US Car Tool A518 Cross member

Ronald C. said

Old thread I know, but curious if you still think the swap was worth the sacrifice.

I’ve seen some “post” concerns about removing that much meat from the cross member. And they also comment that the A518 isnt suitable for to much torque. I’m highly interested in this mod for a 360 (400+hp est.) I’m building for my 74 Dart Sport, and think with a few upgrades to the A518, this is a good option. Buttttt, I’m equally concerned about cutting the floor for a tranny that won’t likely withstand the HP and Torque.

Would welcome any feedback and updates on how yours is holding up......

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I understand you concerns about cutting the crossmemeber. My opinion on the matter is you have to look at the car as a whole and not just localized in that area. You still have the firewall, floor pan and roof structure. The best compensation for removing the center tunnel ware the pictures FABO members posted below.

One added subframe connectors and structural driveshaft hoop pictured below. And the other shortened the height of the tunnel channel leaving it entact but shorter. I think both Strategies will help control localized flexing of the sheetmetal in the tunnel to keep the spot welds in that area from tearing. I’m going to do both. This is just my opinion and I’m not engineer.