who here has done it on a 65? Can you show some pics to give me some ideas? I am building a twin turbo set up and am afraid that I will have some clearance issues.
modding shock towers
- Thread starter Tony R
- Start date
I did the towers on my 77 Comet..............Same stuff as your 65. I've got some pics here: baddad457 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Mustang II Front Suspension doesn't support the weight of the front of the car properly without some kind of supports from the frame rails to the cowl/firewall area; the shock towers were designed specifically for this, and if you remove them, you then won't have any support whatsoever without taking those steps.
Ever heard of collapsed shock towers? That's a condition when the shock towers lean inward towards each other. I've had cars that had this condition, so I know it well!
That's the whole reason for the Export Brace and Monte Carlo bar--they help prevent this from occurring . . . that should illustrate how much structural integrity is incorporated into the shock towers.
So, if keeping your car's alignment correct is important to you, I would recommend against using a Mustang II front suspension unless you have the appropriate bracing to make up for the structural integrity you have removed by getting rid of the shock towers . . .
I have no plans of using the mustang II suspension. I just wanted some ideas on how to cut my towers so they dont look like poop. I was already planning on installing the Monte Carlo and export brace before I start cutting and welding to keep everything close to aligned.
Not entirely true.
Some theories just aren't true.
A good read for both sides. http://forums.stangnet.com/720194-mustang-ii-ifs-real-info-debate-thread.html
So you suggest cutting them and compromising an existing issue that you've personally seen, and turning a bomb into a potential a-bomb? That's crazy! Not to say it wouldn't work or that it hasn't, but how long?
You are improving on an existing design. Do you suggest doing this in addition to shaving the towers?
A lot of the aftermarket kits correct these "old wives' tale" issues that was common in the last decade.
Look through this thread above before you write it off because of these reasons. I certainly got more info about Heidt's and Martz and the others.
I want to know more about why it's ok the modify the shock tower and it still be safe.....as opposed to the Heidt's mustang II design.
dennis112
15 Year Member
Dennis that is exactly what I have seen in the past. That is one of the ways I have considered doing this mod. I know I will have header probs with the headers I am putting on the car. The headers that came with the car rubbed. As of right now that is how I will go or I was thinking of a C notch for header clearance. Unless someone shows a better looking idea.
I think I have a thread on here somewhere or maybe M&M about notching the towers. I wanted more room for headers ( I am running a 351 and want something larger than 1&3/4 headers). I am pretty sure the conclusion was that the header comes out of the head slightly below the lower control arm. So notching the towers won't provide any extra header clearance. If you can find a way you'd be my hero (keeping the stock style suspension). I really want some more room in there.
