Is there a substantial difference between subframe connectors?

[Justin_Bradley]

I am looking at full length units, like the the ones that Steeda makes. They are ~$150 before shipping. However, I found a set on eBay that look almost exactly the same as the Steeda units and I can get them shipped to my door for under $80.

What I would like to know is if there is truly a noticeable difference between name brand and not so name brand units when dealing with something that requires little engineering compared to other items on a car. Trying to save money where I can on this car.

Any and all help/input/opinions are greatly appreciated.

As always, thanks in advance.

 

[95Mustang302]

laurelmountainmustang.com 101 shipped for full lengths that are copies of the MM ones...

 

[Justin_Bradley]

Yeah I saw a set on eBay from BlueOval Performance (I think) and they looked exactly like the Steeda full lengths.

I assume full lengths are the best choice to go with as far as the different styles available, right?

 

[BlackGMC]

You could go to Oreilly Autoparts (if there is one around you) and order the Competition engineering subframe connectors, they are a distributor for Competition Engineering so you don't have to pay shipping. That is what I did when I ordered my Roll Cage. It saved me ~$100 in freight+ $15 shipping.

 

[trav_19]

my only recomendations are that you get ones that have the seat re-enforcements

 

[95BLKGT5.0]

They are welded in so before you buy cheap one's make sure they are what you want.

 

[87_GT]

i dont mean to hijack the thread or anything, but while on the subject of subframes, does anybody run fulllength subframes and side exit exhaust? i have heard that there is some clearance issues, but after looking at my borla side exit i think that they would clear some full lengths.
thanks

 

[The Green GT]

i dont mean to hijack the thread or anything, but while on the subject of subframes, does anybody run fulllength subframes and side exit exhaust? i have heard that there is some clearance issues, but after looking at my borla side exit i think that they would clear some full lengths.
thanks

Im not sure but I have heard that there are some special subs for side exhaust.

 

[go-stang5.0]

Evolution motorsports makes ones for side exhausts...but thats all I know.

 

[Justin_Bradley]

I really haven't got an exact answer to my question yet. Are cheapos any different from the most expensive subframes. The way I want to look at it is steel tubing is steel tubing, but I want to make sure before I buy and weld them on. Installing the targa top system so I don't want my car to fold up like an accordian.

 

[BlackGMC]

What thickness is the metal on the different ones?

 

[Justin_Bradley]

Patent Infringement?

BTW, you were right Derek:

LaurelMountainMustang.com Full Length Units:

Maximum Motorsports Units:

 

[87_GT]

thanks, gostang for the link for the side exit subframes. Justin_bradley, while on the evolution motorsport page i came across some full lengths with an "X" brace on it. it looks like that would really stiffen things up a lot. here is the link for them. i would think that you would want that thing as stiff as possible for a targa.
http://www.evolutionmsport.com/evmCart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=8

 

[trav_19]

your paying for the name

 

[Justin_Bradley]

thanks, gostang for the link for the side exit subframes. Justin_bradley, while on the evolution motorsport page i came across some full lengths with an "X" brace on it. it looks like that would really stiffen things up a lot. here is the link for them. i would think that you would want that thing as stiff as possible for a targa.
http://www.evolutionmsport.com/evmCart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=8

That thing is hella sweet bro. Good look; now I don't mind spending extra money because that thing looks awesome.

 

[Car Nut]

Just a thought.........

Kenny Brown has a Matrix Brace subframe kit with crossbars all over the place. Gives you almost unlimited jacking points. I'm considering adding this stuff on to mine, but haven't decided yet.

Above all, get subs that are boxed (more welding area), have seat mounts, and possibly with some coating to resist rust (you can always spray them yourself). The longer the subs the better if that's all the bracing you're gonna do.

 

[Therian]

your paying for the name

and the R&D involved with this product, and all of their other ones. Give the money to the original company with the excellent customer service...not the copycat

 

[wytstang]

Any set will do for street cars, unless you plan on doing some hardcore corner driving then go for custom units. To me any set will be enough for a street car going in a straight line (for the most part). When Steeda offered $70 units I jumped on those before they ran out.

 

[gcomfx.com]

I'll be getting some sub-frames before I mount my slicks on the car. So keep the feed back coming.

Oh and I'm out of $$$ so sorry about someone else doing the research, they have patents for a reason. They "can" lower their prices to compensate if it's all the same materials. They just choose not to, because some people are into "brand" name stuff and will give them more $$$.