Fabrication Custom fabrication ideas and concepts ranging from body kits, interior work, driveline tech, and much more.

Sub frames (design rough draft)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 22, 2009 | 07:22 PM
  #51  
chevyracingrox's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 1
From: IL
Car: 88 IROC, 76 Malibu Classic
Engine: 350 TPI, 350
Transmission: 700R4, 4-speed
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt ????
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

here's my idea if i understand your design right. bend the tubing just a little bit to get more contact area for welding.
thanks to whoever supplied the photo i used. very helpful.
Attached Thumbnails Sub frames (design rough draft)-sub-frame-.jpg  

Last edited by chevyracingrox; Mar 22, 2009 at 10:49 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2009 | 02:48 PM
  #52  
customblackbird's Avatar
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,770
Likes: 63
From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

thats basically what mine looks like. hacked into the floor and welded it into the rear subframe as well as the to the front point.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2009 | 07:38 PM
  #53  
chevyracingrox's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 1
From: IL
Car: 88 IROC, 76 Malibu Classic
Engine: 350 TPI, 350
Transmission: 700R4, 4-speed
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt ????
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

for that design though, you pretty much have to cut the floor? my drivers side rear floor is bad so it doesn't matter, but the passenger side is rust free. oh well, back seat of a camaro is already hell to sit in. lol. might as well cut it up.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2009 | 08:37 AM
  #54  
zraffz's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 3
From: Sussex County, NJ
Car: 1994 Z28
Engine: 355 LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

I can take pictures and get dimensions of my sub frames, I wasn't the one who made them (buddy did) but it's made out of rectangular steel and they worked damn well on his old BBC third gen.

Email or message me if interested.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2009 | 09:44 PM
  #55  
1986bluez28's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Car: 1986 Z28
Engine: 305 for Now
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

I would like to see those pictures and dimensions.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2009 | 10:28 PM
  #56  
RED_DRAGON_85's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 2
From: Norfolk VA
Car: 85 Camaro IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: open rear, 3.42 gears
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

i agree with whoever said that the furthest out you can put the subframes would be best.

i wont get into the nitty details, but the stiffness torsionally can be calculated by the moment of inertia, and the parallel axis theorem which basically says that the farther away a beam is away from the axis of torsion/rotation/torque the stronger it is.


your first design is good, but im not sure how strong the metal you are welding to is.
i would try something more like this

the red stuff could be added if you wanted to go crazy with it





edit:
you could make the red bars on the outer side more parallel with the inner ones if you wanted... it would probably work better that way
Attached Thumbnails Sub frames (design rough draft)-subframes.jpg  

Last edited by RED_DRAGON_85; Mar 25, 2009 at 11:16 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2009 | 01:07 PM
  #57  
Guest
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

That was me, and I'm glad at least someone is listening. Too many people with zero background trying to explain how things work.

For those who think that rear area of the car is a frame, maybe you'd care to explain to those who had the joy of their shocks ripping through it over time how strong it is. What that actually is, if you want to pay attention, is a built up POS of sheetmetal of various lengths (its not even one complete piece like a frame would be) spot welded at 3-5" increments to resemble an I beam but its basically worthless. Maybe if they had seam welded it so it had some actual structural value, it could be a frame. As it is, it uses every part of the rear body to give it any strength and therefore is not a frame but a member of a... Unibody.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2009 | 03:41 PM
  #58  
I H8 WWD's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 6
From: Cleveland, Ohio
Car: 89' IROC-Z
Engine: LO3
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10-Bolt/2.73
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

Have you thought about using the alston SFC's with the spohn SFC's or umi or bmr doesnt matter, as the alstons run as though to make a full front to back sub frame (end of the front sub frame to beginning of the rear sub frame) , and spohn's bmr or umi run on the outside (where its said to work best).

