SFC Installation - Lift by wheels or frame?

[Mr Anonymous]

I've seen a number of posts and articles about SFC (Sub-Frame Connector) installation, and they seem to be split 50/50 on whether to install them with the wheels unloaded/hanging loose (lifted by the frame), or pre-loaded (lifted by the wheels).

I'm looking for opinions on the pros/cons of each way, and your own experiences.

Last, any opinions on whose SFC's are best (in terms of construction, quality, etc.) would be appreciated as well.

Thanks!

 

[luigisho]

I did mine lifting from the frame. I would lift by the wheels if I did it again. I found out after the install that a previous owner had been rear ended and the frame wasn't as "true" as an unmolested frame. So my car is tweaked more than I would like. This topic has gone back and forth several times. Flip a coin.

Toolman here sells a really nice set. If he doesn't have any I'd recommend Nook at prosuspension.com. He sells good stuff at reasonable prices. Good guy too.

 

[RStalveyARFF]

I had mine installed on a drive on lift. I'd go with that again and again as it just enhances your current driving characteristics. You're playing with fire by welding the car in a flexed position.

 

[SHOZ123]

Mine were installed when the car was on a lift. the connectors were loaded a bit before welding by putting a brace under them and lowering the car a bit. This was done at FPS.

 

[fredhurderjr]

Mine were done on a drive-on flat lift (wheels). I had the short style from Spoolit / Phantom Roadworks. I was very pleased with the job, at $105 installed.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Thanks for the replys so far guys!

Hey Fred, did you prefer the shorty connectors to the full-length?

 

[RStalveyARFF]

BTW, if you get the SFC's installed at Lou's custom, they will be installed on a drive on lift. Lou has done so many installs that he can weld up a set in his sleep.

 

[SHOfear]

Where's Lou's Custom? I assume it is somewhere around us? How much does he charge for the SFC install? Also, SHOooo, Toolman mnakes the full length SFCs for around $75. I am not sure if he still does, but check with him. Where in Boston do you live. I live in Quincy now, but used to reside in Brighton.

Steve

SHO91MTX:
BTW, if you get the SFC's installed at Lou's custom, they will be installed on a drive on lift. Lou has done so many installs that he can weld up a set in his sleep.

 

[drivinhard]

Subframe connectors, what are those? wink

mark
89 w/ 60 ft of 1 3/4" tubing bracing the chassis.

 

[DeaconBlue]

I had mine done on a drive on lift. That way the bracing was added in the most relaxed neutral state and can work in both directs of both mods; flexing and torsional bending.

 

[stlooiesho]

For those of you who have had it done on a "drive-on-lift", would you agree that putting the car up on four ramps would be equivalent ??

 

[SHOed_up]

Heh, 4 ramps and some JB weld? Interesting idea.

I'm having mine put on friday on a drive-on lift. Hope they help as much as I've heard.

 

[luigisho]

Yes 4 ramps would be equivalent. But I don't know if I'd put the torch that close to my face.

 

[RStalveyARFF]

SHOfear:
Where's Lou's Custom? I assume it is somewhere around us? How much does he charge for the SFC install? Also, SHOooo, Toolman mnakes the full length SFCs for around $75. I am not sure if he still does, but check with him. Where in Boston do you live. I live in Quincy now, but used to reside in Brighton.

Steve

SHO91MTX:
BTW, if you get the SFC's installed at Lou's custom, they will be installed on a drive on lift. Lou has done so many installs that he can weld up a set in his sleep.

Lou has locations in Boston on Allerton St (right across from the Suffolk Construction main office), in Revere, and in North Reading, to name a few. I had mine installed in North Reading, for $40. GO to louscustomexhaust.com for more info.

 

[94shoboy]

RAMPS::: do not do this unless you have to. the ramps would have to be completely perfect relative to each other (height mainly) and the surface would have to be PERFECTLY level.

 

[SIREDZO]

Hey I live right around the cornor from lou's I was there looking at some exhaush set ups hey if anybody is down this way stop by i live on woodward ave #21 phone is 617-442-0064. and i heard tha lou's will do the best custom exhaust for cheap money. now i know he does sfc im going there for that too

 

[RStalveyARFF]

no kiddin. I worked at Suffolk all last summer, I thought your pictures looked familiar. I would honestly not go to the boston Lou's, the guy running that shop is charging for the name. For the short trip up to N. Reading, the owner charges fair prices and good work. FWIW, last year I asked the guy in Boston how much for a catback. His answer was 500. Lou himself said no more than 350, and he went over what everything cost.