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Author: Subject: using donor car subframes
wrnchbndr

posted on 15/12/09 at 07:35 PM Reply With Quote
using donor car subframes

My icon should say "ULTRA NOOBIE" but from a conceptual standpoint do people ever utilize entire sections of the donor car's subframe? For example, My 2000 Camaro's front and rear subframes are entirely removeable from the chassis with little cutting involved. Less the engine and suspension components, the assembly would be very easy to articulate and modify. My guess is that the motor mounts need to be moved to the rear but in the end, all of my suspension could be utilized and the general geometry would be intact or at least easily manipulated to address the end resulting wheelbase. I also then can maintain the use of OEM and aftermarket Camaro parts. Its understood that this subframe would need reinforcement but that would be comparatively easy. What is in my favor is that the 4th generation Camaros have the engine mounted significantly further back and lower than the earlier generations and the axis of the front wheels is probably nearly 12" in front of the engine block. The engine position just might be fine as it is. If everything is acceptable as far as position, it would be a monumental savings of time, thought and resorces. Is this ever done successfully or is this a shortcut that generally doesn't work?





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tegwin

posted on 15/12/09 at 09:30 PM Reply With Quote
A few have done so, most notibly the Robinhood uses the ford sierra rear subframe complete with trailing arms...

However, the parts are usually not lightweight or "sporty"... and are invariably not suited to a lightweight sports car application...

The effort involved in integrating a "subframe" into any homebuilt car IMHO is NOT worth the hassle... its easier to buy new steel and make a purpose built frame than try to hack about with some old rusty parts!

Its not to say it cant or shouldnt be done... but I personally wouldnt!





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blakep82

posted on 15/12/09 at 09:51 PM Reply With Quote
i think you may struggle to make the car look like a 7 if thats what you really want





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wrnchbndr

posted on 16/12/09 at 02:24 AM Reply With Quote
Sorry folks but I daydream a lot. Additional research has shown that my subframes are built from sheetmetal as a spaceframe and any such attempt would be a mess.





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RK

posted on 16/12/09 at 02:50 AM Reply With Quote
I think, and take everything I say with a bit of caution, it would weigh a million pounds, which is about what you'd end up spending too.
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