C4 Frame Stiffener
Thread Starter
Intl Council of Corvettes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 139
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville Alabama
C4 Frame Stiffener
Hello All,
One of my winter projects is to improve the suspension on the vette. So far I have upgraded the shocks to QA1s and poly bushings along with lowering it, but want to stiffen it up a bit. When I take my top off it rattles like crazy and does not feel as firm so I know it is something to do with the flexing in these things. I was reading some of the other posts talking about the X bar set up along with a Vette to Vette set up, but the site does not show anything for the C4. Anybody know if this is still available?
One of my winter projects is to improve the suspension on the vette. So far I have upgraded the shocks to QA1s and poly bushings along with lowering it, but want to stiffen it up a bit. When I take my top off it rattles like crazy and does not feel as firm so I know it is something to do with the flexing in these things. I was reading some of the other posts talking about the X bar set up along with a Vette to Vette set up, but the site does not show anything for the C4. Anybody know if this is still available?
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,371
Likes: 2,736
Hello All,
One of my winter projects is to improve the suspension on the vette. So far I have upgraded the shocks to QA1s and poly bushings along with lowering it, but want to stiffen it up a bit. When I take my top off it rattles like crazy and does not feel as firm so I know it is something to do with the flexing in these things. I was reading some of the other posts talking about the X bar set up along with a Vette to Vette set up, but the site does not show anything for the C4. Anybody know if this is still available?
One of my winter projects is to improve the suspension on the vette. So far I have upgraded the shocks to QA1s and poly bushings along with lowering it, but want to stiffen it up a bit. When I take my top off it rattles like crazy and does not feel as firm so I know it is something to do with the flexing in these things. I was reading some of the other posts talking about the X bar set up along with a Vette to Vette set up, but the site does not show anything for the C4. Anybody know if this is still available?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I have been thinking about one too. It looks like it is still on their web site. They have a link on their home page that takes you to the product description page below.
https://www.vette2vette.com/?q=produ...r-bar-system-5
https://www.vette2vette.com/?q=produ...r-bar-system-5
Thread Starter
Intl Council of Corvettes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 139
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville Alabama
Thanks for sending the link. I did notice that the years advertised are all for the C4s except 1985. Maybe a typo but I am going to contact them tomorrow and see.
Thread Starter
Intl Council of Corvettes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 139
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville Alabama
I would think that this is what you need as well if you are going to race it. It helps to eliminate all of the unwanted motion in the body on an autocross type circuit, I plan on running mine down the 1/8 and 3/4 mile track to see how she does. Not going to be the fastest but I should be somewhat competitive once I get everything close.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I think the mounting brackets use the same holes/mounting points that the convertibles used for their X-brace. The convertible didn't start until 1986, so I suspect the 1985 doesn't have those holes.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 914
Likes: 277
From: St. Petersburg FL
This thread should answer all your questions about the Vette2Vette Frame Stiffiners, with pics...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-believer.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-believer.html
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
The V2V stiffener is still made/sold. The X-brace is not. You'd have the buy the later used OR wait to see if one of our forum vendors ever gets around to finishing his 1.5yr - 2yr attempt at making/marketing an x-brace.
The V2V stiffener is definitely higher-priced and doesn't SEEM to provide the same level of lateral rigidity because it doesn't add additional connection between the R/L frame rail. The other choice is harder to find and probably affects ground clearance more. So, pick your poison.
Functionally, both appear more a solution to the aesthetics of the driving experience.
The V2V stiffener is definitely higher-priced and doesn't SEEM to provide the same level of lateral rigidity because it doesn't add additional connection between the R/L frame rail. The other choice is harder to find and probably affects ground clearance more. So, pick your poison.
Functionally, both appear more a solution to the aesthetics of the driving experience.
Thread Starter
Intl Council of Corvettes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 139
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville Alabama
Hello again fellow vetters. I spoke with V2V today and he said that the kit will work for a 85 but will have to be welded on the front braces. There were no provisions for the bolt hole in that year like the later ones. I am going to order it anyway and get the local vette shop to weld it up. I plan to get some pics too and post to update all. All you 86 and up C4s can probably do this in your own garage so that is a plus.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
Hello again fellow vetters. I spoke with V2V today and he said that the kit will work for a 85 but will have to be welded on the front braces. There were no provisions for the bolt hole in that year like the later ones. I am going to order it anyway and get the local vette shop to weld it up. I plan to get some pics too and post to update all. All you 86 and up C4s can probably do this in your own garage so that is a plus.
I have a vert, and at times I've had to remove my xbrace to work on the car.
So use nutserts or weld nuts to the front so that you can remove the xbrace.
mike
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,371
Likes: 2,736
yah it actually surprises me they would suggest welding. Rather, provide a printable template and a diagram how to position it, drill holes. unless the 85/84 doesnt have the metal where the 86+ does. maybe he meant weld on a metal plate then put the holes in the plate.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 163
Likes: 4
From: Perth WA
Exotic Muscle market an X-Brace kit for $395. Pity they offer exactly zero information on their products.
http://emracingcorp.com/scripts/prod...?idproduct=493
http://emracingcorp.com/scripts/prod...?idproduct=493
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,597
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From: Bartlett Illinois
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,371
Likes: 2,736
would be into a group buy more towards the spring (to give a chance for oil price to recover lol) and as far as cowl shudder, there are thread reports indicating that it is all but barely noticeable with this unit. which is why i want one!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 165
Likes: 13
From: Frisco TX
Yea the cowl shudder is really bad even on the highway that I thought something was wrong with my steering... Then someone mentioned that its the removed targa. I am in heated summer and I would love to take the targa off more but I dont because it is scary to drive..