Driving without the x brace
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 462
Likes: 21
From: Kansas City Missouri
Driving without the x brace
I am doing some work on the overdrive unit of my 4+3. Is it safe to give it a test drive without the x brace. (86 vert). That thing is a real pain in the butt to take on and off and if the overdrive is still leaking, I would just assume not have to mess with that brace if I don't have to. Anyone know?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Nothing will happen. I've been driving without mine for years. After I installed some Hookers and aftermarket exhaust, the x brace would no longer fit because this exhaust was not flush to the underbody like the factory system was. Doing a test drive without it is not going to hurt a thing.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
I ran into the same problem with my 3" B&B cat back. There was so little clearance between the top mount and the X-frame that it would hit when I hit a good bump. I went back to the factory exhaust with elims. Now the beautiful B&B with an H-pipe all welded together, hangs in my shed, what a waste.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 462
Likes: 21
From: Kansas City Missouri
I was told a long time ago that the x brace was to keep the body from flexing under the torque in light of it being a convertible and not having the extra support from the roof. The coup doesn't have the x brace.
Im understanding you to say that this isn't correct. ????????
Im understanding you to say that this isn't correct. ????????
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 13
From: Romeoville IL
I was told a long time ago that the x brace was to keep the body from flexing under the torque in light of it being a convertible and not having the extra support from the roof. The coup doesn't have the x brace.
Im understanding you to say that this isn't correct. ????????
Im understanding you to say that this isn't correct. ????????
I wouldn't drive long term with it off. But for a test drive, and if you aren't beating on it you should be okay. But I would put it back on as soon as you have you rissue resolved.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Springfield MA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 4
From: Grand Rapids Mi
Only drove once without. Could instantly tell difference in body flex and rattles! I might be a little fussy as I really prefer to also have hardtop on for longer road trips!! Really feel convert with hardtop is tighter than same year/equipment coupe. Have done some back to back driving of cars when new!!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 505
Likes: 1
From: Guntersville Alabama
Only drove once without. Could instantly tell difference in body flex and rattles! I might be a little fussy as I really prefer to also have hardtop on for longer road trips!! Really feel convert with hardtop is tighter than same year/equipment coupe. Have done some back to back driving of cars when new!!
93cruiser
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 18
From: St. Peters MO
http://www.r-dracing.com/CROSS-FRAME.htm
I've removed and replaced my "X"-brace more times than I care to count on my 96 vert., yes, it's a PITA!, but not as bad as that dang "Driveline Support", although I have now gotten that down pretty well also. practice, practice, practice.....
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Negaunee MI
here is what you need for a 94 coupe:
http://www.r-dracing.com/CROSS-FRAME.htm
I've removed and replaced my "X"-brace more times than I care to count on my 96 vert., yes, it's a PITA!, but not as bad as that dang "Driveline Support", although I have now gotten that down pretty well also. practice, practice, practice.....
http://www.r-dracing.com/CROSS-FRAME.htm
I've removed and replaced my "X"-brace more times than I care to count on my 96 vert., yes, it's a PITA!, but not as bad as that dang "Driveline Support", although I have now gotten that down pretty well also. practice, practice, practice.....
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
My 92 Vert had an X brace. It did minimal work, I used to call the Vette "The Titanic" I thought it would brake in half while going up on driveways etc.
