Mikehorne

Just bought a 2001 wrx bugeye with a fairly rotten lower subframe (the u shaped one at the very bottom),

I've read a couple of threads that have suggested that I could just take it off? Has any one done this?

Is there an upgrade frame I could just bolt on??

_Viktor

as you have used the search I will just repeat what you have already read....

yes you can take it off... but you wont be able to fit the plastic undertray. Someone comes on these threads n says they have an 'alternative' method of fitting undertray without U frame but too full of self to share with others.

a new OEM part from Subaru is near 500ukp

in the US I think I found a shop selling a 'uprated' frame abuot 700USD + shipping.. but its unknown how much it add to the handling as removing it apparently make no difference to handling.!!

I got a 2nd hand item from a breakers that was in good shape n Dinitrol treated it

Vik

Mikehorne

Cheers vic I'll source a 2nd hand one and whip off the old one in the meantime!!

_Viktor

Mike,

in this weather, leave the old on on until your replacement is ready to go on.
If you get a 2nd hand item n clean it up n Dinitrol it.

this way your bay wont get full of winter crap off the road.

Vik

krisando

iTrader: (2)

Mate,

I had the same problem. Purchased a second hand replacement (Next to new though) from jap performance parts, speak to Saj, got it for £160 inc delivery, had my local specialists fit it as the old one was goosed.

Mikehorne

I've been offered one from a breaker up north for £40+postage...sounds too good to be true I think I'll ask for a photo first!!!

They look pretty easy to fit though??

krisando

iTrader: (2)

Not sure TBH, my mechanic said it's what holds the car together, not something I would like to try

Mikehorne

It looks a reasonably flimsy part but I'll keep the original on till the replacement arrives...like the sound of someone else doing the work though!!

_Viktor

Krisando... its not structural in that sense.
if you are asking about this bit
here

its not a subframe as such,
when removing. undo all except the back 2 and 1 near the front.
loosen the back 2 about 2 turns
now beging to remove the last long front bolt, you will now see where it is still attacked to the body via some plastic 'bits'
remove these.
remove the last front bolt whilt supporting the front of the frame.
once the front bolt is out, you can pull the frame towards you and it will drop off the rear 2 bolts, they are not in 'holes' as such but U shaped recess at the back of the frame.
you can just make them out in the pic.

install is the reverse.
wind in the rear 2 bolts, offer frame up to rear bolts and slot bolts into U recess,
raise front of frame and fit a bolt near the front, the frame will now sit there on its own whilst you fit the other bolts.

took me longer to get the car on the ramps that to remove the bloody frame

Vik

krisando

iTrader: (2)

It is that bit, and the garage I use have been repairing subaru's and building them for rallying for years, believe me when I say that they are the MOST trusted guys I've known.

I was under the car with him when he showed me the state of my old one, if that went I'd have had a rather unpleasant experience!

Thanks for the info though

_Viktor

I have no doubt that you trust the guys there....

but the part is not required and nothing would occour if it rotted all the way through..
I was and other do still driving without mine for a couple of months... its not a stressed chassis member.. its to help in the event of a front end crash.

some people even claim that the car handles better without it, but I could not feel any difference so dont subscribe to this line of thought.

Vik

Turbotits

iTrader: (2)

As above ive had that part remove two years or more. In my opinion make for a better handleing car. Mines a track as well as road car

Mikehorne

It looks pretty non structural to me just a fixing point for the plastic belly pan anyway.