But I think the alston + spohn, umi or BMR or global west would be the easiest way of getting something like what you want. Then everything else can be added afterwards for more contact points between the two sets. That or go for it and make some diamond type SFC's that would really be alstons with sponh units but connected.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2009 | 01:29 PM
  #59  
99b4c's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Car: 99 B4C, 89 RS
Engine: LS1, 2.8
Transmission: 4L60E, T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23, 3.42
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

Originally Posted by RED_DRAGON_85
i agree with whoever said that the furthest out you can put the subframes would be best.

i wont get into the nitty details, but the stiffness torsionally can be calculated by the moment of inertia, and the parallel axis theorem which basically says that the farther away a beam is away from the axis of torsion/rotation/torque the stronger it is.


your first design is good, but im not sure how strong the metal you are welding to is.
i would try something more like this

the red stuff could be added if you wanted to go crazy with it





edit:
you could make the red bars on the outer side more parallel with the inner ones if you wanted... it would probably work better that way
Thanks RED DRAGON, like I said have the connectors furthest outward as possible under the rockers makes most sense. The further inward you go the easier the car will twist the connectors IMO.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 04:52 PM
  #60  
customblackbird's Avatar
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,770
Likes: 63
From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

madmax is correct. i think i might have stated that there was a rear frame... but when i stated that i mean that its the closest thing these cars have that resembles a frame. our entire cars are sanwiched peices of steel with spot welds. the strongest thing on our cars are the kmembers and engine blocks lol. i would have to argue that the rear "subframe" above where the rear spring perch is...is prob the strongest part of the whole rear of the car. its basically the thickest and the most pieces of sandwiched steel that is spotwelded. besides the front subframe.

run a perimeter type SFC that contects the front and rear subframes and then reinforce it with a roll bar. more leverage in a roll bar and u could ever get with a SFC. dual SFC (perimeter and inner) will suffice if your never gona need a roll bar or are never gona put a roll bar in... but plenty of 7-8-9sec cars run simple SFC and roll bars/cages and are fine.

some things would be overkill... like titanium pistons lol. or Gm producing the 3rd gen with an "actual" frame lol
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 11:40 PM
  #61  
FueledSoul's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 12
From: Minnesota
Car: 84 camaro, 88 trans am, 98 camaro
Engine: Modded , stock, LSX modded
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, t-56
Axle/Gears: 327, 308, 373
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

I picked up some scrap steel peace in different sizes to get an idea. I'm thinking of now going with 2-1/2 X 1-1/2 for the outer peace that run next to the rockers and the other connecting peaces probably 2-1/2 x 1. but ould i be ok with just going with 2 x 1 on everything since im sticking to my organelle design? when you compare the (2-1/2 X 1-1/2) and (2 x 1 ) side by side there is a noticable difference between them on paper it doesnt seem like much and what should i go 11ga or 14ga ?
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2009 | 12:44 AM
  #62  
customblackbird's Avatar
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,770
Likes: 63
From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

id go with the 2.5x1.5.... vs the 2x1. the larger steel will help more with the twisting motion. harder to twist larger steel. the 2x1 will give u more clearance... i kno by the rocker panels the 2x1 would fit nicely since thats where i planned on running 1x1 with my existing SFC. and the 2x1 u wouldnt even be able to see from the side of the car.

u could run the 2x1 as the perimeter and tie it into the 2.5x1.5 in the center but i think a 2x2 steel would be better suited and u could save the .5" of ground clearance.

go with the 11 gauge... thats 1/8" and is strong enough the 14 guage would be too thin.
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2009 | 08:30 PM
  #63  
FueledSoul's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 12
From: Minnesota
Car: 84 camaro, 88 trans am, 98 camaro
Engine: Modded , stock, LSX modded
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, t-56
Axle/Gears: 327, 308, 373
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

Originally Posted by RED_DRAGON_85
i agree with whoever said that the furthest out you can put the subframes would be best.

i wont get into the nitty details, but the stiffness torsionally can be calculated by the moment of inertia, and the parallel axis theorem which basically says that the farther away a beam is away from the axis of torsion/rotation/torque the stronger it is.


