I am ordering sub-frame connectors in addition to a few other mods. I was going to order bolt-on subframe connectors from SLP, but today I was informed by a friend that weld-ons are much better. Does anyone here have any input? The bolt ons are 100 more i believe.........it would just seem they would be easier to install and consequently less money for installation. Also, do subframes have any effect on E.T.? Any responses would be greatly appreciated!

-Matt-

 

Weld-on!

 

People say weld ons are stronger because the bolts on the bolt ons can actually back off after time. I've never heard of it happening to anyone, but imo, go with the weld ons. Once they're installed (correctly) you'll never have to worry about them again.

edit: Ok, more answers.

I got my weld ons installed for $50. If you can get a price like that, it may save you some. I wouldn't pay over $75 to have it done.

SFCs are more of a handling mod. They do help with weight transfer though, so it's possible you may see better 60' times. I'm not sure if I did or not, didn't really test it at the track. Definatly a worthy mod.

 

A question I have is when your SFC were installed, did the shop pull up the carpet to keep from causing a fire ?? I was told by a couple of shops that say it is a necessity to have the carpet pulled out before welding them in.. Eventhough I have seen on both Horsepower TV on TNN and Popular Hot Rodding TV, weld on some SFC on a Rustang and they did not pull the carpet.. As soon as I can, I will order some Weld In SFCs and just use my Mig welder to weld them in..

Charlie

 

weld- ons

find a cheaper company.

for most street and average strip you don't need the bigger heavier diamond style.

look into BMR they have tubular weld ins for $130...and boxed for $150

and a choice of colors...

 

I went with the BMR tubular ones, you won't notice a difference between the tubular and boxed of any kind. They all serve the same purpose.

The guy that welded them on for me did not pull up the carpet, and the numerous people around my area that also had sfcs welded on didn't pull up the carpet either. If you goto a experienced welder, you will have no problem, and no reason to pull up the carpet.

 

Go with BMR weld-on SFCs, with boxed or tubular being your choice. Excellent quality and pricing.

Also, I've had SFCs welded on to both of my V8 F-Bodies, and neither time did the welder pull the carpet up. If they're good and have common sense, then they can do it that way.

 

I also vote for the weld on ones instead of bolt ons.

As for the carpeting, that is just a precautionary measure to pull up the carpeting. As others have said, it can be done with it. My car was done without pulling the carpet and I had no problems.

It might be that the mounting locations on the F-body are in a better location than some other cars, cause Ive never heard of any F-bodies catching their carpet on fire when welding SFCs in.

 

Weld for sure. I just had mine installed on Sat, and the carpet was not pulled back. I went with BMR boxed and lost ZERO ground clearance. They tuck up super nice.

 

I have my SLP SFC weld ons in my closet. since most of you wh replied have weld ons, how did you go about painting them or did you not paint them. cause slp's instructions say to install then paint. others have told me to paint them then paint over the welds. im so confused

 

I guess I'll defend the bolt-ons. I mulled this over for months but finally decided on the bolt-ons. One reason was that I haven't found a good shop to take my car to so I was a little worried about getting a less than perfect install. Also, I like to do as much of my own work as possible and the install turned out to be quite easy. I also like the way the boxed SFCs meet in the middle at the Y-pipe (shield) bracket. It's a pretty sturdy 3-point connection. I can't imagine these things going anywhere. I may even decide to have them spot welded one day. I won't rant and rave about the difference in the ride... everyone knows the deal there.

In case anyone's interested, I got them from SpectacleSolutions- Powder coated black. Thanks to rncotton for the additional insight.

 

I would definitely go weld on. My father does welding and I used to help him when I was a kid and we touched up some beautiful classics with no problem. We replaced metal and made it look like it was always there.

the only precaution I see is making sure you find a trustworthy guy cause any idiot will tell you they know how to weld. We hired a guy to do some basic welding on an 81 berlinetta we were restoring and although he was doing pretty good with the big stuff, when it came to the floor boards he hit a gas line and thank god we pulled the tank a head of time and the only thing that happened was a quick flame shot out either end of the lines. If we werent so busy we would have never hired the guy but there was just too muchg to be done.

the carpet pulling is just a precaution. In case you encounter an idiot who accidentally burns through the sheet metal floor boards, but then u got a bigger problem on ur hands then just the install.

 

Cool thanks for replies, I will get a weld on set for my car but before I even install them, I will make sure I have more practice with my Mig Welder.. Right at the moment, I am using innersheild wire untill I get the cash to pay out $ 220 for a bottle that is filled w/ argon/co2 (75%/25%).. I just cannot see renting a bottle for the fact that I have to put $ 100 down and $ 7.50 a month for rental or just buy the bottle for $ 172 and the gas is $ 40... Then welding in my patch panels on my 68 C10 will be no problem and the sfcs should not be a problem either for my camaro..

Charlie