Subframe Connector/Brace Design

[Periodic]

Fellow Redline lovers,
I am sure ALL of you love to see new parts for our loved vehicle. I certainly do, even if I don't have the funds to afford them, someone out there does.

Well, I've searched a bit, and I can't seem to find a subframe connector/brace for the Redline. After my recent autocross experiences, I know that this winter, my saved money will go to the following : wheels/azenis's, and stiffening up my suspension.

The void, that seems to be a helpful part is the subframe connector/brace.

Now, I have some up with a very preliminary design, I have no definate measurements, and the measurements on the design are guesses, going by memory from the last time I was under the car.

Please guys, save the dumb remarks, I know it isn't perfect, I am looking for constructive critism here. I am by no means going to market the peice, but if I get one made, I will make spec plans, and send them to anyone who wants them. If they want, they can make it themselves, or have someone else make it. Sounds fair to me.

Side Elevation


Cross section from end

[Eco-Mod]

Try searching again... URaceCars.com makes them and several veteran RLF members have them. So sorry, but you are a bit behind...

Oh and I wouldn't use aluminum, for the kind of loads they would be supporting, they would provide little addition to rigidity. Only if it were tubular it might have a chance at stiffening things up. Chromoly steel would be ideal(URaceCars uses it as well).

[Periodic]

Thanks for the fast response,

I tried uracecars.com, found the bars, but there is no information on them or pictures.

I did run another search for subframe connector /subframe brace and read up a bit on the URC subframe connector. I still saw no pictures/information. All I read was how much it helped stiffen up the car. (Which is the whole point )

Now, I also read that URC's are $300+american, and discontinued, but Watts-up will make them individually at increased cost. So I would be lookin at something over $400 Canadian for this product.

I am not trying to steal his thunder, I am just looking for construction critisism of my design. My next door neighbour owns a metal fabrication shop, and I used to be an employee there for him. I am thinkin that I could get cheap materials and possibly even the product made from him for really cheap.

The two tubes I propose are 3/4" hight, with 1/16" thick sidewalls, with the 1/4" inch plate accross the top. Is aluminum to week? I think once it is reinforced (with the plate) it would be quite strong.

Feedback? Critisism of my design??

[Periodic]

ok, I just found this...
New Suspension & Subframe Connectors coming...

This subframe connector looks like it is connecting the front- to -read on both sides.

The subframe connector I am trying to build/design here runs under the engine, basically between the wheels.

Back in the j-body community, a cheap one made of one steel square tube, was being sold for like 50 bucks powdercoated. I know its a different car, different company. But that is something what I am more looking into.

[coppertop_01]

I've looked and thought of a simple way that will be really really really strong

I would need to use longer bolts for the lower A arm so that they protrude from the frame on the inside, and from there build a bar that bolts to both sides to the protruding A-arm bolts

And no I wouldn't use Aluminum.........too weak, unless you goto aircraft grade, then thats just expensive

[Periodic]

Cool thanks,

So lets say I went with steel, using the same design? Should work eh?

I figure the design is safe from road debris and pot holes/as it would sit above the subframe, not below it.

My concern is holding up under load. I think steel would be superstrong under there. Especially once traction bars are installed. thoughts?

[coppertop_01]

My idea would be perfectly level with the subframe, there is tons of room under our engines for something like this, unlike the old S-series

Jer

[Periodic]

Was thinking last night,

The 'C' shaped bracket that I proposed to hold the brace onto the subframe, wouldn't work: Here's why, once it is all welded together, you would have no way of getting it on/around the subframe