I would like to add sub frame connectors to my FB. I want my FB to handle better but maybe even more then that I HATE RATTLES. I would like to hear the pros and cons from those of you who have made this addition. Weld on or Bolt on? Do they fit prettty snug to the bottom of the car? What if any problems did or have you had? Do they really make a difference?



Black '01 Formula. K&N, Flowmaster. All options except TC.

 

weld

 

Definitely weld on if you're concerned about longetivity. The bolt holes used on the frame of the car are not really designed to handle the stress that a set of bolt on SFCs will cause.

I won't necessarily say that SFCs will eliminate rattles. In my case, I got a new rattle from the install every time hit a bump.

 

I'm not looking for the SFC to eliminate rattles. I'm looking at it as a preventative measure. I've only got 16K miles and so far rattle free (knock on wood).

 

I'm going against the grain here, bolt-on SFC's work great.

Al

 

weld on.. they make the car handle much better. I was very happy with mine..

 

IMO, bolt ons are good if you just want a simple addition and never really drive your car hard, but like I said - the mounting holes used are NOT designed to handle that type of lateral stress. Over a couple years, the holes will begin to widen and it be difficult to keep the SFCs tight (defeating their purpose).

I really recommend if you have bolt ons, get them welded in place.

FWIW, I have BMR tubular weld ons and like them. They make some difference in handling.

 

Hmmmm, well we installed a set on a friends SS a little over two years ago and there as tight as the day we installed them, I can't say for sure how many miles he's put on them but it's probably well over 15K, he also drives his car hard.

Here's some food for thought, a weld is only as good as the welder and I've seen some pictures posted of some nasty looking welds.

 

the bolt-on subframes will work just fine. not to mention if you ever want to take them off someday, its no problem.

 

nother vote for the Weld's

 

I bought a set of Hotchkis SFC's for my 98 convertible and had to send them back. Convertibles come equipped with welded SFC's.

But back to the point.....I've heard that the bolt-on's are the least desirable a/c the bolt holes will eventually elongate from stress and develope rattles.

 

Is it possible to get the bolt-on's and then weld them later? This would give you the ability to remove them until welding.

 

DARK AGE 53, is right on the money, bolt-on is the way to go.

I have the SLP units installed, and they have tightend up the car considerably. Unless you plan to do alot of radical autocrossing, bolt ons will work just fine.

You also can remove bolt ons, or weld them in for extra strength.

SteveC

 

I got the boltins myself, that way if i wanna take em off I can og get them welded I can later. From what i've seen, the SLP weld ins are the same as the bolt ins without the bolt hardware. Get the boltins and if you really like them and wanna keep the car for a long time, weld them in.

 

if the bolt holes in the subframe connectors enlongate over time, why dont the bolt holes for the lower control arms, which are in MUCH thinner steel, lengthen over time?

bolt ons are nice if you wnat to do it yourself.

weld ons are probably gonna need Pro install unless you have a welder and sme way to get the car high enough to weld while simultaneously loading the chassis. you HAVE to have the chassis loaded when installing.