Charlie Jourdain
Member
What are folks experiences with subframe connectors? I assume they are necessary for putting a 440 in a 67 barracuda. Probably the first modification I will make.
subframe connectors
- Thread starter Charlie Jourdain
- Start date
-
Necessary for putting a 440 in a Barracuda? Well, they came from the factory in '69 with 440 and no subframe connectors. Are they a good idea? You bet
I bet they had 4 torque boxes though. That was Ma Mopar's idea of chassis stiffening. Along with the double reinforced rockers on the convertibles.
yeah, they bragged how the unibody was structurally stronger than full frame cars.
I highly recommend US Car Tools subframe connectors and torque boxes. The difference in the rigidity of the car is amazing. Like the original subframes they are a 3 sided box with the floor pan making up the 4th side of the box. They are integral to the unibody and require no modification of the original body parts, like cutting through the back seat floor wells and tuck up nicely under he car.
Not necessary perhaps, but probably a wise addition. Especially considering the car is now over 50 years old. Hell I'd add subframe connectors to myself if I could. LOL
Divenut
Well-Known Member
Best $36 I spent on my Duster. Really no down side other than a few added lbs.
Pat
Pat
Charlie;
Mancini Racing is your best source for subframe conns.
The Cuda/Dart connectors are different than the Duster.
And Mancini is the only people who will tell you that.
Everybody else will sell you the Dusters.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connectors are mostly used for race conditions. Just because you run a 440 doesn't necessarily mean you will need them. A hotly warmed over 440 used for Street & Strip: YES.
A stock 440: NOPE.
Some Racers who build 10 or more point roll cages say you do not need them. I disagree on that.
Mancini Racing is your best source for subframe conns.
The Cuda/Dart connectors are different than the Duster.
And Mancini is the only people who will tell you that.
Everybody else will sell you the Dusters.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connectors are mostly used for race conditions. Just because you run a 440 doesn't necessarily mean you will need them. A hotly warmed over 440 used for Street & Strip: YES.
A stock 440: NOPE.
Some Racers who build 10 or more point roll cages say you do not need them. I disagree on that.
dicksmidlac
Well-Known Member
Us cartool connectors!A bit of work but well worth it.
Daves69
Well-Known Member
Well worth it.
Consider your exhaust options when/if you decide on front torque boxes.
plumkrazee70
Well-Known Member
Never heard this before... I bought the US car tool ones and they fit the floor about perfect and I have a 70 dart
Duster ones are shorter, 108 inch wheelbase, 111 inch for Dart.
Jim Lusk
Well-Known Member
Make your own, but I never installed them in my old '67 Dart GT hardtop. The car never felt like it flexed. It had a stock 440 backed by an 18-spline four speed and 3.23SG 8-34 with NO traction aids. When we put that drive train in my son's '67 convertible we put the connectors in before the drive train. I have seen the results of body flex in my 340 GTS convertible, which will not get connectors due to its rarity. My Barracuda convertible also got connectors prior to engine install (440/727).
golden boy
Well-Known Member
welded 1 x 2 x .125 rec tube overlapping the front and rear subframes on mine.super easy, cheap, huge improvement in body integrity. no need to remove interior for install. provides a channel to run wiring, fuel lines, etc . some precautions necessary here tho. Safety first.
j par
Well-hung Member
I've said this a million times on subframe connector threads.. by the time you spend $200 on some powder coated supposed Bolton prefab subframe connectors you could buy the metal stock welder a helmet and gloves.. the time you drill all the holes in the subframe areas to put them in you've almost done more work.. turns out even after you bolt them they need to be welded anyways to make them stiff and part of the frame which ruins the fancy powder coating... Generally the Steelyard will make your Ruff Cuts for you when you buy a stick of stock.. if you drive your front tires up on ramps and Jack car up from the back and put the jack stand under the rear axle you pretty much at the driving stance...
it's called a walker!Not necessary perhaps, but probably a wise addition. Especially considering the car is now over 50 years old. Hell I'd add subframe connectors to myself if I could. LOL
Lots of good information here and these 5 pages are just the threads that have "subframe" in the title. Search Results for Query: subframe | For A Bodies Only Mopar Forum
Probably a wise choice. I added them to my Dart Sport and I'm here to tell ya they DO make a difference. I noticed it as soon as I backed out of the garage and onto the street.
As has been said, make your own, very inexpensive and easy to do.
Great information, especially about making them longer than the "store bought" ones. Makes a ton more sense
-
