Benefits of boxed frame?

[Yanchik]

Doing research on A-body suspension, I've often heard the term "boxed frame" and always overlooked it. After some more reading, what I understand is that it makes the frame more rigid and allows less bending under load. In theory, this would improve handling.

My question is, has anyone installed the Speedtech (or any other brand) frame brace kit on their car? Was there a noticeable change in the cars handling capabilities?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[raustinss]

Tony at ABCperformance.net is the man to talk to ... used to work in gm engineering . He is the only person I know who developed his own kit and verified it by sonic testing if the frame before and after . I have a special one of hpi customs frame brace kit but after dealing with them I wouldn't recommend them to anyone . Speedtech has their kit which is very similar to the hpi kit.

[krom]

I'm installing the Helwig kit, but won't be able to give an honest comparo since so many other things are being changed along the way

http://www.hellwigproducts.com/products/street-performance-product-line/frame-fx-by-hellwig/

[65 drop top]

You will not feel a night and day difference by just boxing the frame on a stock car, but once you upgrade the suspension and add bigger, stickier tires you will. You want to allow those new parts to work to their full potential, anything you can do to help keep the car flat and prevent it from twisting is a good idea. While you’re under the car, it’s a good time to check the body bushings as well. If they are still originals or rubber, now would be a good time to upgrade to polyeurathane bushings.

[Yanchik]

Tony at ABCperformance.net is the man to talk to ... used to work in gm engineering . He is the only person I know who developed his own kit and verified it by sonic testing if the frame before and after . I have a special one of hpi customs frame brace kit but after dealing with them I wouldn't recommend them to anyone . Speedtech has their kit which is very similar to the hpi kit.

Thank you for the heads up!

- - - Updated - - -


I'm installing the Helwig kit, but won't be able to give an honest comparo since so many other things are being changed along the way

http://www.hellwigproducts.com/products/street-performance-product-line/frame-fx-by-hellwig/

Aw man :( I'd still like to hear your butt dyno thoughts after the installation

[Yanchik]

You will not feel a night and day difference by just boxing the frame on a stock car, but once you upgrade the suspension and add bigger, stickier tires you will. You want to allow those new parts to work to their full potential, anything you can do to help keep the car flat and prevent it from twisting is a good idea. While you’re under the car, it’s a good time to check the body bushings as well. If they are still originals or rubber, now would be a good time to upgrade to polyeurathane bushings.

Thank you for the info! And thats a good point as well. Ill have to change out the old body bushings.

[RobNoLimit]

we have some experience with the Helwig kits. They fit well and there is an improvement.

As we push the classics with sticky tires and HP, keep the history in mind. These cars, and thus chassis design, came out in '63. So, they had to be in production in '61/'62. That means development and testing was in '60/'61, and, actual design started back in '58/'59. (and, realize that this basic platform was the same well into the 70's) Even a forward looking engineer saw 200 HP, and 14" bias ply tires. Chassis were designed to flex somewhat, to make the smoother and reduce NVH. Also, for cost management, chassis had evolved to mostly two dimensional 'ladder' style platforms (not very rigid) Now, with better tires, shocks and suspension designs, we want the chassis to be rigid, so that the suspension can be more accurate. The best way would be to make the chassis three dimensional (full cage) But, that may not be reasonable. So, boxing the chassis, adding X bracing and crossmembers, fully welding the OE base, and adding strength to the suspension mounting points all add up. Don't worry about weight here. The chassis is down low, so adding weight here isn't so bad.

[csouth]

Tony at ABCperformance.net is the man to talk to ... used to work in gm engineering . He is the only person I know who developed his own kit and verified it by sonic testing if the frame before and after . I have a special one of hpi customs frame brace kit but after dealing with them I wouldn't recommend them to anyone . Speedtech has their kit which is very similar to the hpi kit.

What issues did you have with them? This has been on my list... You can PM me if you want..

[raustinss]

What issues did you have with them? This has been on my list... You can PM me if you want..

My fingers will get sore. ...how about a phone call

[andrewb70]

I'm installing the Helwig kit, but won't be able to give an honest comparo since so many other things are being changed along the way

http://www.hellwigproducts.com/products/street-performance-product-line/frame-fx-by-hellwig/

If you want to see what is involved in the Helwig installation, I did a video of an install on my buddy Tom's 70 GTO frame. The video is for reference only and not meant to demonstrate proper shop safety...LOL


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li8UP_RR9ug

Andrew

[gnx7]

I did the ABC Performance kit on my Chevelle as well as a full cage. I'm sure it made a big difference.

Easy to install even with the body on the frame.

[csouth]

My fingers will get sore. ...how about a phone call

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