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benefits of subframe connectors?

9

98TredSVT

Veteran CEG'er
Joined
Apr 26, 2007
Messages
540
Location
Plainfield, IL
What is the benefit of these? They are just pieces of metal that connect the front subframe to the rear subframe? My front subframe is in great condition, but my rear subframe has some rust on it, would it still be weldable? Can you still purchase subframe connectors, if so where?
 
They're designed to attach the car's monocoque structure to the subframe, causing the car to move more as one unit. I've never considered them for the Contour SVT, as the platform is plenty nimble as is.

However, when I was pouring all kinds of money into my SHO project car a short while back, I had a set of SFC's on the shelf with plans to weld them in. I had other irons in the fire, but one thing that irked me was that they damn near block off all access to the fuel filter -- not a part I'm willing to leave unchanged for long intervals. That said, I never bothered with them. Though that's specific to the SHO, and not the Contour, I'm still not overly interested in them, especially for a car in street dress that's not being raced. I bet you could put that money toward very thorough maintenance, and ensure that the car is performing at its best and achieve an ultimately more valuable result.
 
i totally disagree with your post, laurasvt.

besides my turbo kit, this was THE BEST MODIFICATION for this car. if i had a bone stock contique, this would be my only modifications because it totally changes the characteristics of the car. the car is nimble yes, but the entire unibody constrction is not perfect by any means. when you go over any bumbs, broken pavement, or speedbumps (especially if your car is lower) you can hear and feel the entire car flex; thats what its supposed to do. with sfc's, your car automatically feels better, more stable, quiter, much much more composed then stock. also, if you plan on running a battery relocation kit, you can use the sfc's to send the wires back to the battery. in addition, the sfc's are a superb mod because it enables you to jack up your car at any point under the side-skirts. means alot to me if i am stranded at night on the side of the freeway without a flashlight and need to find a jack-point.

$150 + 60 for install; thats not alot of cash for what you get out of it.

your rusty subframe should be cool, iirc the subframe connectors dont connect to the actual subframe.
 
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so do they make the car handle better? Besdides giving it a better "feel" do they actually offer any better handling characteristics?
 
98TredSVT said:
so do they make the car handle better? Besdides giving it a better "feel" do they actually offer any better handling characteristics?
Click to expand...

in my experience, the turn-in at slow speeds and cruising on the highway is when its most noticable because the car is so much more compliant (more firm) then stock.
 
yes, they will make the car handle considerably better. they do not interfere with ANY part of the car whatsoever. they are welded to body of the car, right behind your side skirts and are about just as long.

i did the group buy on these about two years ago and i still have some left. PM me if youre interested.
 
Also provide a nice place to jack the car from. Finding a good place to install is the tricky part. Wheels need to support the car so you need a drive on lift.
 
completely agree with 111R, best mod ever. Completely changed the handling characteristics of the car. After 7 years of owning the car, I had to completely relearn its handling [trust me, I've since gone through and done every bit of suspension work possible on the car and none of it impacted the handling characteristics of the connectors, this includes the d2's]. Almost totalled my car the first day turning out of work, car dove into the turn so much quicker than I was use to, I almost took a 2 foot median head on. Also I let a fellow member drag my car and drive it around a bit when it was still a stock suspension [other than a st200 rsb and the connectors on very tired struts/springs], he found it a much stiffer ride than his konis.

And yes, being able to jack up your car blindly [and safely] is its main selling point, LOVE IT!

one small note about the design from the GB, box in the rear mounts! I'm sorry but thats a huge design flaw.
 
I thought they were an excellent mod as well, especially at the price. I absolutely felt a difference, and have posted my reviews before.
 
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