Do T-Tops Make A Body Weaker?
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Massachusetts
Car: 1990 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 305 TBI V8
Transmission: 700r4 Automatic
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Do T-Tops Make A Body Weaker?
I am out to buy a '79 formula to turn into a street legal drag car. I have heard various people say that the body will warp under imense torque and horsepower because of the lack of strength of t-tops. I love t-tops, but I don't want to have limits on the cars power. Does anyone know if these rumors are true?
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From: Valdosta, GA
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Engine: L98(5.7 L TPI)
Transmission: 700r4(A4)
Axle/Gears: G80 RPO, 3:23s, Auburn Racer's Diff
Re: Do T-Tops Make A Body Weaker?
Yes, t tops are weaker than a hard top. If you really REALLY want t tops and are worried about body flex, consider subframe connectors or a roll cage
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Tulsa, OK
Car: 95 Z28, 92 Camarobird
Engine: 410 rearwheel hp LT1, TBI 305
Transmission: 4L60E, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 4.11's, Whatever BS GM put in it
Re: Do T-Tops Make A Body Weaker?
Connectors OR a cage??? I would go for connectors and a cage...
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From: Somewhere around the South Side of Chicago just crusin' in one of the Niteriders
Car: 92RS 25th Anniv./88 IROC Z28 Vert
Engine: 305 TBI w/Tpi Air / 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4/700r4
Axle/Gears: Posi
Re: Do T-Tops Make A Body Weaker?
I have both..a 86 with T Tops and a 92 hard top...you can feel the difference and even hear the difference...the 86 with T tops flexs a lot and would not be an ideal drag car.
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From: Northern CA.
Car: '82 Z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: TH400 4,000 stall
Axle/Gears: Currie 9", 4.56 gears
Re: Do T-Tops Make A Body Weaker?
T-tops are the main reason why the previous owner of my car didn't drag race it. Well I said screw that and have been having fun 
I have put in subframe connectors which did take 90% of the creaks and groans out when pulling into my driveway.
I have put in subframe connectors which did take 90% of the creaks and groans out when pulling into my driveway. 
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