Chassis stiffening questions...

[Stangston]

Hello...I've been reading these forums the past week, and I'm getting more and more interested. I have a 99' GT and haven't modified it, but I'm seriously considering it now.

I'm not too concerned about the engine right now, as I have to pay for college (I might get a cobra killer kit in the future). But, the full subframe connectors everyone talks about drew my attention.
The roads I drive 20 min. to/from classes every day are horrible, filled with pot holes and every flaw you can think of. I really feel bad for my Stang.

So looking back at a few years ago, the steering isn't as tight, the car doesn't feel as solid, and the steering pulls when hitting holes and grooves. So, do you think that getting subframe connectors (Max Motorsports?) would be a wise choice for practical, daily driving?

Can you guys please tell me how your ride changed after adding the subframe connectors? It seems that if the chassis was stiffer, it'd take bumps more violently. Also, if the subframe connectors are a big improvement, then why didn't Ford just have them stock? Thanks.

 

[Bone Racing]

full lengths or the extreme matrix look to be in your future

 

[XTONKAX]

Full length subframes is one of the best mods I've done. It's my daily driver and it makes a world of difference. It's hard to tell if bumps are more "violent," as I have my shocks set on 4 right now.

 

[GDawg]

Before I put in my subs I would have to pass over this section of road everyday going to and from work that had a series of manhole covers sunk a couple inches into the road. Whenever I would hit those, my rear end would hop sideways. Once I put in my subs, that stopped happening. Now my car doesn't hop anymore. It also reduced my understeer and created a slight oversteer.

 

[GinoGT]

MM full lengths.

I remember when I was driving home from the shop after getting them installed. The second I zoomed around the on-ramp I noticed a night and day difference. Me driving the rest of the way home = :worship:

 

[Stangston]

So how much will it cost to install full length subs?

 

[XTONKAX]

So how much will it cost to install full length subs?

Installation costs will vary depending on your welder. Go where they have a wheel lift, as the subs need to be welded with the car's full weight. Personally, I paid $125, and it was worth it to me, but I've seen others pay as little as $50 or so.

 

[KaPPaBaLL]

So how much will it cost to install full length subs?

like the guy said, depends on installer.. i personally am paying $100 for mine.

your car pulling when you hit a pothole is normal. but subframe connectors are a big difference in acceleration and handling. Mach 1 comes stock SFC's. not the GT's.. don't ask me why.

 

[BABstangV6]

Also, if the subframe connectors are a big improvement, then why didn't Ford just have them stock? Thanks.

Because Ford is Cheap!

 

[46gtsblown]

Also to stiffen up the stock K member I installed the lower K brace from a vert into my coup. It just bolts in and ties the K together in 6 places AND out to the rocker panels. This provides much needed strength to the front end.
I got mine from a junk yard for $50.

Dwayne

 

[Sam98]

Because Ford is Cheap!

Not really, they put all that in the Bullitt and got a lot of complaints because the engine only had 5 more HP than a stock GT. Ford is only goning to put things like that on if they believe we want them and are willing to pay for them...

 

[edwardohaskillo]

MY 03 gt vert has factory subs. They aren't full length, sorta small, and bolt-on. But they're still factory! They seem to work pretty well. Of course I will upgrade to MM full lengths though.

 

[DublOVert]

MM full lengths.

I remember when I was driving home from the shop after getting them installed. The second I zoomed around the on-ramp I noticed a night and day difference. Me driving the rest of the way home = :worship:

I'm with Gino! I've been all smiles since I got the MM full lengths!

 

[DublOVert]

MY 03 gt vert has factory subs. They aren't full length, sorta small, and bolt-on. But they're still factory! They seem to work pretty well. Of course I will upgrade to MM full lengths though.

They don't work for chit! Anything bolt on is worthless unless it is a requiremnet of the class you race in.

 

[MineralG2k2GT]

Not to jack the thread but the previous owner installed Subframes which are not full lenght...they are the normal BBK ones.

How big of an ordeal would it be to switch these out, and whast the big differences between the two

 

[Barnaby]

I have had both standard length and now full length versions and I honestly can not tell the difference between them. And my car regularly sees a road course.

Don't bother swapping them out.

 

[GinoGT]

If you already have some welded in, I think it would be MUCH more trouble then it's worth to replace them. If you're going from nothing to subframes, might as well go for the big ones.

 

[Jason2000GT]

I went with the Kenny Brown Super Subs. Only $99 bucks and I was able to get them welded up for $60. Very good mod for the money. You will be able to tell a huge difference in the stiffness of the chasis. They seemed to quite down my car as far as shake rattle and rolls are concerned....

 

[decoy562]

Where is the best place (and price) to get full length subframe connectors?

 

[GDawg]

I went with the Kenny Brown Super Subs. Only $99 bucks and I was able to get them welded up for $60. Very good mod for the money. You will be able to tell a huge difference in the stiffness of the chasis. They seemed to quite down my car as far as shake rattle and rolls are concerned....

I went with the Kenny Brown Matrix kit and love them... (yes, that bend is supposed to be there)

This isn't my car but it's the kit I have installed on my car...