DSE Trans Crossmember

[JamesJ]

Not sure if anyone on this site has one of DSE earlier cars where they made the transmission crossmember out of 2X3 square tubing. I was wondering if anyone thought of how beneficial this was, how much more exhaust clearance was attained, and then with the extra exhaust clearance you could say that it gave you better ground clearance. Just wanted to here what some ideas were on this method. Do you think that the modification to the trans tunnel is very noticeable, and would that be to much of a change to run the stock console in the factory location. Some pictures can be found here http://www.detroitspeed.com/ScottsPage10.html

[spaztikatik]

I got mine from G-force crossmembers, http://www.transmissioncenter.net/gforce_double_hump_crossmembers_.htm

check it out, it's beastly and should work great, I dunno what the offer as far as first gen camaros are concerned, but i'm sure they offer somehting for you :)

[JamesJ]

Ok maybe I will start, obviously it adds some amount of structural integrity, but how much? With all the talk about cages not being safe if you don’t use the correct amount of precautions, is this a good alternative assuming that you have sub-frame connector and have some type of shock crossmember that also adds to the structural integrity? Or what would it take to get similar results of a caged car?

[Nutsy]

These may seem like really nOOb questions,however, I am a bit confused. I have been away from my car for 2 years and can't remember what the underneath looks like.

Why does the DSE crossmember require hacking up the floor and welding it all in?
AFAIK ATS, Keisler and other crossmembers are bolt on, but where do they bolt to? Is their any advantage to welding the crossmember? Is DSE's style of crossmember better than the others?

Does anyone have pictures to show the different type of crossmembers installed with a T-56?

I need some clairification. :willy:

Trev

[907rs]

Trev, the DSE crossmember is tucked up into floor similar to their subframe connectors, and runs from one rocker panel to the other in length. The only portion of it that hangs below the subframe is the actual transmission mount. They built it in this fashion to allow for better exhaust clearance as well as to stiffen the chassis itself.

The other crossmembers you see advertised span from one rail of the subframe to the other.

You can see DSE's here (http://www.detroitspeed.com/ScottsPage10.html).

[Nutsy]

Ok, so why did they have to cut the tunnel up so much? Is it because they used lowered body mounts or does the DSE crossmember make the tranny sit higher in the tunnel? Do the other cross member kits require you to cut up the tunnel that much too?

The DSE crosmember just looks a lot more heavy duty then the others i have seen. Im just wondering why everyone else hasn't done it this way.

[907rs]

Trev, how about we start a new thread on this subject? I'd be happy to help answer any questions.

Didn't mean to hi-jack yours, James. :D

[JamesJ]

heck if you are talking about the crossmember I dont care.

[69Lt4]

I installed the DSE cross member to two reasons. One it doesn't hang down except where it attachs to the trans. This allows me to run the exhaust as close to the floor as possible. Second, easy of removing the transmission. 8 small bolts and a small piece of metal. Nothing expanding accross the width of the car. In the DSE pictures, you see part of the trans tunnel cut. The trans tunnel is raised about 3/4" to 1". In most camaros when the engine and trans angles are set correctly they will be very close to the floor. Most poeple raise the floor to ensure the trans doesn't contact the floor during vehicle use.
Kevin

[Nutsy]

When you installed the DSE crossmember, is there any template or instructions that they provide to cut up the floor with? Also do all T56 trannys the same mounting point? The reason i ask is i want to do all the metal work on the car without the transmission and engine if possible.

[JamesJ]

I am not sure but I don’t think they sell this. It is something that they do. I could be wrong but I have never heard of anyone personally doing this. 69LT4 / Kevin did DSE do this for you or did you do it yourself? Did you run an original console, can you tell any differences in the look? I am really considering this so any info would be great.

[JamesD]

DSE does infact sell that crossmember, in their latest catalog it is listed, it sells for $745 I think.

[JamesJ]

Oh, I had no idea. I guess I better order a catalog.

JamesD is there a description about it?

[BA.]

I can't make up my mind if it's worth $725 big-uns but here's the add from the catalog. (you really should get it!)

Page 21
Our T-56 transmission crossmember is specifically designed for your 1967-1969 Camaro/Firebird. It is a weld-in product that will mount your T-56 6-speed transmission in the proper location. This component will add significant torsional stiffness to your car. (hey, I hear that's important! -BA)
it also provides a bolt-in lower mount, allowing for easy removal of the transmission when required.

Part Number 011201 $725

[JamesD]

it doesn't really look too hard to make, it's just some 2x3 rectangular steel. there are plenty of pics on dse's website to build yur own.

[69Lt4]

JamesJ - Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. Trying to get my buddies 65 corvette done for him to drive since we have had a couple of nice days here in MI.
I didn't get a templete when I purchased the cross-member. It's a pretty simple installation though. I would recommend installing the engine and trans. It will help make sure the crossmember is in the correct location. I have a T56 out of a camaro. The mount location is different than the Viper T56. The viper T56 mount location will put the crossmember right at the base of the factory seat bracket. (If you look at DSE project cars you will see this, I think. Haven't looked in some time). Mine ended up a couple of inches further towards the front of the car. I marked the bottom of the floor where the mount would be. Then ran the line the width of the car. Form this line I measured the width of the crossemember and started cutting. The crossmember does come long so you can cut it to the correct width.
I don't know if it will work with the original console. DSE might be able to tell you if others have done this. The crossmember does stick up from the floor. I believe I have around a half an inch on the side towards the rear of the car and about quarter inch on the front side where I raised the floor.
I can send you some pictures if you like. I'm having e-mail trouble at home so send me a PM.
Kevin