Speedtech / DSE X Member option

[Ben@SpeedTech]

We have a '69 Camaro in the shop getting a full drive train swap and it happens to have a DSE front sub frame already in it. If you're familiar with the DSE frame swap their old transmission X member consists of a weld in bracket and a smaller bracket that bolts to it. Here's a shot of the weld-in portion...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/t56xmember01_zps97dae540-1.jpg

We've had several folks ask if an ATS adjustable trans cross member fits a DSE frame and this car gave us the opportunity to try one out. All bolt holes line up perfectly, there is plenty of clearance for exhaust and the ATS crossmember is adjustable to allow the installation of most any GM transmission as well as a T-56 and TKO. The ATS x-member isn't new but we thought we'd share our findings as a trans x-member option for the DSE frame. You can check out more at www.speedtechperformance.com (http://www.speedtechperformance.com)

[Ben@SpeedTech]

More Pics...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/t56xmember05_zps7ce49bbd-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/t56xmember03_zpsaff2409e-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/t56xmember02_zpsc0a5dc14-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/t56xmember04_zps0b57d433-1.jpg

[parsonsj]

Good stuff, Ben. Does it clear the factory floor?

[Ben@SpeedTech]

We had some clearance issues with the ATS member and the DSE bracket that is already in there so unfortunately we couldn't install everything in the car. The "arms" on the ATS member line up with the factory recesses in the floor pan so as long as you're not deleting the body bushings it should do the trick. Looks like the engine is set back a bit, I believe DSE offers 2 engine placement positions, so this must be the rearward position.

Thanks for asking! :)

[rchaskin]

These crosmembers fit like a glove.....

Did you guys change the plate that the trans mounts to?
It looks like it has a small section bent 90 degrees down.
My trans mount plate is totally flat.

I was going to add this stiffener to mine.

Thanks.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Yes, we've updated the design with the drop and use thicker material now. Glad to hear yours is doing well.

Love yer car!

[Tom Welch]

A well designed and constructed part that fits. What else could one ask? We have one mounted to a stock sub in a 67 Firebird. This one part solved several fitment issues on this particular build.

[71RS/SS396]

Good stuff, Ben. Does it clear the factory floor?

Jon, the ears coming off the sub frame that have the slots touch the floor with the half height bushings but a little love with a belt sander does the trick.

[EFI69Cam]

I'm a bit curious about the change in design to make it stiffer.
I have the ATS crossmember and a DSE frame. When I mocked up my BBC it seemed to move down quite a bit when the drivetrain was installed. With a LS and T56 do I need to worry?

[Ben@SpeedTech]

You should be ok. In some cases you may need to shim the trans up a bit to get the correct pinion angle, a lot of that depends on what frame you're using and how much of the tunnel you plan to modify to make it all work.