C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Frame stiffening

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Old Aug 6, 2011 | 03:12 PM
  #1  
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navy_vette
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Burning Brakes
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From: Naples Campania
Default Frame stiffening

Well, I'm coming around to thinking about getting ready to decide on purchasing the parts I want for suspension upgrade. Nothing huge since....well.....they're Corvettes. They handle pretty well even if they are around 20 years old or older. I have C6 rims wrapped with BF "Goodtimes" G-force tires. They help, but I'm looking at new adjustable sway bars both front and back, all 4 shocks fully adjustable (omfg they are expensive....but worth it!) and adjustable A-arms up front.

Here's what I'm thinking

Cool, better suspension means less body roll. However, This doesn't fix the body flex problem that plagues all of us. Since most of my interior is out (excluding the dash) I was....well......I guess we can call it brainstorming. No, I don't want to inject my frame with some magical foam. I was thinking something a little more.....proven.
Roll cage.
Not going to be a track car, so please understand that. The purpose of this is to get rid of the problem caused by our Targa tops. The reason that our cars flex is because the supporting structure is a 2 dimensional box. Roll bars would pretty much eliminate this and I wouldn't have to put an X-frame where the Targa goes if I want to take it off. I'm going to send them an e-mail and see if they have some pictures. I will ask about mods required and issues with the targa.

Here's my question.... What do you think of the idea? Stiffer frame, better ride, better cornering, less creaks and moans when pulling into a driveway, a place to mound a 6-point if you want to and....i'm forgetting some....oh yeah! They look cool.... Here's a website. This is an example. I am not saying that I will buy from them or that you should, or shouldn't. They make all 5 types for the C4 both coupe and convertible.
Corvette 84 - 96 71400 D,L 70400 D,L 52400 D,L 83400 D,O 70400C
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Old Aug 6, 2011 | 03:21 PM
  #2  
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Strick
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I have a vert and installed a cross bar and camber brace. This really helped the flex problem I had at the autocross. I also boxed the X-frame which strengthened that structure. Coupes don't have X-frames, but those who intall them say it really helps. Roll bars are stonger, but I didn't want to destroy the vert look with the top down.
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Old Aug 6, 2011 | 04:01 PM
  #3  
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kmillar
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From: Calgary Alberta
Default Frame stiffening

I have both a 1990 coupe and convertible. I autoX them both, I have the RD cross bar and the camber brace on the coupe, on the convertible I just have the factory X frame and I bought a GM hardtop

On the coupe I have noticed a improvement with the camber brace as the front doesn't shake as much over bumps. The RD cross frame is a heavy piece that isn't as well thought out as it should be as it lacks the attachment points to the flooor to keep it from flexing under the car.
The convertible is great and very solid with the hardtop (no creaks or groans), with the hardtop out, even with the factory cross brace there is too much chasis flex for my liking. I've been reviewing posts and the vette2vett chasis bar may be an option?
From what I've read, most times people say that a straight rollbar won't help your flex unless you put in a 6 point rollbar. Most guys with a coupe say the truss bar makes the largest difference? Read some posts to help your decision as they aren't cheap... hope this helps a bit.
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Old Aug 8, 2011 | 08:13 AM
  #4  
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Leec4ce
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From: Virginia Beach VA
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I went with a Bk (Berry Krause)
http://www.bkauto.com/corvette/r1110.php which stiffed the car right up.

When I remove the targa I use Pro Street Targa Truss.

Thank you for your service
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