Frame stiffening
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: carson Missouri
Frame stiffening
I am thinking about buying a '68-'72 conv. to build-up. Would like a High Horse, High Torque Monster. I don't think our stock C3 frames, esp. conv., will fare to well. What are the options. Are there any bolt on items? Or are we talking custom stuff from a local speed shop. Suggestions needed.
Stephen
Stephen
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,892
Likes: 13
From: Pettis Performance 565 with two stages of Nitrous Supply nitrous 1.082, 4.61 at 155, 7.17 at 192
Re: Frame stiffening (71stingraybigblock)
Tom,s rear end has some small weld in frame stiffiners that go in the rear wheel well area.
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,485
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Re: Frame stiffening (71stingraybigblock)
i want to preface that i have not done this yet. my car is a stick so what i'm planning is to get a steel scattersheild and weld a horizontal brace on the bottom of it to go out to either frame rail. then gusset from about the horizontal centerline down to the brace as far out as i can to triangulate it. from there, small 1" square gussets will be fabricated to joint the frame in to the new crossmember at the most convenient(sp) points. also, the length of the frame will be solid bead welded, at least on the bottom since i'm not ready to pull the body yet.
short of installing a true eight or 10 roll cage, i think this will be about as good as can be done without cutting up the body. maybe this is something you could do if your running a stick.
short of installing a true eight or 10 roll cage, i think this will be about as good as can be done without cutting up the body. maybe this is something you could do if your running a stick.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: Frame stiffening (71stingraybigblock)
You will be amazed at the diff the front shock tower cross strut will make. I highly recommend it!
Seems like GM used to have a booklet on preparing C3s for racing.
The guys at D&D who make Gran Sport replicas might know about this also.
Seems like GM used to have a booklet on preparing C3s for racing.
The guys at D&D who make Gran Sport replicas might know about this also.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Frame stiffening (flynhi)
You will be amazed at the diff the front shock tower cross strut will make. I highly recommend it!
I have always intended on installing one after I swap over to electric fans but I wasn't sure how much of a difference you could feel.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,281
Likes: 5
From: Boston
Re: Frame stiffening (flynhi)
You will be amazed at the diff the front shock tower cross strut will make. I highly recommend it!
Seems like GM used to have a booklet on preparing C3s for racing.
The guys at D&D who make Gran Sport replicas might know about this also.
Seems like GM used to have a booklet on preparing C3s for racing.
The guys at D&D who make Gran Sport replicas might know about this also.
Maybe this will help http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/vip.pdf :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: carson Missouri
Re: Frame stiffening (flynhi)
I will probably try the shock tower cross strut on the '71 BB. It is a stock car w/bolt ons. It will cost a bit more if I remember corr. due to the BB requiring elect. fans in place of belt driven.
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,485
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Re: Frame stiffening (MIKER)
i have that bar! when i installed it i thought i felt a difference too. i think i actually talked myself out of believing the difference saying that an $80 bar can't make that big a difference, but i think it does.
the biggest problem i think i have now is that the giant unsupported portion of the frame between the front crossmember and the transmission crossmember is more flexable than the front or back suspension. never a good thing when the frame acts as part of the suspension :nonod:
the biggest problem i think i have now is that the giant unsupported portion of the frame between the front crossmember and the transmission crossmember is more flexable than the front or back suspension. never a good thing when the frame acts as part of the suspension :nonod:
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: carson Missouri
Re: Frame stiffening (clutchdust)
I am looking at it now in VetteBrakes new Catalog. It is priced at 69.95. I think I am going to order one. (1963-1982
Corvette Spreader Bar Kits) I guess I will have to check into the electric fans while I'm at it.
Corvette Spreader Bar Kits) I guess I will have to check into the electric fans while I'm at it.
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,485
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Re: Frame stiffening (71stingraybigblock)
I guess I will have to check into the electric fans while I'm at it.
you put both e-fans and spreader bar on the same time and you won't recognize that car. :smash:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 905
Likes: 1
From: New Bern NC
Re: Frame stiffening (flynhi)
I have the GM prep document saved. If anybody needs it, just ask. It's 8 meg so be aware. I don't remember where I downloaded it from but it is pretty good stuff. It's called chevy power.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 6