your first design is good, but im not sure how strong the metal you are welding to is.
i would try something more like this

the red stuff could be added if you wanted to go crazy with it





edit:
you could make the red bars on the outer side more parallel with the inner ones if you wanted... it would probably work better that way
That looks great!
i think im going with all 2.5" x 1.5" and i think i might even slim down to 14ga depending on my finally design. i was checking out the existing sub frames and in some places its pretty thin (16ga or 18ga) so i don't see how going with a smaller gauge would hurt especially when im connecting a lot more points then most sub frames
so i think i got that figured our finally
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2009 | 11:05 PM
  #64  
FueledSoul's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 12
From: Minnesota
Car: 84 camaro, 88 trans am, 98 camaro
Engine: Modded , stock, LSX modded
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, t-56
Axle/Gears: 327, 308, 373
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

Based on my first one

Name:  soild.jpg
Views: 541
Size:  76.9 KB
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2009 | 11:10 PM
  #65  
customblackbird's Avatar
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,770
Likes: 63
From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

i dnt think that one short peice of tubing would be needed. betweent he trans cross memeber bolts and the large hole in the stock subframe. delete that and weld brackets to the stock subframe.

looks good otherwise. good luck with running exhaust lol
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2009 | 11:23 PM
  #66  
Stephen's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

Originally Posted by FueledSoul
Based on my first one

Those look like mine, except you should add a crossmember brace/mount plate.

Reply
Old Apr 10, 2009 | 01:12 AM
  #67  
FueledSoul's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 12
From: Minnesota
Car: 84 camaro, 88 trans am, 98 camaro
Engine: Modded , stock, LSX modded
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, t-56
Axle/Gears: 327, 308, 373
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

Originally Posted by customblackbird
i dnt think that one short peice of tubing would be needed. betweent he trans cross memeber bolts and the large hole in the stock subframe. delete that and weld brackets to the stock subframe.

looks good otherwise. good luck with running exhaust lol
not really worried about the exhaust
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2009 | 01:13 AM
  #68  
FueledSoul's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 12
From: Minnesota
Car: 84 camaro, 88 trans am, 98 camaro
Engine: Modded , stock, LSX modded
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, t-56
Axle/Gears: 327, 308, 373
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

Originally Posted by Stephen
Those look like mine, except you should add a crossmember brace/mount plate.

?
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2009 | 03:36 AM
  #69  
FlyDoc's Avatar
Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 304
Likes: 3
From: Planet Oahu Hawaii
Car: 92 RS
Engine: 94 LT1 383
Transmission: T56-6 Speed
Axle/Gears: posi, 3.26:1,
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

My plan is to tie into the pinch seam along the rocker panel and go inward about 4-6inches, in the rear fan the box into the suspension mounts. in the front build them around the exhaust, I plan on using a y pipe from Jegs. yes the insides will be a pain do to the shape of the floor pans.
just my thoughts if some one has done this I would like to see it and know how it went
thanks
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2009 | 11:32 AM
  #70  
I H8 WWD's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 6
From: Cleveland, Ohio
Car: 89' IROC-Z
Engine: LO3
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10-Bolt/2.73
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

Update?
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2009 | 03:23 PM
  #71  
gregsz-28's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 2
From: Western WA
Car: 85 Camaro
Engine: No
Transmission: No
Axle/Gears: No
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

Originally Posted by I H8 WWD
Update?
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fabr...al-design.html
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2009 | 11:07 AM
  #72  
I H8 WWD's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 6
From: Cleveland, Ohio
Car: 89' IROC-Z
Engine: LO3
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10-Bolt/2.73
Re: Sub frames (design rough draft)

Thanks.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Reid Fleming
TPI
2
Oct 10, 2015 09:56 PM
91 SrS
Exhaust
5
Oct 7, 2015 04:32 PM
meeklay812
Camaros for Sale
1
Oct 1, 2015 03:46 PM
Jlanz55
TPI
2
Sep 29, 2015 08:55 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:43 PM.