Okay, so installed all new rear suspension and hardware,nextcomes the front end. In talking to a few people about the engine mods I am looking at in the future they are telling me I should add subframe connectors. I am looking for advise as to what and where to buy.
Any advice would be appreciated Thanks
86 Pontiac 2+2 69 Firebird Coupe(Under Construction) 69 Firebird 4 speed Vert Driveable but Under Construction 64 1/2 Mustang (Under Construction) 86 Z28 Convertible Weekend driver
Two basic designs, weld in and bolt in. The weld ins are going to be stronger but the bolt ins are more convenient(you can always weld in the bolt ons later if you want). As with everything else you get what you pay for. If you buy an expensive brand, chances are, they will fit better. If a vert there is a spacing issue with the cross-over brace that can also effect the exhaust system but there are work arounds for this. Check out Summit and Jegs for what's available and then shop around for the best price.
Thanks Firebob!! I appreciate the info. Looking at summit now. The only thing they show for a vert is hotchkiss. I was looking to see if them or competition engineering had something in the $150 range but it appears only for the coup.
Thanks
86 Pontiac 2+2 69 Firebird Coupe(Under Construction) 69 Firebird 4 speed Vert Driveable but Under Construction 64 1/2 Mustang (Under Construction) 86 Z28 Convertible Weekend driver
Check out a co. name street scene(I think). Last time I was looking for something they had the best deal going and free shipping(and no bogus handling charge like Summit). Hochkis makes nice stuff, pricey but nice. One good thing about them is they are already setup for a driveshaft loop. It's just a bolt in later.
Bought the bolt in ones from JEGS for $99. Installed them in the matter of a couple of hours. A few months later our car was rear ended in a pretty bad wreck as most of you know.
The State accident investigator showed up took one look under our 68 Firebird and told me right then and there that by adding them to the car that they very likely saved someone's life in the car (there were three of us in the car, wife, myself and 12 y/o son).
So for $99 and a couple of hours to install, sub frame connectors were by far the BEST improvement I made to our car in the ten years that we owned our bird. I only wish we had installed them the day we bought the car! Those things make a FGF handle 1000 times better in EVERY way IMO!
EarleyBird Havn't seen any for $99 for a convertible? were these on your coupe or a convertible? But now after your post I will for sure be getting some!! Thanks for that great info!!!!
86 Pontiac 2+2 69 Firebird Coupe(Under Construction) 69 Firebird 4 speed Vert Driveable but Under Construction 64 1/2 Mustang (Under Construction) 86 Z28 Convertible Weekend driver
Check out a co. name street scene(I think). Last time I was looking for something they had the best deal going and free shipping(and no bogus handling charge like Summit). Hochkis makes nice stuff, pricey but nice. One good thing about them is they are already setup for a driveshaft loop. It's just a bolt in later.
I will try them as well!!
86 Pontiac 2+2 69 Firebird Coupe(Under Construction) 69 Firebird 4 speed Vert Driveable but Under Construction 64 1/2 Mustang (Under Construction) 86 Z28 Convertible Weekend driver
bern, mine were on the coupe in my signature picture. I did however just buy a set for my friend's 68 conv. as I just sold him my 400/461 from my 68 Bird that will soon be going into his conv. I got them from a company called R.A.R.E. (ram air restoration enterprises). They make a very nice set of frame connectors for the FGF as well as a very nice floor brace for the convertible FGF called a super brace. Between the two parts combined, they will surely stiffen up any conv. and keep them from twisting up even with a potent 400 under the hood!
You can buy the bolt-in Comp. Engineering ones for about $ 100. If you have a convertible, you will have to notch out the floor brace under your floor, or notch out the frame connectors to fit around the brace.
Check out High Performance Pontiac magazine 2004 issues (I think it was November). Or search the internet, and you can find the article online. They took a pair of C.E. connectors and notched them to fit on a convert. Not a very difficult process, but you (or a friend) have to be able to cut and weld.
The other connectors on the market are extremely expensive, and don't look very strong to me.
Called summit again today. The lady that helped me had me on and of hold serveral times before proclaiming that the 67-69 Firebird Convertibles did not need subrame connectors as they came with them from the factory.
I ecplained to here she was wrong and probably was thinking of the cross brace. After that she procalimed the only ones they would have are the Hotchkis @ $369. a pair or the BMR units at $269 a pair. The BMR units sure do look good but are much higher than what i wnated to spend.
Tried to call BMR direct just to see if they have anything less expensive but it was to late already, they were closed
86 Pontiac 2+2 69 Firebird Coupe(Under Construction) 69 Firebird 4 speed Vert Driveable but Under Construction 64 1/2 Mustang (Under Construction) 86 Z28 Convertible Weekend driver
These ones were just delivered around the first of the year. I just looked up the receipt. They were more than I thought they were. I guess that happens when your spending someone else money and have their credit card in your wallet with permission to use for any parts that will be needed... LOL
Part#: A02-413CONV 1st Gen F-Fbody Conv Sub-Frame $249.00