1970-81 DSE Frame "Extras"

[rickpaw]

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.

Scott, here's a thought. Maybe your floor pan may have sagged over the years, if it's an original floor. My firebird has original floor pan, and the original crossmember will hit the floor on the pass side. A floor jack with a 2x4 underneath the sag fixed that.

[badazz81z28]

Originally Posted by rickpaw

Agreed. DSE stuff is expensive, and there are other cheaper alternatives. But people still buying DSE stuff, so their stuff works, otherwise no one buys them. The information on what's needed for the frame is right on the web site. It's not a secret. I guess DSE can include a crossmember and jack up the price to cover the cost. But then there are some many different engine/tranny combo's out there, how can they know which one will work. They can't anticipate what the customers will use and design different parts for different combo's.

We're putting DSE front suspension with an 5.3/4l60e into my friend's 65 Mustang. Right off the bat, I will have to either mod the existing crossmember or build something to make it work. To me, that's the joy of car building. Did I expect DSE to come up with something that works, no. On the other hand, we bought DSE LS mounts for the Alumaframe, so I expect the LS will drop right in.

It makes sense that you can't build parts for all applications, but it is highly likely that a DSE frame owner in a camaro is going to use an LS engine and a T56. That's what 99% of the owners here that autocross run. DSE has specific LS motor mounts, it make sense to have a crossmember especially when they know the stock one doesn't work. I know there are more 67-69 owners and that's likely the priority from a business perspective.


Hey Greg, slow down and not be so quick to bash. I was talking about DSE, I even pmd Carl about a possible purchase.....

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by badazz81z28

It makes sense that you can't build parts for all applications, but it is highly likely that a DSE frame owner in a camaro is going to use an LS engine and a T56. That's what 99% of the owners here that autocross run. DSE has specific LS motor mounts, it make sense to have a crossmember especially when they know the stock one doesn't work. I know there are more 67-69 owners and that's likely the priority from a business perspective.


Hey Greg, slow down and not be so quick to bash. I was talking about DSE, I even pmd Carl about a possible purchase.....

I re-read your post several times before deciding to post what I did.... and it still reads to me that you'd called Chassisworks and gotten no help. This is the "communication" I was speaking about... maybe you're not being real clear in what you need and what you have. I'm actually trying to be HELPFUL to you. If we were in the same room it would be easier to discuss. Attitude etc doesn't come thru in typing.

I'll say this as well. On THIS website you'll get way more help when you're positive in your approach to vendors etc.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I know its impossible to make everyone happy all of the time but at least give them a hint.

[badazz81z28]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

I re-read your post several times before deciding to post what I did.... and it still reads to me that you'd called Chassisworks and gotten no help. This is the "communication" I was speaking about... maybe you're not being real clear in what you need and what you have. I'm actually trying to be HELPFUL to you. If we were in the same room it would be easier to discuss. Attitude etc doesn't come thru in typing.

I'll say this as well. On THIS website you'll get way more help when you're positive in your approach to vendors etc.

I think you're seeing what you want to see. If you and I were talking and having a conversation and I said "yeah, I called them too". Would you think I was talking "about" you?

This thread is already out of control, but come on...you have not tried to help, but in the spirit of things I will ensure that my post can't be twisted and perceive to give the wrong message.

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by badazz81z28

I think you're seeing what you want to see. If you and I were talking and having a conversation and I said "yeah, I called them too". Would you think I was talking "about" you?

This thread is already out of control, but come on...you have not tried to help, but in the spirit of things I will ensure that my post can't be twisted and perceive to give the wrong message.

I'm seeing what he is seeing. And I guarantee we aren't the only ones.

You said "I picked up the phone and called them too"... and this is AFTER you made it clear that you already called DSE... so "too" means in addition to.

Like others have said, you should have known what did and didn't come with the "kit" when you spent that kind of money. You said yourself you've been playing with cars for 15 years so this ain't your first rodeo. You decided to do your research afterward apparently and come on here and grumble about DSE and their "woes"... one of the stand up players in this community.

It's all in the attitude... and tact. Take notice of how others who are helped (and give help) on this great forum have it and use it.

[Chassisworks]

Gosh guys, can we all take a deep breath for a moment? I know we all love our cars and get frustrated, and we get frustrated when other people get frustrated. Even me, yes it's true. I put down the phone after a half hour of nonsense yesterday and badly needed a cigarette; and I don't smoke! The written word is a tricky way to communicate. There's a reason we are all car guys and not millionaire authors.

That said, thanks for jumping to the defense of the manufacturer. My experience is that the best source of info is the building where the part came from. On our parts, that's the building I sit in. Sometimes people phrase questions really weird and it takes a minute to get on the same page. (Refraining from writing a blog style post here.)

By the way, our clip packages don't automatically include a trans crossmember either. They are an available option. Why? Because we make six of them! They all require different amounts of material and labor to build, and as a result they all are priced slightly different.

Owning a muscle car:


Badazz(Dude, what's your real name?) and I are trying to resolve his issue. Hopefully I can help him out.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I agree Carl, So lets see if we can keep this thread from getting locked and get a fix going. A lot of good info here for those that might have questions.

[Z06vette]

OK guys. I know I am working on a 1st gen DSE frame, but since it appears the crossmembers fit both (aside from less floor clearance in 2nd gen) I hope this helps a few guys. I put the G-force crossmember in today. It fits perfect- with room to spare. It just about falls in. Plenty of room between frame & floor on first gen. Plenty of header clearance, and I have a 3/4" shim under the trans mount. At worst, you may have to loosen the subframe bolts on one side on 2nd gen to slide one end in place. Tu- I had a full floor put in the car when I built it- but you are correct- I was able to coax a smidge of clearance for the speedtech crossmember. I could have left it in, but it was very tight.. I'll get some better pics tomorrow & update

Scott

[badazz81z28]

Scott, looks great, thank you for posting the pictures. Are you using the DSE LS 1" set back mounts too?.