Which type of SFC is best, with an emphasis on everyday driving:

1) Alston style where the frame is tied together directly
2) Spohn/Kenny Brown style where they weld to the pinch welds.

Specifically, since I'm in Canada the Alston's will cost ~300 by the time I get them here so I can probably get the Kenny Browns for close to that (I'd assume) since a shop here sells them.

I have read some posts that say the Alston's lack the ability to really strengthen the chassis from twisting (From turns and whatnot) because they just tie the frame together (As opposed to reinforcing it along the pinch welds) making them better for straight-line performance. However, because I don't do that much drag racing, I figure I should spend my money on what is going to improve my ride daily.....

I was going to grab Alston's, but after reading this, and it making sense to me, I thought I'd make a post for some other people more mechanically inclined to answer.....


Thanks
Trevor

 

You could always do both, thats what I plan on doing. Damn convertibles!

 

This is a highly debated topic. Nobody will know which design is truly "better" without real stress tests on the frame with each design installed. I personally chose the Spohn style because they provide better ground clearance and the only cars needing THE strongest frames are 9 second drag cars, of which my LG4 couldn't dream of accomplishing, so the debate over strength is irrelevant. Do a search for SteveSpohn's posts; he has explained his design in some detail. Or you could just give him a call.

 

Sub Frame Connectors. Do they really work? Can you actually, physically feel a difference in the ride or handling of your car after they are installed?

Since my car is a convertible, I noticed that there are not too many manufacturers of sfc's for convertibles that are 3rd gen.

I also noticed that there is no real set style or type of sfc's. For example, I went online and compared Spohn's sfc's to those by TDS (Top Down Solutions). Which is better? Do they do the same job, just taking different routes?

Just curious.................

Oh, a final question that just occurred to me...........

Is it better for the SFC's to be bolted in or welded in? Is there a downside to bolt ons?

Thanks,

Steve

 

spohn's SFCs rock!!!

i have them on my just totalled on friday IROC-Z

as for the boltons...
weldin is better , the bolt holes get elongated on teh bolt ins and you have to tighten the bolts every so often. just better to weld them in.

 

Thanks for the info. It is good to learn all about these things, cause I know nothing!! (At least about SFC's).

Sorry to hear about your IROC. Hopefully nobody was hurt!

Thanks,

Steve

 

99% of the time you will feel a significant difference in handling and ride when you get SFCs installed. The other 1% of the time, the car is brand new or has a perfect frame. You still should get SFCs in this case, because it is a preventative measure against a weak body.

I say this to everyone that asks: subframe connectors are THE FIRST mod anyone should do to a thirdgen.

 

thanks, no one was hurt. i got rearended on my way to school.

 

I really wish someone would try this "style," it seems to be an integration of lateral and longitudinal bracing:

http://www.swracecars.com/camaro_boltOn.asp

 

what is required to do before haveing SFCs welded in, especialy the ones from TDS. do you have to pull up the carpet? thanks.

I am probably going to get the ones from TDS and bolt them in and then have them welded when I get the time.

 

You don't have to pull the carpets. Remove the door sil trim pieces then slip in a 2x2 or 2x4 to raise the carpet and insulation off of the floor pan. Also keep a spray bottle of water handy just in case.

Lon

 

This is a piece I haven't seen before. Anyone have any experience with it?

 

Thanks Lon