(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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