(continued) Subframe Connectors and Torque Box Reinforcements
Unless you are an accomplished welder and can use a
mig-weder you will need to have the reinforcing plates and
subframe connectors installed by a reputable shop.
We went to California Street Machine in Suisun City, CA.
Lance Clontz, the owner and head machinist, was kind enough
to allow us to document the entire process and ask lots
of questions.
The welder, John, already had years of experience welding
in his father's chassis fabrication shop as well as a several
years experience working at a local, well known, 5.0 Mustang
suspension and performance company. Just the man you want
permanently welding pieces of steel to your pony's chassis!
His detailed know-how made photograghing the installation
process a breeze. It was his recommendation that we use
some Dupli-Color paint when painting the new pieces (to
prevent rusting) instead of black for a stealthier look.
Thanks, John!
Stock torque-box is the area
where the lower control arm mounts. |
Before tacking up the reinforcement
pieces from Wolecraft Racing, the area is cleaned to
bare metal. |
John from California Street Machine
(Suisun, CA) checks fitment of the new torque box plate. |
After tacking the place, the
tabs are bent forward. |
Fuel lines are temporarily moved
before welding the subframe connectors. |
The connectors are first bolted
to the floorpan, using the existing seat bolts. A jack
is used to hold the subframe connector flush against
the underside. |
Jon welds the subframe connectors
in place.
|
A good look at the subframe connectors
and how they tie-in the front and rear of the unibody. |
Grinding down the weld for a
clean finish. |
Finally, a coat of paint to prevent
rusting. The MM subframe connectors sit nice and tight
against the underside. |
Subframe connectors and torque-box
reinforcements installed. |
Conclusion
Until you have driven a unibody car immediately after tying
the chassis together you just aren't aware how much that
unibody moved and flexed while while on the road.
GMII now feels like a single piece of steel. Several hard
runs down our favorite, long, twisty country road revealed
a much more stable platform that does not become unsettled
over rough pavement, even in hard turns at high speed.
At the drag strip our 60 ft times did not improve, but we
really didn't expect them to at this power level. Far more
important is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that
now it is safe to radically increase the power output of
GMII without worrying about torn torque boxes or a twisted
chassis. And now that this Pony is nice and stiff we will
try to hit some autocross events and test our meager left-right-left
driving skills.
The only noticeable downside to all the stiffening is a
slight increase in vibration and noise in the cabin when
driving on uneven surfaces. A small price to pay for stronger
and safer hot rod! F/M
Sources:
California Street Machine
96 Railroad Ave.
Suisun City, Ca 94585
707-429-1888
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