Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
12-02-2010, 01:14 AM
#16
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 907
Re: Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
Depends on what you want to do. I picked up mine on a GP I just happened to stumble upon. Like everyone else has stated the weight issue is there, although I don't think its quite 40lbs- perhaps with a full tubular suspension, not just the K-member.
The biggest reason I went with one was the added benefit of room to work around things. Only having a 1.25" tube blocking the bottom of the motor instead of 6" wide piece of metal is worth it to me. Plus the additional room for tubing should I go turbo was also a factor.
The biggest reason I went with one was the added benefit of room to work around things. Only having a 1.25" tube blocking the bottom of the motor instead of 6" wide piece of metal is worth it to me. Plus the additional room for tubing should I go turbo was also a factor.
12-02-2010, 11:51 AM
#17
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 496
Re: Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
Just make sure you are comfortable with the potential reduced durability on the street. There are certain brands out there that have been known to fail (develop cracks or fail catastrophically) with the rigors of street driving. Even if you get a real beefy one I would be inspecting for fatigue on a regular basis. And to me, a real strong piece does not offer significant weight reduction anyhow.
The road race guys have mixed feelings. Make sure to get their input.
-Scott.
The road race guys have mixed feelings. Make sure to get their input.
-Scott.
As per brands that fail? PA PA PA PA. Stay away from these. waste of money
BMR had 5-6 failures before they redesigned about 5 years ago. Haven't heard of a problem since.
Depends on what you want to do. I picked up mine on a GP I just happened to stumble upon. Like everyone else has stated the weight issue is there, although I don't think its quite 40lbs- perhaps with a full tubular suspension, not just the K-member.
The biggest reason I went with one was the added benefit of room to work around things. Only having a 1.25" tube blocking the bottom of the motor instead of 6" wide piece of metal is worth it to me. Plus the additional room for tubing should I go turbo was also a factor.
The biggest reason I went with one was the added benefit of room to work around things. Only having a 1.25" tube blocking the bottom of the motor instead of 6" wide piece of metal is worth it to me. Plus the additional room for tubing should I go turbo was also a factor.
12-02-2010, 01:06 PM
#18
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Okemos, MI
Posts: 9,485
Re: Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
Just make sure you are comfortable with the potential reduced durability on the street. There are certain brands out there that have been known to fail (develop cracks or fail catastrophically) with the rigors of street driving. Even if you get a real beefy one I would be inspecting for fatigue on a regular basis. And to me, a real strong piece does not offer significant weight reduction anyhow.
The road race guys have mixed feelings. Make sure to get their input.
-Scott.
The road race guys have mixed feelings. Make sure to get their input.
-Scott.
UMI is the only brand I know of that has a road-race specific version.
12-02-2010, 10:41 PM
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 1,830
Re: Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
I've got a umi road race version with upper and lower a-arms, everything adjustable of coarse. I really like the weight reduction, the added room, and the good looks. One thing to consider is alignments.
One concern though. My local Firestone wants me to come in to get it aligned at least 4 times a year, even though I drive it less than 4,000 miles a year. I've got a lifetime alignment so it's not an issue, but if I don't get it aligned as often as they'd like me to, they try to tack on an extra charge because it supposedly takes longer to align. I don't know if these aftermarket k-members get bumped out of alignment easier or what, hopefully one of the suspension expert will jump in with an explanation. I think they are just incompetent and BS'ing me, but its something to think about.
One concern though. My local Firestone wants me to come in to get it aligned at least 4 times a year, even though I drive it less than 4,000 miles a year. I've got a lifetime alignment so it's not an issue, but if I don't get it aligned as often as they'd like me to, they try to tack on an extra charge because it supposedly takes longer to align. I don't know if these aftermarket k-members get bumped out of alignment easier or what, hopefully one of the suspension expert will jump in with an explanation. I think they are just incompetent and BS'ing me, but its something to think about.
12-03-2010, 09:14 PM
#20
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 496
Re: Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
I've got a umi road race version with upper and lower a-arms, everything adjustable of coarse. I really like the weight reduction, the added room, and the good looks. One thing to consider is alignments.
One concern though. My local Firestone wants me to come in to get it aligned at least 4 times a year, even though I drive it less than 4,000 miles a year. I've got a lifetime alignment so it's not an issue, but if I don't get it aligned as often as they'd like me to, they try to tack on an extra charge because it supposedly takes longer to align. I don't know if these aftermarket k-members get bumped out of alignment easier or what, hopefully one of the suspension expert will jump in with an explanation. I think they are just incompetent and BS'ing me, but its something to think about.
One concern though. My local Firestone wants me to come in to get it aligned at least 4 times a year, even though I drive it less than 4,000 miles a year. I've got a lifetime alignment so it's not an issue, but if I don't get it aligned as often as they'd like me to, they try to tack on an extra charge because it supposedly takes longer to align. I don't know if these aftermarket k-members get bumped out of alignment easier or what, hopefully one of the suspension expert will jump in with an explanation. I think they are just incompetent and BS'ing me, but its something to think about.
12-03-2010, 09:57 PM
#21
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 1,830
Re: Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
That's what I was thinking, they probably just want me to drop off my car so they can take it on a joyride. So 4 times a year is probably excessive then, right. Do cars get out of alignment while sitting in storage.
12-04-2010, 03:07 PM
#23
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Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Marion,AR
Posts: 36
Re: Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
12-04-2010, 07:10 PM
#24
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: La Porte, IN
Posts: 833
Re: Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
I'm confused as to why no one has mentioned the actual feel of the suspension. My buddy and I were working on his Formula, did the entire front suspension. I don't know if it was all worn out and when we replaced it with the new stuff that's what I felt, but the handling DEFINATELY increased. Felt tighter, more solid, faster corners!
12-04-2010, 07:31 PM
#25
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 496
Re: Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
Definitely not. Is is no different than your car was stock. It should not need aligned much at all. Doubt it would need it once a year if it doesn't hardly get driven.
12-04-2010, 11:27 PM
#26
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Join Date: Dec 1969
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 4,950
Re: Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
I'm confused as to why no one has mentioned the actual feel of the suspension. My buddy and I were working on his Formula, did the entire front suspension. I don't know if it was all worn out and when we replaced it with the new stuff that's what I felt, but the handling DEFINATELY increased. Felt tighter, more solid, faster corners!
12-05-2010, 07:04 PM
#27
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 1,830
Re: Is it worth it to get a tubular K-member?
Or if you changed the caster/camber. I don't think I noticed too much from just the k-member and a-arms. I noticed more from the sway bars, shock/springs and strut tower brace.
Thanks guys!
12-14-2010, 12:11 PM
#30
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 176