I've just installed a Chassisworks sub-frame and frame connectors. Do I still need a Floor Support Pan, or X brace too, or will my car be stiff enough? What difference will I notice? Thanks.

My 'vert is still being put together and I've never driven it so I don't have seat-of-the-pants experience, but, I did a lot of reading and question asking about the x-brace. I'm installing sub frame connectors and the x-brace. From what I've found, anything that you can do to stiffen the chassis is good, especially if you'll be putting in a lot of torque/horsepower.

I have a 68 RS Convertible with Global West Subframe connectors. I have kept my modified x-brace to help stiffen the car. I have a 383 stroker that dynoed over 460 HP/480 lb/ft. It seems to help. How do you like your new front subframe? Any photos of the build. Thanks and have a good one.

Sorry about piggy backing your thread, but I have a 67 SS Vert with the original motor in it and would also like to konw if I will need any extra support? I don't plan on building the motor. Thanks

Yes!! the x brace ties everything together. The only way I would ditch it is if I had at least a 8-10 point cage. I'm running GW connectors, the sub doesnt make any difference on the xbrace. When you cut a top out of a car there is a price to pay when you loose all of that structural rigidity.

The brace certainly adds some regidity. The unit you bought should have additional struts running from the firewall (where the front fender bolts on) out to the front forks of the frame (where the radiator bolt to). This will add far more strength and reduce body flex far more than the "X" brace will. I have a '69 convert with a Martz unit, weld in Comp Engineering subframe connectors and have no intention of putting the brace back in. I am putting in a pump gas 600+ hp bigblock 496. Remember that the amount of flex doesn't equate to just horse power, it is also dependant on the size of tires and the kind of tires. I am running Dunlop 8000 335 x 35 x 17's. The chassis guys here in the midwest say putting the brace back in is overkill, but then us Chevy guys always say more is better. Good luck.

You don't need torque to make a ragtop twist and flex. Put some 255's or 275's on the back of your ragtops, drop them a couple inches below stock height and drive them diagonal through a driveway with a dip deep enough to scrape your under carrage if you go straight through it. Even with the X-brace and an inch of clearence between the tire and inner fender your tires will rub on the inside. It's the nature of the ragtop to twist and even with added support. Without a top structure I don't think you're getting the full effect of the subframe connectors and the beefed up subframe.

Short of a full cage I think the X-brace is a needed part of the ragtops structure. Look at it this way, the aftermarket subframe and subframe connectors are designed around a coupe from the get-go. The X-brace and the rockers don't bring the ragtop up to the same structural level as a coupe in stock form. Take it from there...

To sum up the above responses, the answer is yes.

I've been searching the web for the best Xbrace to put on my 69 since it was never reinstalled. I've looked at Hotchkis,OEM. My plan is to install subframe connectors and the xbrace from hotchkis. I guess my question is will I have to cut the exhaust to install the Xbrace ? and have I done any damage driving without it ? I've got a price of 540.00 for them both from classics, is that th best price I can expect ? thanks

Welcome to Team Camaro Scott!

I bought my Hocthkis vert subframe connectors and Hotchkis X-brace from Frank and Lisa at Prodigy Customs. They are regulars here, and had the best prices and customer service by far. I forget exactly what I paid, but it was less than $500 shipped. I can look it up if it matters, but you may want to just give Frank a call or shoot him a PM here at TC.

Frank Serafine
Prodigy Customs
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As far as the install, what you will have to do depends on how the car is set up now. Unless the exhaust runs outboard or over the three captured nuts on each side of the existing underbody brace, or it hangs really low, you should be able to install the brace without altering the exhaust.

You most likely did not damage the car driving without the brace, but it will be more rigid with it in place.

Let me know if you need some pics of the brace or connectors on the car. I think Frank has some posted here, but search is a little buggered right now, so I can post pics of mine if you want to see what it all looks like.