Andy McCord

click

and again





[Edited by Andy McCord - 6/4/2003 4:02:50 PM]

SPEN555

Keep thinking about trying to save some weight on the STi8.

The 'C' Spec comes with no subframe. Looking on Subaru Japan website this looks like a sizeable item and likely to weigh 20+kgs.

As far as I can see the subframe is a safety feature.

Can the subframe be removed easily? Is it just bolted to the chassis and what are the ramifications of removing it?

The classic shape scoob had no subframe so I can't any major issues by removing it or am I missing something?

Damian.

MorayMackenzie

Hi there,

I hope you are meaning to say Undertray or something like that. The subframe is the bit that stops the engine, steering assembly and a few other bits from falling onto the ground!

Moray

SPEN555

Moray,

What is it they remove on the 'C' Spec then?

MorayMackenzie

It won't be the subframe, unless they replace it with a lighter one. It probably won't have an undertray, which is just a plastic tray to help avoid water etc splashing on the underside of the engine.

Give us a link to a page where they show whats been removed and we may be able to spot whats missing.

SPEN555

I don't have translation access at work but there is mention of it somewhere under the 'C' Spec details.

http://www.subaru.co.jp/impreza/sedan/06/06_02.html

sorry, don't know how to do 'clickies'

Also,

The 'Spec C' is the ultimate performance version of the STI range, improving performance can be done by either increasing power or reducing weight. The Spec C applied both. It cuts 90kg from the 'Spec C' by eliminating front sub frames, by thinning roof panel, boot lid and windows, and by ditching luxury equipment such as air conditioning. At 1310kg, it is 120kg lighter than a "regular" Sti. Weight distribution has also been carefully thought about with the larger intercooler water spray container now beginning fitted behind the rear seat panel.


This is taken from;

http://www.litchfieldimports.co.uk/subaru/stijapc.html

From memory this is essentially the Japanese translated into english.

Might be a crap translation. Makes me laugh when it translates the passenger seat from Japanese and in English calls it the suicide seat.

SPEN555

Cheers Andy.

MorayMackenzie

Well, on looking at those, the subframe bit might be refering to a frame to improve crash strength. It certainly won't be the same subframe that supports the engine etc.

LitchfieldImports

As Moray says they have changed the front crash test structure. This part does not carry any weight.

Iain
www.litchfieldimports.co.uk

SPEN555

Well that puts that to bed then.

Pete Croney

The STi 01-03 has a large frame around the bottom of the engine bay, a sort of square shaped U affair that goes forward from the wishbone locations and across, under the rad.

AFAIK it is only for crash protection as it doesn't look substantial enough to act as a lower strut brace.

Removing it would certainly save some front end weight, which should aid turn in.

Creepy

We done that also on my mates car !!!!
Works excellent as that frame has no other purpose then crash protection...!

Creepy

Paul_M

How much does that weigh though? is it worth it if you end up killing yourself in a crash? i could see the point if it were a racing car with roll cage etc but i'd take a rigid chassis over things like airbags on a road car any day!

SPEN555

Cheers for that Pete,

That pieces together a number of different things mixing around in my head which by your comments make complete sense and tie together.

(1).I presume this extra frame was added to get through the stringent crash test requirements in the USA. From memory it sailed through and came top or near the top.

(2). The 'C' Spec has this removed which gives better steering feel along with corresponding weight loss due to the removal of the frame.

(3). This was not fitted on the classic shape scoob (can't remember where I read that) so I consider it to be not an essential safety item.

I can't see it being a problem if it is removed professionally and the geometry set to take account of it. From a safety perspective the new shape chassis has a built in roll cage or that was one of it's safety selling points when it first came out.

I too would like to know how much this frame weighs? Anybody able to advise?

Damian.