Hotchkis subframe connects that require no pan cutting?

[Chad-1stGen]

Hey all,

What do you guys think of these subframe connectors that don't require cutting the floor pan? I've got a 68 Camaro that I took over the restoration on. The car is far enough in the assembly process that I don't want to cut the floor pan. I believe it was hotchkis that I read about who makes a set of sub frame connects that doesn't reqire cutting and wanted to get some feedback.

Thanks!

[68Formula]

I'm sure others will have other opinions, but my thoughts...

Pros:

Little fabrication skills necessary.
Easily return the car to stock if desired.
Subframe can easily be seperated for maintenance.


Cons:

Not as supportive
Will hang lower (aesthetics and possibly ground clearance issues)

[68firebird]

I don't have any feedback on the hotchkis ones, but global west also makes some that weld into the rear subframe and bolt up in the front, and you don't have to cut your floor pans. I ordered a set last week along with the solid body mounts for my 68 firebird.

[Chad-1stGen]

Hrm, hadn't thought of ground clearence issues.

Let us know how you like the global west ones.

[68firebird]

Here's a link to an article in chevy high performance on the installation of the global west connectors. there's a picture of it when its complete, not the best picture, but they don't look like they hang down too far, at least not enough to cause major clearance problems.

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/howto/68238/

[68Formula]

Here's a really nice shot:

http://firstgenfirebird.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=26;t=000404

[Madspeed]

I put a set of Globalwest sub conectors on a 66 mustang fastback
at the customers request and supplyd parts

My opinnion is they are Sh@# they hang low and have a bend in them to come back up to the rear spring mounts. A straight tube has some strength but a Bent one?

Go with the DSE conectors they are WAY better and actually do somthing to strengthen the car. And they dont hang low

IMO global west needs a new engeneer. their front susp setup for that same mustang was a Joke tjhe car has horrible bumpsteer ( I mean like over 1 inch ) the car feels horribly squirrly on the fwy over bumps

GL Ken F

[6'9"Witha69]

THE GW Subframe connectors work very well.

[Steve1968LS2]

THE GW Subframe connectors work very well.

Yep, the GW units require no cutting of the floors either and work very well. Also, they hug the floor and really don't hurt clearance. I would think the Hotchkis units work about the same.

The weld in and cut the foor types are most likely stiffer BUT you are 1. cutting your car and 2. if you have pull your front subframe its a PITA.

Both systems have their pros and thier cons...

[cykotic]

I think the connectors from 21st century are much better.