Uni-body twist versus HP

[fasttback]

After installing my new 352 and roughly doubling my horsepower I’m curious if I should be concerned with permanent twisting of my 1966 uni-body?

The car should max out around 450 hp, 425 ft/lbs based on similar builds. I have new 5-leafs and a 3/4” sway bar in the rear and 620s, 1” sway bar, Shelby export brace, and Monte Carlo bar in front. KYBs all around. The rest of the suspension is stock, but relative new. Rear traction is composed of 225x60x15 street tires and a 9” 3.50 trac-loc.

 

[Vinyl66]

Of course a 6 point roll bar will do wonders for fixing our flimsy uni body cars. For the amount of HP you have, I would get a good set of subframe connectors at a minimum.

 

[302 coupe]

you won't be twisting anything will those tires. they will spin long before any damage is done.

 

[fasttback]

you won't be twisting anything will those tires. they will spin long before any damage is done.

Yes they do spin freely at times with the new motor. Because of those tires and poor traction my concerns were too high about twisting the frame, but I started to really think about it when gunning the car and seen the front twist a little under acceleration.

Vinyl, at the minimum I will purchase sub-frame connectors because some sticky tires will be purchased soon. I like the look of the Tinman sub-frames!

 

[Jester67]

I fell that subframe connectors are a must in these cars. I realy like the ones from maier racing becouse they attach in more locations.

 

[HistoricMustang]

When you crack some glass you got too much twist. This usually only happens in road racing or heavy drag racing.

Up to that point do not be too concerned unless you simply want a cage or sub-frames.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com

 

[Vinyl66]

Before adding subframe connectors, when I would jack up one front corner of my car the doors became more difficult to open and close. It is as easy as that to see how the uni body flexes. Now they open and close normally when on a jack. My connectors are still only bolted in. They will get welded someday.

I do drag race so that was the reason for getting them. I have heard of people getting ill fitting body panels from continued road or drag racing without them. Plus, a stiffer chassis is a definite plus in any type of racing.