Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 841
Likes: 3
From: Silverhill,Al
Car: 92 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
I'm getting ready to build some kind of engine for my 92 RS T-top car and I only have the original Spohn rectangle sub-frame connectors. Also have a Strange S60 rear with 3.73 gears, I don't want to do anymore to the chassis so what should I limit torque too on the new engine to prevent twisting the frame too much? I will be using a TKX 5-speed. Not a race car just fun street.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,773
Likes: 567
From: Cincinnati, OH
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
The best subframe connectors are the Detroit Speed units. They truly box the car in make it incredibly stiff. There will be no set value of "power" that will alter the shape of the car. It will be a combo of things from traction, power usage of car, etc. Subframes connectors and a strut tower brace go a long way on these cars.
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 51
From: Zebulon, nc
Car: 1990 GTA/1989 Iroc
Engine: L98/383
Transmission: 700r4/t56 magnum
Axle/Gears: 9"
Re: Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
Made 670 ftlbs to the tires with only a bolt in set of subframe connectors in a t-top car. Zero signs of issues.
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Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 841
Likes: 3
From: Silverhill,Al
Car: 92 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Re: Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
OK, just looking for 500 ft.lb. anyway. I guess I'll be ok. Just don't want to twist anything.
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,198
Likes: 803
From: Park City, UT
Car: '92 Corvette, '89 1/2-a-'Vette
Engine: LT1, L400
Transmission: ZF6, T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.31
Re: Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
The car is going to "suffer" more twisting, driving it through a gutter entering a gas station, than it will from your torky engine. This is, as I like to say, "Worryin' about chit that ain't worth worryin' about".
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 126
From: Armstrong B.C.
Car: 1991 camaro Z28
Engine: Forged 370" LS turbo s488
Transmission: Built 4L80e FTI converter
Axle/Gears: MWC 9" 35 spline 3.25 gears
Re: Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
I'm a T Top car with only boxed BMR subframe connectors and I'm pushing 850-900 HP without issue. That being said an 8 point cage is next up in the spring
Re: Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
I'm considering the Jegs brand SFC for about $300. Does anyone have experience with these? My T Top car has some salt damage and rattles badly. It was crashed into a ditch hard by the prior owner but rides fine and seems to drive straight after new tires and alignment. Mine is a daily driver not a race car.
JEGS Bolt-On Subframe Connector Set for 1982-1992 Chevy Camaro & Pontiac Firebird
Part Number: 555-64714
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Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 249
Likes: 117
From: Kylertown,PA
Car: 85 Berlinetta
Engine: 350
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.42 with Torsen posi
Re: Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
I'm considering the Jegs brand SFC for about $300. Does anyone have experience with these? My T Top car has some salt damage and rattles badly. It was crashed into a ditch hard by the prior owner but rides fine and seems to drive straight after new tires and alignment. Mine is a daily driver not a race car.
JEGS Bolt-On Subframe Connector Set for 1982-1992 Chevy Camaro & Pontiac Firebird
Part Number: 555-64714
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,895
Likes: 429
From: Pittsburgh PA
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: MWC 9” 3.00
Re: Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
The best subframe connectors are the Detroit Speed units. They truly box the car in make it incredibly stiff. There will be no set value of "power" that will alter the shape of the car. It will be a combo of things from traction, power usage of car, etc. Subframes connectors and a strut tower brace go a long way on these cars.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,773
Likes: 567
From: Cincinnati, OH
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 244
Likes: 107
From: Kansas City, KS
Car: 1989 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 Liter V-6
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
How do these look/fit with the carpet reinstalled? I just assumed that the factory carpet wouldn't fit anymore, but it looks like you've got it in your car.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,773
Likes: 567
From: Cincinnati, OH
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: Max torque a T-top car can handle with only sub-frame connectors????
You don't even notice them and they only protrude a slight bit into the interior (where wiring goes, but I diverted it through the center console). As good as my fabricator was they welded the seat belt bolt bracket on backwards so the plastic interior cover doesn't fit well. Shouldn't be a problem . I just need to drill a hole and use a rivet to secure it like it came from the factory.
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