Which type of SFC is best, with an emphasis on everyday driving:

1) Alston style where the frame is tied together directly
2) Spohn/Kenny Brown style where they weld to the pinch welds.

Specifically, since I'm in Canada the Alston's will cost ~300 by the time I get them here so I can probably get the Kenny Browns for close to that.

I have read some posts that say the Alston's lack the ability to really strengthen the chassis from twisting (From turns and whatnot) because they just tie the frame together (As opposed to reinforcing it along the pinch welds).

I was going to grab Alston's, but after reading this, and it making sense to me, I thought I'd make a post for some other people more mechanically inclined to answer.....


Thanks
Trevor

 

are those choices boxed or tubular

 

I had mine custom made by Ground Zero here in Calgary. Check some of the chassis shops in Edmonton. Chances are you can get a better and cheaper one custom made than having to buy them from the US.

 

Alston works well for me.

 

Any chance you want to share what they charged ya?

It'd probably be worth the drive down even - as I could go down for the Stampede or something (Never been to Calgary other than to drive through).

 

Here's the set I bought...they fit great but I have true dual exhaust. I know of a couple of others with exhaust in the stock location that have these. Thier bolt in's which can be welded for addtional strength as Ive done.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=42609

 

I got the spohns. Extremely happy with them.

 

I have the Alston's and absolutely LOVE them. It's true that the perimeter-style (i.e. Spohn) SFC's are better for twist-resistance, but the frame-frame style (Alston) provide better overall strength. It just depends on what you're looking for. If you really want to do it right, use both (yes they'll both fit without interfering.)

Whatever you go with, get them welded in. You can bolt them in at home and then take it to a shop for welding if you want, but DEFINITELY get them welded.

 

All brand named are all of the basic design, so its a good choice with any of them "AS LONG AS YOU HAVE THEM WELDED IN" . Sorry about the Caps, but I wanted to make a point that any SFC brand is a good choice as long as they are installed the correct way. They will to wonders for the F-Body.

 

Given the choice, the perimeter style SFCs are FAR superior. They connect the front subframe to the rear subframe at the rear LCA mounting points, and weld along the pinch weld also. SSM made a nice set, but is now out of business. Spohn makes excellent pieces, nearly identical to the SSM, but a little more advanced.

The inner rail type, that connect the frame rails together do strengthen the chassis, but nowhere near to the degree of the perimeter style.

Not only that, but due to the design of the chassis and the SFCs, the perimeter style have a place to tuck in, and do not hurt ground clearance at all. Once installed they almost look factory. The inner rail type however usually hang down a little lower than the subframes, and look out of place.

Regardless, have them welded in, and not just bolted in.

 

Another vote for Alston