces.

I always wondered why Spohn has not fixed this issue. Its relatively easy to fix but they haven’t bothered.

so this is what I did.......notched the stock k-member for A/C, using only the driver side brace and used a stronger UMI steering brace and call it good.
This was what I found cheapest in my case.

let us know what you decide.

BlueZee28 · 08-13-2009, 12:42 PM

So you bought a UMI wonderbar if I'm reading that correctly?

I still can't believe this is all they have come up with. I'm kind of dissappointed. I really want to get the tubular K-member, but don't want to sacrifice the strength of the subframe OR have to relocate the alternator.

Shinobi'sZ · 08-13-2009, 09:55 PM

Why not use the guy who made brackets that allowed for the retention of the stock AC unit...then it wouldn't require any modifications to the stock K member or aftermarket. Check my sig for how I relocated my alternator to the passenger side on my Z06 to accomodate my top mount TT kit. It was a very simple relocate...although this would only work if you kept the LS1 AC unit....however if you used the C5 accesories the stock location for the alternator is up high and away from the k member all together.

BlueZee28 · 08-14-2009, 10:05 AM

The alt. relocation brackets are hard to find and expensive. Plus I talked to Hawks yesterday and Bruce says to not even bother using the k-member braces. He said they are unnecessary.

Shinobi'sZ · 08-14-2009, 11:15 AM

Well I will be using the Y body accessories which will place the Alt up high away from the crossmember and I am going to explore keeping the stock AC unit with the brackets made by the guy on this forum....this way it will not be necessary to modify the stock K member or go with aftermarket.

midnit · 09-13-2009, 05:22 AM

I would not be concerned with the braces. I would be concerned with the fact that it is very possible your steering components will hit the k-member and you cannot upgrade them to thicker or they wont fit at all.

At least thats how my spohn k-member fits.