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  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2010 - 2014 Specific Tech

Subframe Connectors On New 5.0?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ScottyG00GT
  • Start date Start date Aug 10, 2013

ScottyG00GT

Member
May 10, 2003
141
2
19
South-Central PA
Aug 10, 2013
#1
  • Aug 10, 2013
  • #1
One of the first mods I did to my old 2000 GT was a pair of Kenny Brown "double cross" subframe connectors, and I credit them with keeping the car nearly rattle-free for nearly 180,000 miles, not to mention the huge improvement in how it drove on bumpy roads (felt like I installed new springs!).

For my new 5.0, I did some searching around online but have no clear conclusion for whether they make sense for me based on how I will use this car. This car will spend about 75-80% of its life on the Interstate. I don't race and I don't drive like James Bond (well, not usually). But I will be driving this car for the next decade or more and the miles will add up eventually.

What is your opinion - will they do the same for a new 5.0, holding it together for the long haul, or should I spend my mod money elsewhere? Based on what I am reading, I am leaning away from subframes, but if there's as good a reason to install them on a DD S-197 as there was on the Fox/SN-95 platform, I'll do it.

Thanks for your help!
 

Svtpilot

Founding Member
Jun 16, 2002
944
59
59
Long Island, NY
Aug 10, 2013
#2
  • Aug 10, 2013
  • #2
The chassis of your new Mustang is much stronger then your 2000 GT's was. Its a night and day difference. I would spend the money elsewhere.
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
43,015
21,203
234
Box behind Walmart
Aug 10, 2013
#3
  • Aug 10, 2013
  • #3
The only structure reinforcement that I recall seeing on streeted S-197s has been the X-brace that you see in the Boss. Steeda makes one. It's supposed to tie the two halves of the car together.
 

SpartaPerformance

10 Year Member
Nov 5, 2006
2,517
61
89
Long Island NY
Aug 10, 2013
#4
  • Aug 10, 2013
  • #4
You don't need them unless you're running deep in the 10's.
 

ScottyG00GT

Member
May 10, 2003
141
2
19
South-Central PA
Aug 10, 2013
#5
  • Aug 10, 2013
  • #5
The only 10's I'm running deep into lately are my mpg's!

(well, not quite, but this car doesn't lend itself to a light right foot).

Thanks everyone for your input.
 
Reactions: sea ya

Husky44

10 Year Member
Sep 27, 2006
865
104
74
Tacoma, WA
Aug 11, 2013
#6
  • Aug 11, 2013
  • #6
Spend the money elsewhere.
 

Sharad

ALWAYS choose the V over the P!!! Wait... what?
Jan 5, 2011
1,562
480
94
Fort Myers, Florida
Aug 12, 2013
#7
  • Aug 12, 2013
  • #7
The S197 chassis is said to have 1000x the torsional rigidity of the Fox chassis. As an owner of both, I believe it! I've had some roadrace customers say they like the S197 SFCs, but most people agree they're useless for street cars on street tires.
 

ScottyG00GT

Member
May 10, 2003
141
2
19
South-Central PA
Aug 13, 2013
#8
  • Aug 13, 2013
  • #8
This is all good info. Thanks very much!
 

Sharad

ALWAYS choose the V over the P!!! Wait... what?
Jan 5, 2011
1,562
480
94
Fort Myers, Florida
Aug 14, 2013
#9
  • Aug 14, 2013
  • #9
No problem!
 
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