My RS is a convertible, and I read somewhere that they were heavier than hardtops! Is this true? If so, why? Are there any upgrades that will fit hardtops and not convertibles and vice versa? I figured that the convertibles were the same with the exception of the top, but I guess not because the subframe connectors that fit a hardtop won't fit a convertible. Can someone explain this?

 

I have a 90 RS rag top. There is a lot that goes in to the convertible top mechanism. Also some frame reinforcement along the side rails under the car. Unfortunately this is not sufficient. Add some more weight in the form of a SFC. Only 2 brands will fit a convertible. Alston, (available either directly from Alston or from Internet Racers Supply) or Kenny Browne. IRS calls them their "Terminator Series" on their web page and says they won't fir a convertible. But don't believe it. They are really Alston SFC's and drop ship from Alston. I don't know why they say they don't fit a convertible, but they are wrong. Also they must be welded in, or it is not worth installing them at all. Also most mod's that work on a Coupe will work on a Convertable as well. No roof console or rear window louvers though! Oh, a hint. If youare not aware. Radio Shack is the place to go for the High Mount Stop Light halogen bulbs. They are cheap there, (like $1.49 or $1.99) compared to $7-9 everywhere else. Don't tell them they are a bargain though, OK? We don't want to jinx it.

 

Drop tops are heavier too because of the mechanisms and hinges that make it go back automatically in addition to the sfc's.


James

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If the women don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy

 

I have a 91 RS convert too. I plan to do SFC's after my engine swap and exhaust work.
Do you guys know if the Alston's or Kenny Brown's will clear the Cat or other exhaust stuff ok? Also, do you lose ground clearance
with either of these SFC's? Really glad you all pointed this out cause I was gonna get Golbal West or SSM and didn't know there was a fit problem with a convertable. Why won't the other SFC's fit a convert??
Also I was assuming I should do the exhaust work first. Should I do SFC's and then exhaust? Thanks.....bob
Thanks......bob


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91 camaro RS convert
t-5
open element air cleaner
TBI spacer
Flowmaster muffler

 

Kenny brown word?? Umm could you guys make sure these are the ones that will fit....Over on Thunder Racing I mean...
http://www.thunderracing.com/index.c...ategoryid=1141

I don't want to buy them and have them be wrong.....Or pics of people with them installed so I can make my own......

 

Sorry I don't have first-hand information on the Kenny Browne SFC's in a 'vert. The picture of them looks as if they won't work, but contact KB to be sure. Maybe they have another version specifically for 'verts. I am attaching links to pictures of the Alston's installed on my car. As you can see I scape them on some high speed bumps. The car is lowered with Eibach Pro-Kit springs. http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/topdownso...c=ph%26.view=t

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/topdownso...c=ph%26.view=t

Good luck, Lon.

 

Damn, thanks so much, I have been paying so much for those damn things.

 

so, do they fit a vert ?? I would want to order them too if they´d fit

 

I suggest you do a search on the topic "SFC's" and "convertibles". This topic has been discussed before. Or search among the Member Profiles for convertible owners. Some of them may have listed KB SFC's on their profiles. There was snother brand of SFC that was discussed as working, but I can't recall the brand. Good luck, Lon.

 

The other brand is the Jegs bolt in style. They are like a $180. I think I'll get them and weld 'em in.

 

That rings a bell. But I'll want to see pictures of the installation before I recommend them. Thanks, Lon

 

I have Kenny Browns on my vert . Yes they do fit and there is no change in ground clearence. I had to bend the passenger side SFC up a little in the front to fit. No big problem. I do recommend you get help from someone that is a GOOD welder. Have them run a bead of weld in a few spots where the SFC runs alongside the rocker area. This will make the car even stiffer. IT would also be a good idea to use a drive on type lift when doing the job, this will insure the car isn't twisted during the install. You will love the feel of the car with them P.S. Get a three point tower brace too.

 

I have Alston SFC on my vert and they don't change your overall ground clearance but they do change the ground clearance on the center of the car. I bang mine off of speed bumps all the time and it is stock ride height. I feel they are worth the occasional bump for the increased rigidity. Chassis doesn't flex NEAR as much as it use to. It is suppose to run under the exhaust but I cannot confirm since I had my complete new exhaust put on at the same time. I used a Dynomax cat back which doesn't appear to have been tweaked to fit or anything and the Edelbrock headers and y-pipe weren't touched either.