Old 07-06-2002, 12:39 PM   #1
jeff13
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: springfield IL
Posts: 10
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).]
__________________
new toy: '95 Z28 Convert.for midlife crisis
jeff13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2002, 01:29 PM   #2
ZDriver96
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Tampa Florida
Posts: 3,483
Send a message via ICQ to ZDriver96
Post

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
__________________
96 M6 Arctic White Z28 355 Forged
Plates "SLOW LT1"
LE2 Heads, LE 2.3 Cam, LTs, CSI, Borla, LS1 brakes, Bilstein's, Swaybars, Spec Stage 2 + much more
http://i712.photobucket.com/albums/w...Sidemedium.jpg
ZDriver96 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2002, 06:44 PM   #3
V6Bob
Member
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 503
Post

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
__________________
2000 Firebird convert, chameleon/tan, M5, Y87, TCS
KBDDs, BMR STB and Panhard, 245/50-16 GSCs
V6Bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2002, 10:44 PM   #4
AutoRoc
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: MI
Posts: 6,420
Send a message via AIM to AutoRoc
Post

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
__________________
Denny Villemure
1989 Camaro IROC-Z Convertible
No Cats
www.denny.cz28.com
AutoRoc is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2002, 01:51 PM   #5
drop top steve
Registered User
 
drop top steve's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 1,602
Post

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.
__________________
Gaub & Claggett Racing
1997 Camaro SS #0468
30TH Anniversary SS Convertible #0086
2001 Millinium Yellow C5
2003 Indian Chief Vintage

http://790racer.cz28.com
drop top steve is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2002, 03:17 PM   #6
jeff13
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: springfield IL
Posts: 10
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.

Quote:
<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).]
__________________
new toy: '95 Z28 Convert.for midlife crisis
jeff13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply Post New Thread

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:06 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.3
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 1996-2009 CamaroZ28.Com. All rights reserved.
Forums Directory