Options to stiffen chassis 69 Firebird?

[dhutton]

Originally Posted by Nativefx

Hey Don, do you think the Hotchkis would still need to be modified on my LS3 if I'm using the Wegner front drive assembly? They definitely pull everything much closer to the engine, but I wasn't sure which specific areas you were having clearance issues? I'm also using a Hydratech Hydroboost instead of the power brake booster so hopefully that would add clearance for the bars to mount on the firewall.

You will likely have to move the crossbar forward. This used to be a good thread until photobucket killed the pics:

http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/7...ars-no-shakers

Don

[jlwdvm]

Originally Posted by David Pozzi

The front of the subframe needs support more than the rear subframe does. The stock sub is terrible in torsion ahead of the firewall. The front sheet metal contributes to half the front torsional rigidity. jlwdvm, - If you do a roll bar or cage, I highly recommend adding a diagonal brace to the main hoop. SCCA requires it, and it's a main component of any good roll bar. It can be removable by adding some double shear brackets.

Do you mean: from the point above my head where the rear brace meets the main hoop to where the passenger side brace meets the trunk floor? I have thought about it.

[David Pozzi]

Originally Posted by jlwdvm

Do you mean: from the point above my head where the rear brace meets the main hoop to where the passenger side brace meets the trunk floor? I have thought about it.

From driver's side main hoop just behind the driver's head, to the passenger floor where the main hoop is welded or bolted to the floor. It keeps the main hoop from deforming to the side and is usually required for any track use. It makes it hard to get into the back seat area, but can be made a bolt-in to make it easier to work back there doing upholstery or whatever.
A diagonal on the rear supports will help in torsion but not do much for safety.

[David Pozzi]

Originally Posted by rickpaw

David

What are your thoughts on the Chassisworks forward struts? Looks like it's simpler and less complex than rhe Hotchkis handle bars.

https://www.cachassisworks.com/p-269...ild-steel.aspx

They are a good start, but I think they need more bracing to be very effective.

[jlwdvm]

I already have a removable cross bar on the main hoop.