Which first, subframes or engine reinforcement?

Gellpak

Member

Nov 28, 2003

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Raleigh, NC

Apr 26, 2006

#1

• Apr 26, 2006

• #1

I have to start with one or the other. Should I go with TCP's full subframe connector setup first, or do the engine bay with monte carlo bar, export brace, and maybe a front sway?

 

C

C0V3R

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Feb 14, 2003

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Australia

Apr 26, 2006

#2

• Apr 26, 2006

• #2

Are the costs roughly the same?? If so look at a less expensive set of subframe connectors.
Personally I think you should do all of what you have suggested.

 

Gellpak

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Nov 28, 2003

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Raleigh, NC

Apr 26, 2006

#3

• Apr 26, 2006

• #3

Well I plan to do all of these eventually, but money dictates that it be piece-by-piece. The engine bay work would be cheaper, but if I'm going to do one or the other first, which will make more of a difference?

 

67topless

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Mar 31, 2006

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Raleigh, NC

Apr 26, 2006

#4

• Apr 26, 2006

• #4

You have a coupe, so I say hit the engine compartment first and the sway bar if you can afford it.

Scott

 

R

RapidRoy

New Member

Nov 25, 2004

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Apr 26, 2006

#5

• Apr 26, 2006

• #5

To me, the export brace is needed worse. Your shock towers have probably shifted some, hopefully your frame rails have not! I view the export brace as being more necessary to keep the front chassis straight. My export brace, with welded-in reinforcement, and 1" front sway bar made a huge difference.

 

rbohm

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Apr 12, 2002

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tucson,az

Apr 27, 2006

#6

• Apr 27, 2006

• #6

i agree with the others, export brace and monte carlo bar first. then go with the subframe connectors. once you have these items on, THEN you can go for suspension mods. the stiffer you get the chassis, the more effective your suspension mods will be. most people who get the 620 springs, and then say they ride nice, either have no subframe connectors, or are hard core racers.

 

C

C0V3R

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Feb 14, 2003

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Australia

Apr 27, 2006

#7

• Apr 27, 2006

• #7

Yeah I'll agree with the others too. If youre gona do it piece by piece

Engine bay bracing (export brace first)
Swaybar.
Subframes

A 1in swaybar really makes a night and day difference. One of the best bang for your buck mods.

 

Gellpak

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Nov 28, 2003

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Raleigh, NC

Apr 27, 2006

#8

• Apr 27, 2006

• #8

I'm checking out mustang depot here and they have the normal export brace, and then the shelby style export brace. No pics. Which do I want?

 

2bav8

Founding Member

Nov 30, 1998

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Mesa, AZ

Apr 27, 2006

#9

• Apr 27, 2006

• #9

Looking at Export braces, Mustangs Plus has lower prices. I'd go for the $45.95 one unless you want chrome.

 

6

66HertzClone

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Aug 24, 2004

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Central New Jersey

Apr 27, 2006

#10

• Apr 27, 2006

• #10

Gellpak said:

I'm checking out mustang depot here and they have the normal export brace, and then the shelby style export brace. No pics. Which do I want?

Click to expand...

Look at the spacing of the bolts, the Shelby ones are evenly spaced, Mustang ones are not, they are in two groups of two. If at all possible add the re-enforcing plate when you do this. It must be welded in but adds strength to the mounting point for the bar.

 

Gellpak

Member

Nov 28, 2003

147

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Raleigh, NC

Apr 27, 2006

#11

• Apr 27, 2006

• #11

Can't find anything about a reenforcing plate on the site... is this just a fabbed up item or is it commercially available with the MC bar?

When buying a front sway, is there any real difference between the 1" and the 1 1/8"? Besides 6 bucks?

 

6

66Runt

Member

Jun 11, 2005

680

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Apr 27, 2006

#12

• Apr 27, 2006

• #12

Check out NPD

They have both the support and a much better version with deeper draws and thicker plate.

The 1-1/8" bar is stiffer. If this is a street vehicle 1" is plenty.

 

S

Sicarius428

Active Member

Jan 6, 2004

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Apr 28, 2006

#13

• Apr 28, 2006

• #13

Try to get the one piece export brace. They are heavier but they really add some rigidity when compared to the two piece ones.
Kevin