convertible x braces on coupe?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
convertible x braces on coupe?
I am looking at various alternatives to stiffen up a coupe, and the convertible x braces come to mind. Any problem with ZF 6 speed clearance, or header clearance, or bolt in fit on a coupe?
How much would it likely help?
How much do they weigh?
thanks
How much would it likely help?
How much do they weigh?
thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,381
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
I believe that the bolt holes may already be there. Keep in mind that you ground clearance will be lessened with this installed. Convertibles rode a little higherfrom the factory to compensate for this.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: (scorp508)
I remember someone on the forum adding the X on the coupe. Seems that only one set of holes exist. He had to punch the frame for the other pair of holes. I think Verts ride is something like 13/16" higher.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 216
From: Ca.
Re: (John Row)
I remember someone on the forum adding the X on the coupe. Seems that only one set of holes exist. He had to punch the frame for the other pair of holes. I think Verts ride is something like 13/16" higher.
Yes it makes a significant improvement. I also installed the camber brace to improve things even more.
What year is your vette? If it's an 87 or later then you already have the front holes there; then you need to punch and tap the holes for the back. By punching instead of drilling you get more metal threaded.
However if you have an 86 like me....then you also have to fab. some l type brackets for the front of the brace to bolt to.
As for clearance; I've already lowered mine so yes, it does scrape on speed bumps! But oh well such is the cost...I just wish the x-brace would take all the rock hits instead of my oilpan! :eek:
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: (XtremeVette420)
When you say "punch it" what does this mean? I was told to drill them. Please help get pointed in the right direction.
Also, the brace ends themselves do not attach directly to the frame. Each corner has spacers for each of the 2 bolts and the spacers are different heights front to back. You will also need to fabricate plates to install in the floor pan with bolts that protrude through the pan to the brace. Each leg of the brace has holes in it to accept these bolts. I think there are 2 per leg. These bolts and plates are what gives the stiffness to the car as it secures the brace to both the body pan and frame rails.
[Modified by c4cruiser, 6:45 AM 5/22/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,801
Likes: 2
From: Amarillo TX
Re: convertible x braces on coupe? (cramey)
I'm going to let you guys know first, we are working on an aftermarket cross-brace to tie the Coupe's frame rails together. With our race schedule getting in the way, it is probally 30 days away from production, but the proto-typing is really great.
I wish I could give you some more details and pictures, but I'm not quite ready yet. One thing for sure, our Forum Customers will see it first. :yesnod:
Dave Cooper
R-D Racing Enterprises, Inc.
I wish I could give you some more details and pictures, but I'm not quite ready yet. One thing for sure, our Forum Customers will see it first. :yesnod:
Dave Cooper
R-D Racing Enterprises, Inc.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 1
From: Drive it Like You Hate it Cincinnati OH
Re: convertible x braces on coupe? (84c4)
I'm going to let you guys know first, we are working on an aftermarket cross-brace to tie the Coupe's frame rails together. With our race schedule getting in the way, it is probally 30 days away from production, but the proto-typing is really great.
I wish I could give you some more details and pictures, but I'm not quite ready yet. One thing for sure, our Forum Customers will see it first. :yesnod:
Dave Cooper
R-D Racing Enterprises, Inc.
I wish I could give you some more details and pictures, but I'm not quite ready yet. One thing for sure, our Forum Customers will see it first. :yesnod:
Dave Cooper
R-D Racing Enterprises, Inc.
:cheers:
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,338
Likes: 137
From: WilkesBarre PA
Re: convertible x braces on coupe? (92TripleBlack)
I installed one. I punched/tapped the rear bolts, made a stud plate for the center mounts and installed them under the rug. I noticed the car is stiffer but haven't drove it with the top off yet. I haven't scraped anywhere yet from the reduced ground clearance. It clears my Longtube headers, but just touched my Bullet cat on the pass side. I just spaced it out with a 1/4" thick plate.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Re: convertible x braces on coupe? (84c4)
I wish I could give you some more details and pictures, but I'm not quite ready yet. One thing for sure, our Forum Customers will see it first. :yesnod:
Dave Cooper
R-D Racing Enterprises, Inc.
Dave Cooper
R-D Racing Enterprises, Inc.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,801
Likes: 2
From: Amarillo TX
Re: convertible x braces on coupe? (PoloGrn96)
Dave,
Will you company be at Carlisle?... Will the brace stiffen the coupe with the targa top off? Thanks...
Will you company be at Carlisle?... Will the brace stiffen the coupe with the targa top off? Thanks...
The main idea for the Cross-brace is to stiffen the coupe with the top removed. :yesnod:
Dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 216
From: Ca.
Re: convertible x braces on coupe? (PoloGrn96)
Will the brace stiffen the coupe with the targa top off? Thanks...[/QUOTE]
The weather finally warmed up enough to take the top off since I installed the convt x-brace on mine-yes, it's makes a world of difference with the top off!
The weather finally warmed up enough to take the top off since I installed the convt x-brace on mine-yes, it's makes a world of difference with the top off!
