weld or bolt?

[scotts94_z28]

Im ordering subframe connectors this week and i was thinking of going with the slp ones. Only problem is i dont know if i should go with the bolt in ones or the weld in ones. I was thinking that it would be easier to do grade 8 bolts with the bolt in ones but thought i would ask first. Also any suggestions on any other types of subframe connectors that could be better then the slp ones?

[Injuneer]

I saw an interesting "install" article in Chevy High Preformance about 5 years ago, involving SFC's on a 4th Gen, and they strongly recommended the weld in approach. Their reasoning was that even though you might be bolting into the cars "subframes", they are still made of a relatively thin sheet steel, and could "tear" from the continuous cyclic loading on the SFC's as the body tries to flex.

I personally have never seen a bolt tear through, but I have seen "mixed" reports on the various forums.... some claim no prolbems at all over extended periods of time, others report problems. If you go with the bolt-ins, keep an eye on the bolts. Make sure they stay tight, and watch for signs of stress. If you find problems, you can always have them welded. Mine are "welded".

Just a thought.

[Benm109]

I would also say go weld-in. I got bolt-in SFCs, but the only reason I did that was because I could do it myself. But, with bolt-in SFCs, you can always weld them in later, which is what I'm planning on doing.

I don't know much about the SLP SFCs, but a lot of 3rd gen guys get Spohn SFCs and love them. That's my $0.02.

[UMI Performance]

I would recommend weld in's over a bolt in design any day. But like mentioned you can also weld a bolt in SFC at a later date.

Regards,
Ryan

[DeWynter]

I would get the weld-in type and to cover all bases if you are concerned get a set of aliston and a set of Spohn. Both will fit and neither will interfere with the other. only thing about the aliston is they lower ground clearance by a small amount.

[Benm109]

I don't think Alston makes SFCs for 4th gens, but I could be wrong.

[Injuneer]

Spohn only makes SFC's for the 3rd Gens and for the LS1 4th Gens. He needs to modify the front connection on the LS1 bars to clear the fuel lines on the LT1, which run differently than the LS1 fuel lines. I know he's working on them, because he had me take some pictures and some dimensions from my car, but that was quite a while back.

[DeWynter]

Spohn only makes SFC's for the 3rd Gens and for the LS1 4th Gens. He needs to modify the front connection on the LS1 bars to clear the fuel lines on the LT1, which run differently than the LS1 fuel lines. I know he's working on them, because he had me take some pictures and some dimensions from my car, but that was quite a while back.

There is also S&W race cars SFC for 93+ It looks like a good one.
S&W Race Cars