mult68

iTrader: (1)

92 Hardtop camaro. Waiting for an engine to be put in...completely stripped out. Engine is still on stand waiting to be built. Can I truck the car over to the exhaust shop that installed my sfcs on my ttop car....and have them install sub frame connectors and a rollbar....or do I have to wait until the engine is in? Im assuming I can atleast get the rollbar installed. Reason being, I have the interior almost gutted out, and will be taking out the gas tank to change fuel pumps...so might as well get everything welded. Also, I have an edelbrock TPI strut tower brace waiting to be installed...can this be installed without the engine in? Thanks

83 MidniteZ

I don't know about the SFC or the cage, but I don't see why there would be a problem. On the other hand though, i think it would be quite difficult dropping in an engine with a STB in the way.

vjo90RS8

iTrader: (1)

I would wait until you have the engine in if i were you. You want all the cars weight to be there when you have them welded in. If you think about it, if u have them welded in now and then drop in an engine, you will be putting a whole lot of stress on the SFC welds.

mult68

iTrader: (1)

Are you sure the stb would be in the way? Cant i work around it? heh. Of course I would take it off afterwards...just want to get the mounts on there. As for the SFCs...I was thinking the same thing, but im trying to get a hold of spohn to see what he says...but no go..i sent him an email. What about the rollbar? I dont really see how the engine would affect them (put stress on them) afterwards.

Scott_92RS

SFC's are supposed to be installed with the engine in the car. The car should be at ride height sitting on its wheels. The weight of the engine effects the weight of the car drastically, and I'm sure it causes some deflection in the chassis/suspension. The SFC's are there to LOCK it at a specified load, and I would think that you would want that load to be as close as possible to the actual load it will see when driving it. Just my 2 cents

poncho9789

Mult68 the strut tower brace goes right above the engine and spans from one side of the engine compartment to the other it would be impossiable to drop an engine in the car (unless you are dropping a motorcycle, VW, or weed eater engine in) with the strut tower brace installed. If you have one read the instructions and you will very soon understand what everyone is talking about. Do a search on strut tower braces and look at some pics they will be a bar going strait accross one side to the other.

poncho9789

O and you should wait to install the strut tower brace after the engine is in the car so the suspension is fully loaded.

mult68

iTrader: (1)

poncho yeah I know...i Was just joking about keeping the stb on when installing the engine. Anyone know about an 8point rollbar? Go ahead or wait until engine is in?

BretD 88GTA

If I were you I'd wait till the engine is back in the car before you install anything. You want the suspension under full load for the SFC's and it might help with cage too.

For the STB it's helpful if the engine is in so you can check for clearance problems.