Subframe connectors worth installing?

[Deleted member 214]

70 Road Runner with Tremec 5-speed and 3.54 Dana. 440 is getting rebuilt and should be between 450 and 500 hp when done. This is a Texas car with solid body. The shop doing the motor said I really didn't need subframe connectors, but that was before we knew the HP. I have a set of Competition Engineering subframe connectors sitting my garage already. My question - have them installed (bolted AND welded) or sell at a swap meet?

 

[5.7 hemi]

Put them in!! It will help stiffen the car up dramatically. Handling will be better also.

 

[Propwash]

Put them in!! It will help stiffen the car up dramatically. Handling will be better also.

X2!

 

[MarPar]

x3!!

when the time comes, sub frame connectors are going in the GTX'er...

 

[Kern Dog]

Subframe connectors? Absolutely.
You will notice the effects more if you have your car set up for racing. On a drag car, the car will twist less and track a little straighter going down the line. On a car built for handling, the gains are more dramatic.
My 70 Charger has wide tires, stiff T bars and springs and welded in frame connectors. The frame connectors added a degree of rigidity the car didn't have before. I won't say it was night and day, but the gains were felt. The car soaked up the dips and bumps in the road like a new car. Whatever rattles the car had were reduced. The car always cornered well but after the install, it just felt more solid.
Think of it THIS way: Every car has a suspension system that relies on springs of some sort. These springs are bolted/attached to the framework of the car. If the car frame is flexible, the suspension can never reach its potential.
DO it.

 

[Hemi Rebel]

Hardtop? Either way yes, but on a hardtop you really want to install them to avoid the dreaded body flex and crack that will develop on the quarter panel

 

[hunt2elk]

I agree with all above - weld them in. I put connecters in both my cars and don't regret it.

 

[HawkRod]

Hardtop? Either way yes, but on a hardtop you really want to install them to avoid the dreaded body flex and crack that will develop on the quarter panel

As Hemi Rebel states, you ESPECIALLY want them with a hardtop car. I am installing them on my 1970 Road Runner coupe as I am restoring it. I have heard so many people state that it will really make a difference.

Bottom line: Do it!

 

[WAYNES WORLD]

Before I added connectors to my 273 powered 66 Coronet the door gap at the top of the door would open up more than 3/16" when I raised it on my 2 post lift. You could not close the door if it was in the air without slamming it. It's a low mileage rust free car but they do flex. Since I welded in the connectors the doors open and close very smoothly on the ground and lifted. They really do add strength to the car.

 

[WileE]

By all means, do so

 

[conv67bdere]

I've got a 67 Belvedere Convertible, and I've added them to my car . . . now the convertible comes with torque boxes and a much stiffer rocker to support the weight of the car since there is no "top" to assist. After installing them, I went to lift up the back passenger side to install my casters ( so I can move the car around ) . . . well, the WHOLE back of the car went up in the air at the same time - very little twist.

By all means - add them to your car - you'll be happy you did !

Guess that puts me at X10 - Yes !

WELDED

 

[Dennis H]

US Cartool. Welded. First time I romped on the rebuilt 440, the windshield cracked. THEN I put in the connectors, should have been in first. Rigid, quieter, better door fit etc.

 

[440ronnie67]

Made a big difference when installing them. when I installed them I used jack stands under the sub frames and measured for levelness then installed them. my door gaps look better too.

 

[70redbee]

X10 like everyone else has said. You already have them, so what you waiting for?

 

[mr. b]

put them in made my car much stiffer

 

[asaya]

I have them on my 69 runner doors are much better leaves the line much better

 

[Cornpatch MO]

You are dealing with 50 year old metal that has had a lot of beating from miles and miles of driving. Weld them in your car if for no other reason, to hold down the sqeeks and rattles. I used "Hammers" frame ties and can't see any way they could be better quality.............................MO

 

[Deleted member 214]

Called the shop, told them to go ahead and put them in. They are known for their welding (their sign says they will weld anything except the crack of dawn) and will do a great job. Thanks for everybody who encouraged me to do it.

 

[conv67bdere]

Called the shop, told them to go ahead and put them in. They are known for their welding (their sign says they will weld anything except the crack of dawn) and will do a great job. Thanks for everybody who encouraged me to do it.

LMAO . . . crack of Dawn ! ! ! Too darn funny ! ! !

 

[dangina]

its one of the best upgrades for your mopar.