Chassis Stiffening

Subframe Connectors

The Mustang’s unibody structure is connected with what are known as subframe connectors. These subframe connectors are simply stamped pieces of metal that are connected to the center part of the floorboard. In other words, they don’t do a great job at holding the unibody chassis together. Full length subframe connectors connect the front and rear subframes together, along with everything in between, to allow for less flex in the chassis. It should be noted that the only subframes worth getting are full length and weld-in. Standard length and bolt-in subframe connectors are just waste money. Full length subframe connectors also help prevent your chassis from getting torqued when you launch. They also make it easier to close your doors, if that’s any consolation. Maximum Motorsports makes the best for the money. Kenny Brown makes the best ones for a jacking rail system and Steeda makes similar ones to that of Maximum Motorsports. Griggs makes through the floor subframes which are something most people won’t bother getting as you have to cut the floorboard to install them.

Strut Tower Braces

Strut tower braces are a big debate in the road racing community. Its job, in theory, is to stiffen the engine bay by connecting the two strut towers together. This is supposed to help reduce the engine bay flex that occurs during load and weight transfer around corners. Ford specifically designed the stock strut tower brace to reduce the amount of cowl shake during high speeds. Most road racers feel it does not effectively connect the two strut towers together and just adds weight to an already front heavy car. For an interesting discussion on the topic, go here.

For installation instructions, go here: http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/fcar/upper1.htm