Autocross and Road Racing Technique There is more to life than a straight line

Taming the body of an F-Convertible?

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Old Jul 6, 2002 | 11:39 AM
  #1  
jeff13's Avatar
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From: springfield IL
Post Taming the body of an F-Convertible?

Just got a '95 Z Convert.(all stock and probably orig.,but very healthy). She has plenty of body wiggle, cowl shake, whatever you want to call it. It's not stiff. Any suggestions for a street driver that wants a little performance. SLP shows subframe connectors (but not for Converts.) They also offer strut tower connectors and rigid panhard bars. Will those 2 do it without connectors? I'm stumped.

------------------
new toy: '95 Z28 Convert.for midlife crisis

[This message has been edited by jeff13 (edited July 06, 2002).]
Old Jul 6, 2002 | 12:29 PM
  #2  
ZDriver96's Avatar
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Double diamond subframe connectors would probably stiffen her up the best. I use normal 2 point and i didnt notice that big of a difference... I guess my Z was already pretty tight. Strut tower brace would help too.. I noticed nothing with my panhard rod. I'd suggest getting the strut tower brace and the subframe connectors and see how you like it. check out BMR's products.

------------------
96 M6 Arctic White Z28
Equipped w/ Valentine 1

Cosmetic Modifications- Super Style Wing, RS ground effects, t tops, SS rims Re730s, tinted windows

Mods- MAF screen removed, Moroso Cold Air Induction with Ram Air Underscoop, 1LE Intake bellow, SLP Headers, 160 thermostat w/ 180 degree fan settings, CC305 w/ pro magnum 1.6 RR, TB bypass & TPIS Air Foil, Billet Underdrive Pulley, Borla Catback exhaust, MGF OBDI conversion, Boshe +4 plugs, performance pedals
Transmission Upgrades- 1LE Driveshaft, LT4 clutch, Pro 5.0 shifter, 1LE Tranny mount, Steel Shift Forks, CAG Eliminator
Suspension Mods- BMR Subframe Connectors, Mac Panhard rod, Jamex Strut Tower Brace

(Completely Stock)
(400 A B S-Rated Tires & T-Tops off!)
(Sea level at 80 Degrees)
60 foot time 2.233
1/8th 9.24
76.51 MPH
MODS & Tires IN SIG
318 wrhp 327 torque
60ft 2.328
1/8th 9.063 @ 82.29mph
1/4 13.7 @ 104.73mph
Old Jul 6, 2002 | 05:44 PM
  #3  
V6Bob's Avatar
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From: Denver, CO
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SFCs are really helpful in providing chassis stiffness for a convert. Plenty of people make them.

The STB and Panhard will help stiffness some, but, on a convert, sfcs will do a lot more.

------------------
2000 Firebird convert, chameleon/tan, M5, Y87, TCS
KBDDs, BMR STB and Panhard, 245/50-16 GSCs
Old Jul 7, 2002 | 09:44 PM
  #4  
AutoRoc's Avatar
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From: MI
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If you aren't confident with aftermarket subframe connectors, you could always have a Metalcraft type of race shop MAKE and install a set for you. A good shop can do whatever you feel neccessary Be it a Tube Chassis or some subframes..heheh

Or do a rollcage? Goodluck!

------------------
Denny Villemure
1989 Camaro IROC-Z Convertible, 305 TPI, 2.73 Gear, Flowmaster 2 chamber. 15.60 on motor, 14.20 on a 75 shot from NX. Woo hoo!
www.denny.cz28.com
Old Jul 8, 2002 | 12:51 PM
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drop top steve's Avatar
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I've got a 97 SS vert, I know what you mean by wiggle! I installed (BMR) stb and weldin sfc, big help, lowered the car 2in new lca, adjustable panhard bar and 17in wheels, stayed about the same. Just installed a Wolf five point, bolt-in rollbar. MAJOR improvment, tight as a stock coupe now.
Old Jul 8, 2002 | 02:17 PM
  #6  
jeff13's Avatar
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From: springfield IL
Smile

Thanks all, for the help! Sounds like the concensus 'best bang for the buck' would be the BMR STC and straight weld in SFC (since the more complex SLP type version isn't available for Converts.) and then possibly the roll bar or full cage for EXTRA stiffness.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by drop top steve:
I've got a 97 SS vert, I know what you mean by wiggle! I installed (BMR) stb and weldin sfc, big help, lowered the car 2in new lca, adjustable panhard bar and 17in wheels, stayed about the same. Just installed a Wolf five point, bolt-in rollbar. MAJOR improvment, tight as a stock coupe now.</font>


[This message has been edited by jeff13 (edited July 09, 2002).]
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