Cross frame users
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 520
From: Texas
Cross frame users
I just got my cross frame installed. I was having problems clearing my headers. Called RD and it was recommended that I dent the bars where I needed more clearance. Problem is in two spots, I it looks as if I may have to completely flatten the bar in one spot to gain clearance.
From a safety standpoint, I am hesitant. My reasoning is that flattening the bar at one point will eventually fatigue the bar from the compressive stress (high speed turning) and it returning to its natural state (coming out of the turn).
How many of you have flattened your cross frames due to clearance issues? Do you race with the bar in this condition and if so, how long have you raced with it like this?
From a safety standpoint, I am hesitant. My reasoning is that flattening the bar at one point will eventually fatigue the bar from the compressive stress (high speed turning) and it returning to its natural state (coming out of the turn).
How many of you have flattened your cross frames due to clearance issues? Do you race with the bar in this condition and if so, how long have you raced with it like this?
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
What kind of headers and exhaust do you have? Mine doesn't even intersect the exhaust system until beyond the collectors. It crosses under the connector pipes and has clearance. It sounds like your exhaust system is rather low, I'd try to raise it first. Completely flattening it would not seem like a good thing, but more minor modifications wouldn't concern me if needed. I did make and install an eighth inch shim under the LF mounting point to gain floorboard clearance in that area. Also, although this was before I had the Cross Frame and had different headers on the car, I had to raise the engine a bit to prevent an exhaust contact problem underneath. I did this by using large 1/8" spacers between the engine mount studs and frame mounts. It's always something when modifying!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 520
From: Texas
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid NC
What kind of headers and exhaust do you have? Mine doesn't even intersect the exhaust system until beyond the collectors. It crosses under the connector pipes and has clearance. It sounds like your exhaust system is rather low, I'd try to raise it first. Completely flattening it would not seem like a good thing, but more minor modifications wouldn't concern me if needed. I did make and install an eighth inch shim under the LF mounting point to gain floorboard clearance in that area. Also, although this was before I had the Cross Frame and had different headers on the car, I had to raise the engine a bit to prevent an exhaust contact problem underneath. I did this by using large 1/8" spacers between the engine mount studs and frame mounts. It's always something when modifying!
Looks like this may be a track only mod for me.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by tigmaned
i was wondering about this X brace. dose it bolt to the C-beam in the center of the car too?? i would think that would stiffen the car up pretty good IF it did?
Originally Posted by Performance nut
Coated Hooker headers and Borla exhaust (y-pipe and mufflers). Unfortunately, its the headers causing the problem so there isnt anything that I know of that I can adjust. 1" spacers in the front seems to be the only thing that will give enough clearance but now I got ~2.5" clearance from the ground to the cross frame. Looks like this may be a track only mod for me.
Looks like this may be a track only mod for me.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 520
From: Texas
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid NC
Is it the collector flanges that are interfering? Hookers must hang lower than any of the C4 headers that I have experience with. If it is the flanges interfering, you could convert them to slip fit.
Never thought of slip fitting it. Cut off the flanges and slide a slip fitting over? Hmm...
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