Torque Strap

[mholhut]

I was browsing the TCCA website and noticed that one of their members implimented an engine torque strap on his 3.8 Taurus. He said that limiting the engine movement during hard acceleration allowed for a significant increase in throttle response with some very real world benefits of this modification. He sites not being able to chirp the tires before strapping down the motor, and being able to chirp them afterwards. I know this is modification is an old-school hot-rod trick, so to speak. But there might be some merit to it's basis as it pertains to our cars.

So, I reviewed some of the tape I had from previous dyno runs with a variety of V8 SHO's. Some showed a tremendous amount of engine movement while on the dyno. Not that strapping down the motor will show a large increase in HP on the dyno, but it would allow the motor to transfer more HP to the tranny quicker relating in better track times at the strip. I'm wondering engine movement is a factor in such a large variety of times at the strip between different SHO's?

With that, I have just a few questions to pose...

1. Has anyone done this before?
2. What effect would it have on the duration of transmission life?

Always looking for a faster way down the track....

MPH

 

[LASTSHO]

Darn good question Mike.

Inquiring minds want to know.

Anyone?

 

[Mac98SHO]

Sounds like viable option. Okay lets add theory and question:

1. Tranny usaully fail due to excessive heat (ie clutch slipping, soft shifts, high torque temps), my take is no it should not hurt tranny at all. We have higher stall converter than stock Taurus's so this might work to our advantage. How strong is the convertor in the AX4N?

I am basing this theory on my understanding of stall convertors. (Limited)

2. Higher stalls absorb the added shock by engine but also transfer more torgue to ground intially. What else might suffer? This could feasably cause our tire to spin more......

I think the tranny clutches would be fine the convertor, or half shafts may be a question.

Oh, we also be transfering more to the body, how would our Uni-body handle, I not sure how much flex the front end has.

Anyone?

 

[Mac98SHO]

Here you go SHODWM!

 

[ES96SHO]

Wouldn't solid motor mounts accomplish pretty much the same thing? I know they made a solid or at least a heavier duty mount for the V6s. Of course this would also transfer more engine noise into the cabin, but most of us wouldn't hear it over our loud intakes and exhausts!

George
96 ES

 

[mholhut]

I don't think they make solid mounts for the Gen III. Besides, I'm lookin at a $5 piece of chain versus a $100+ set of mounts that would be a pain to install. wink

MPH

 

[Mac98SHO]

Why chain how about straps....... ie engine straps? They would have some give not much if you get the right kind. I can get might be able to get ahold of some material to try if your interested.

 

[jthomas68]

I have srtaps that i`ve occasionally used on my 91.The difference is night and day,when you push the gas,the car goes immediately.The only real problem is not to underestimate the torque.I 1st tried cables,which stretched.Then i went to a good sized chain,which snapped.Start out big on the 1st try.I use(can`t remember the exact name)the hardware that has eye bolts on both ends.That way,i can adjust the tension to where i want it,and since 1 of the bolts is standard thread(the other is reverse),i can bolt it tight to keep the tension from backing off.

 

[RStalveyARFF]

one thing that is worth a try is hevery duty tie down straps, similar to what dean uses to strap your car to the dyno, only in a smaller scale. That way you can ratchet it down and back off or cinch down as you please.

 

[SHODWN]

I got more than enough straps, 40k 3" wide truck straps. someone come up with a good mounting place and lets rock

 

[Mac98SHO]

I was thinking more like 2 inches and rated load of 5000lbs might do the trick, but 3 @ rated load of 30000lbs might be just enough to due the job.
thumbs_u

 

[rdw91]

I'm green at this so please tell me exactly where would you pu torque straps at on our vehicles?

 

[mholhut]

Robert,

You use a torque strap to stabilize engine movement, in theory allowing the motor to put more if it's horsepower to the ground. Ideally you want to use a strap, chain, or other device to connect the block to the subframe which will limit the amount of engine rocking under hard accelleration. The Taurus guys are using a chain with an adjustable turnbuckle to tighten down their 3.8's. The problem is trying to find a suitable location on the block to attach a strap or chain from it to the subframe.

 

[jthomas68]

The reason i use a chain is that the straps would be too close to the motor and i worried about them burning.On mine(91)i attach them to brackets that bolt on to the bottom bolts of both front plenum supports.I used a bit of rubber tubing as an insulator on the hooks to give some cushion.