Front C subframe removed
#1
Front C subframe removed
Well, having done lots of swatting up on the role of the c-subframe, I finally got around to removing this big lump of metal from the car and having driven for a couple of weeks now I can say it's dramatically improved the turn-in and steering response.
Was advised by some that it might upset the handling so I was somewhat cautious at first, however having given it a good caning on my usual twistys and RBs, I wish I'd done it years ago. Can go faster through corners on the back roads than before and only took about 5 minutes to remove as well. Only problem is that I'm going to have to improvise a fitting for the under tray... or stick to dry weather! Also can be less aggressive with the DCCD as the car is less understeery than before.
That plus a few other bits and it's 32kg off the car so far and counting, without compromising anything like AC or audio. On a mission to get 100kg off total but it's not easy. Battery to the boot and custom bumper beams next. Should get at least another 10kg off and improve the balance further.
Was advised by some that it might upset the handling so I was somewhat cautious at first, however having given it a good caning on my usual twistys and RBs, I wish I'd done it years ago. Can go faster through corners on the back roads than before and only took about 5 minutes to remove as well. Only problem is that I'm going to have to improvise a fitting for the under tray... or stick to dry weather! Also can be less aggressive with the DCCD as the car is less understeery than before.
That plus a few other bits and it's 32kg off the car so far and counting, without compromising anything like AC or audio. On a mission to get 100kg off total but it's not easy. Battery to the boot and custom bumper beams next. Should get at least another 10kg off and improve the balance further.
#4
#5
http://www.rallysportdirect.com/shop...me-p-3065.html
But since, IMO, the handling is far better than before I decided not to bother.
#7
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Now that could be viewed as if it is there check it. If not so what, think you may need to speak to a MOT tester as if it has to be there and you get stopped by the police for a vehicle check you could be in trouble. Also if it has to be there and you remove it and have an accident could the insurance refuse to pay out as it could be determined that it had a detrimental affect on the car?
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#8
Now that could be viewed as if it is there check it. If not so what, think you may need to speak to a MOT tester as if it has to be there and you get stopped by the police for a vehicle check you could be in trouble. Also if it has to be there and you remove it and have an accident could the insurance refuse to pay out as it could be determined that it had a detrimental affect on the car?
Stopped by the Police to check it?! No offence but are you stoned? (Is there an emoticon for a splif somewhere?)
Last edited by aXeL; 11 August 2010 at 11:53 PM.
#11
As long as your happy i guess that's the main thing
Immy
#13
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It will reduce the integrity of the alignment when pressing on through corners I guess it depends what you like and how the rest of the car is set up. The later cars have 6 point attachment where as the classics have only 4 point attachment. Locking mine out further on the classic with a 6 point uprated item. An unstable subframe is exactly what you don't want on the face of it, but if you like it cool. Personally I wouldn't recommend it
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thats what i reckon- they removed it from the spec c for weight, it cant effect things too much then could it?? any technical guru's on this one? lol. Axel what was your findingd on this subframe?
#17
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The U-subframe (as I think it's usually known) definitely is there for crash-protection. Specifically it's to minimize cabin-intrusion by the engine and so on in a frontal impact, so maybe not a mod you'd want to do on a daily-driver. Or fit a lightweight aftermarket for the best of both worlds.
#18
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By why bright orange ?
A nice anthracite or black fine, but not orange...
LOL
dunx
P.S. Do it on a track car, I'd rather not for a road car thanks !
A nice anthracite or black fine, but not orange...
LOL
dunx
P.S. Do it on a track car, I'd rather not for a road car thanks !
#20
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Looks like the U frame is on blobs/hawks but has 2 x extra M12 x77 Bolts fitted over the early bugeyes,
http://opposedforces.com/parts/impreza/I find this site really useful for bits like this
#21
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Are we talking about this thing?
IIRC there was about 10 bolts to remove this from the car. If you are I may well remove it and fit the H-Brace that's currently sat in my garage
IIRC there was about 10 bolts to remove this from the car. If you are I may well remove it and fit the H-Brace that's currently sat in my garage
#22
With regard to the crash protection, my first Mk1, I hit a tree stump square very hard and completely 'stoved' the front end in. There was no 'visible' damage to the cabin or firewall and my only injury was from the airbag (If one is wearing short sleeves when an airbag goes off they may be in for a surprise!). Since the car had no similar sub-frame this is why I was less concerned about removing it from my Blob.
#23
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http://www.zerospec.com/gtspec-subfr...za-p-4890.html
Yes Jon thats the kiddie,
If you look at the link you can see its designed to do 2 jobs as mentioned, the crash protection section and the front arms support,
they arent cheap though.
Yes Jon thats the kiddie,
If you look at the link you can see its designed to do 2 jobs as mentioned, the crash protection section and the front arms support,
they arent cheap though.
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I know the price, I looked at the perrin stuff a while back. Whilst a standard H-brace won't offer the same stiffness as the c-frame, if it is considered excess weight on the Spec-C I see that removing it and fitting the H-brace will leave me in a better situation than standard Spec-C owners
#26
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Just got this months Total Impreza and there's an article on ARBs and front anti-lift kit. In the article Scoobyclinic suggest that the c-frame only offers minimal structural rigidity and is designed for crash resistance as mentioned earlier and is often disposed of
#29
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Picking one of these up tomorrow, I did actually fancy the front cross member frame but decided to pass atm...
http://www.zerospec.com/front-subfra...13404deda7d6e4
http://www.zerospec.com/front-subfra...13404deda7d6e4