What type of improvement will I see from bolt on subframe connectors?

[Dave M]

I'm thinking of making subframe connectors my first real mod, and ideally would like to do weld-in sbc's, but I'd also like to beable to do the work myself, which would mean I'd have to go with bolt-ons. How much improvement can I expect if I go with the bolt on connectors? Is it comparable to the weld-ons? A friend has weld-ons in his 96 SS and it is super solid, I love the way it stiffens up the body. Would I see the same effect with bolt-ons. This is a t-top car.

Also, I was thinking about going with Spohn, and I only live about 1.5-2 hrs from his shop. My friend had Spohm himself weld in his connectors but I see his website only lists LS1 sfc. Would these also fit a 93-97?

Thanks,

[Performin Norman]

You will feel some increased rigidity. However, you really need to have them welded. Bolt ons will always slip. Even if you have the bolt on ones tack welded, it would be better.

[PUREPWR]

Once subframe connectors are welded in, is it possible to do work under the car like install exhaust, drive shaft, transmission, and any thing else that would have to be changed out.

[fastTa]

Norman is absolutely right. Welding them makes a substantial difference in ridgidity. Just remember though, if you plan on having them welded, you will have to remove the carpet because if not, you will be able to roast marshmallows inside your car.

[markd79ta]

I bought the SLP bolt-in connectors, and they work great. I am really happy with them. I plan to weld them in when I am done with the car, but I plan to leave them as is until then. I am positive that welding is better, but the bolt-in works great for now...you won't be disappointed! It is amazing how they reduced interior noise, rattles, and squeaks. I haven't been on the track since the install so I can't measure their effectiveness there.

[PUREPWR]

Are you serious that I would have to take out the carpet for the weld-in sbc's. So I guess weld-in ones are for strip only cars. Man that sucks.

[fastTa]

I meant you you just have to remove it only while they are being welded in because of the heat transfer through the floor. It will burn the carpet and padding if you do not. As soon as the welding is complete and the floor cools, you can put the carpet right back.

[PUREPWR]

O ok. Im a little slow right now. I just woke up.

[MN6WS6]

Subframe connectors do not prevent being able to work on the car. There are two styles, the individual "straight" ones that only weld to the sides, and the "double diamond" or SLP style, that attach to the sides and have triangular shaped bars that connect to the factory tunnel brace. The straight ones have absolutely no effect on being able to work on the car, as a matter of fact they help because then you can jack up the car anywhere on the connector (to be able to jack up one entire side at a time). The double diamond style might restrict a little on running stuff like brake lines and fuel lines, but really how many of us replace brake lines and fuel lines (Injuneer, don't answer that ) Even then, it won't prevent it from being worked on, just makes you have to run it around some things instead of being able to drop them straight out.

On paper, everybody should have double diamonds since they are the strongest. But in the real world, the individual tubes on the sides are more than enough for what most of us do with our cars. Double diamonds weigh significantly more than the regular connectors, and most daily drivers will never need a connector that strong. That's something that you'd use in a high horsepower drag car or an autocross car.

[Christopherrr]

Re: What type of improvement will I see from bolt on subframe connectors?

Originally posted by Dave M
I'm thinking of making subframe connectors my first real mod, and ideally would like to do weld-in sbc's, but I'd also like to beable to do the work myself, which would mean I'd have to go with bolt-ons. How much improvement can I expect if I go with the bolt on connectors? Is it comparable to the weld-ons? A friend has weld-ons in his 96 SS and it is super solid, I love the way it stiffens up the body. Would I see the same effect with bolt-ons. This is a t-top car.

Also, I was thinking about going with Spohn, and I only live about 1.5-2 hrs from his shop. My friend had Spohm himself weld in his connectors but I see his website only lists LS1 sfc. Would these also fit a 93-97?

Thanks,

Off the subject...Dave, I love that clip of the Penguins. LoL...great stuff man...great stuff.

[Dave M]

My friend who has the weld-ins said Steve Spohn didn't remove the interior of the car before welding. He (my friend) was expecting he would have to, but they never did, and he didn't have any problems. Steve's probably done it enough times that he knows how and what he can do without having to take the interior out.

[fastTa]

It can be done, anything can be done, but is it worth the risk of getting just that one hotspot??

Not to me. It only takes about 30 mins to remove the seats/center console and roll the carpet forward. Well worth the time.

[fastTa]

I know off the subject but those damn penguins are funny!

[TraceZ]

Has anyone done SFCs on a ragtop? I looked under mine, and it appears the front and rear framerails are already connected. Do they even make one for a ragtop, and if so, how does it install if the frame is already solid?

I just put 17" firehawks on her, and now the chasis feels a little sloppy. a STB and SFCs might help.

[MN6WS6]

Some companies do make SFC's for drop tops, but they are specific for drop tops, you can't just put on any 4th gen SFC's. Also, they are significantly more expensive.