Engine torque folding a uni-body?

[Beanmachine7000]

Ok, so I just read a thread about the notched frame versus a V8... Well, when I bought my Camaro it had some light wrinkling type dents in the rear quarter (I've recently read alot of them do this) do ya'll think it could be due to the unibody and engine torque?

 

[littleme13]

thats usually the cause. anyone who doesnt run subframe connectors and higher hp are asking for it. good chance it was dragged a few times and the wrinkles are from hard launches.

 

[Will]

Old uni-bodies were bad like that. This is a big difference between something like a Honda Ridgline (not to start a fight) and an old Camaro--the Ridgeline has a full-length 'subframe', not a little stubbie on each end.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

i dunno...my escorts are unibody and they seem to hold up just fine against the incredable torque figures laid down by the 1.9L HO

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Escorts FWD thats why.

Its not putting a whole lot of twist on the body.

I know Fox body stangs would crack right behind the rear seat from torqueing.

later,
Dustin

 

[Beanmachine7000]

I figured something like that... It's not old... It's a '96 (ok I guess it is old, lol)... It's not really high horsepower though (probably between 350-375)... I don't drag it anymore, mostly for running around and looking cool, lol... It shouldn't be a problem as long as I don't abuse it right?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

Escorts FWD thats why.

no, escorts are 120ft-lbs, THATS why. you can bet that a torquey enough motor, even in a front wheel drive, could bend a unibody....the bend would just be lateral rather than longitudinal (picture a "sag" right in front of the firewall where the engine would bend the frame into a "U")

 

[dangeranger01]

I figured something like that... It's not old... It's a '96 (ok I guess it is old, lol)... It's not really high horsepower though (probably between 350-375)... I don't drag it anymore, mostly for running around and looking cool, lol... It shouldn't be a problem as long as I don't abuse it right?

You should still atleast put on subframe connectors, And possibly shock tower braces front and rear. Or better yet cage it

 

[Will]

Yeah, I was thinking that. A cage is much better. I don't even know that subframe connectors are effective at all. They are still in the same plane.

You aren't folding a unibody with a transverse motor. You could run an M11 Cummins in an Escort and not bend it. The frame has you just where it wants you when you turn the motor sideways.

 

[dangeranger01]

Yeah, I was thinking that. A cage is much better. I don't even know that subframe connectors are effective at all. They are still in the same plane.

Subframe connectors make a huge difference. especially with a Fox Body car. Then when you add a cage on top of that its amazing. The car launches alot flatter. You dont n otice how much it flexes until it doesnt, if that makes sence. Handling is greatly improved as well.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

I wish I had the resources for a cage, lol... I don't drive it that much nowadays... Maybe once I find a job that will be my next project... Plus, of course, up the power a little more...