1970-81 DSE Frame "Extras"

[Blake Foster]

Humm. I know we installed our X member on a 69 with a DSE sub here in the shop.
the second gen we have not worked on, I know our ATS side mounts fo ra second gen are substantially shorter as the floor on a second gen is a lot closer at the floor. it would not surprise me if the ATS first gen X member didn't fit the second gen.

[Z06vette]

I have used your crossmember on several first gen cars but all had stock subframe. It was close to floor but cleared. I'm kind of at a loss what to try next. Would your 2nd gen brackets work on first gen x member? Heres a few pics. Was hard to get the camera up in there to get a good shot. The left side is with the subframe bolts tightened down all the way. Right side the is about 1/4" between body bushing & floor.

[Blake Foster]

Originally Posted by Z06vette

I have used your crossmember on several first gen cars but all had stock subframe. It was close to floor but cleared. I'm kind of at a loss what to try next. Would your 2nd gen brackets work on first gen x member? Heres a few pics. Was hard to get the camera up in there to get a good shot. The left side is with the subframe bolts tightened down all the way. Right side the is about 1/4" between body bushing & floor.

I am not sure, Great Answer right, it may be that DSE has changed the height of the subframe where the Cross member is (compared to the stock subframe) if the cross member side brackets were moved back (drill new holes) would it then fit? or ar the side brackets just too tall?
I would have to check the OAW of the second gen mounting holes (on a stock sub frame are 32" a first gen is somewhere around 30") so with out knowing the width on the DSE frame hard to answer the question. is the secondgen DSE frame the same width as the first? I would think not?

[Z06vette]

I just ordered a crossmember thru BRP. It looks to have clearance where I need it. Will test fit this weekend and report back.

[Z06vette]

Well, the muscle rods crossmember does not fit either. I could have modified the frame brackets to make that part work, but the headers were right in line with the cross bar. Top 1/3rd of the opening was blocked and would only be worse if I needed to shim the tailshaft on the trans up. Next I will try the G-force and possibly the bowler. This sucks- what are you guys using for a crossmember in a first gen DSE frame??

[badazz81z28]

Originally Posted by dhutton

I think part of the confusion comes from DSE saying their second gen subframe uses a first gen crossmember. At least that is my understanding.

Don

Don,

Appears to be true, The frames bolt hole spacing and frame width to accomdate the crossmember is exactly like a 1st gen. Based on the 1st gen information here, I have not even checked to see if a second gen crossmember is the same width.

[Blake Foster]

Originally Posted by badazz81z28

Don,

Appears to be true, The frames bolt hole spacing and frame width to accomdate the crossmember is exactly like a 1st gen. Based on the 1st gen information here, I have not even checked to see if a second gen crossmember is the same width.

second gen should be wider. both in body mounts and X member

[Blake Foster]

Originally Posted by Z06vette

I just ordered a crossmember thru BRP. It looks to have clearance where I need it. Will test fit this weekend and report back.

PM SENT!

[badazz81z28]

Originally Posted by Blake Foster

second gen should be wider. both in body mounts and X member

Yeah, I figured as much. Just looking for a good 1st gen x-member that will fit my sec gen floor. My Speedtech crossmember is now collecting dust.

[Z06vette]

I'll be swapping in the G-force X member in the next day or 2. Its a stout piece and looks to have more clearance in the area of the frame bracket compared to the speedtech. Will report back with pics by end of the week.