Warpspeed subframe connector (sfc) stage 1 review
10-30-2002, 06:50 PM
#1
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Warpspeed subframe connector (sfc) stage 1 review
I finally had my WSP subframe connectors installed. I took it to a domestic performance shop who has done many domestic SFC installations. I bought both stage 1 and 2 at the same time because of the better price, but I was only able to install stage 1.
The tech noted how "stout" the connectors look and felt in his hands He was impressed given how many different types of Mustang SFCs he's seen and installed in the past.
He test-fitted both connectors against the underbody. The rear tube-end of driver side fitted flush (entire circumference of the tube opening) , but on the passenger side the rear tube-end only made partial contact with the unibody
The connectors were carefully prepped and welded onto the undercarriage. When he began test-fitment of the stage two peices, the center crossmember would not clear the exhaust pipe! To make the crossmember ends meet the center mounting pads, the crossmember had to push the entire exhaust system 1/4 of an inch!!!
Driving impressions: When I left the shop I immediately felt the difference the SFCs made to my car. Just pulling out of a parking space I can feel the difference. I intentially made a premature right-hand turn leaving a driveway (so I can flex the car) and I can FEEL the rigidity. Before the install the car felt plenty stiff to me. I know its no S500, but it wasn't like a wet-noodle like those old dodge colts my friend used to drive
. I never complained about it like some people on this board, but these SFCs made a noticeable difference. I noticed that I hear road imperfections more so than feel them. I guess my hearing senses are more acute now that I don't feel the vibrations. Body doesn't shake that much if at all on potholes. On sweeping freeway transitions I can go a LOT fast with a LOT more confidence. Despite the increased chassis stiffness, the ride quality seems to be unchanged.
I don't think I will try to have the stage 2s replace. I was thinking about having a local shop fabricate some bars to weld on laterally but after driving around I'm pretty satisfied with Stage 1.
If you don't have SFCs yet order it NOW, especially if you haven't decided on them. By the time you come around to wanting these things WSP will finally have them ready for you. Remember, 2 days = 2 months to them.
Next step would be to sound-deaden the floorboards. And scrap the useless $75 rods taking up space in my garage.
The tech noted how "stout" the connectors look and felt in his hands He was impressed given how many different types of Mustang SFCs he's seen and installed in the past.
He test-fitted both connectors against the underbody. The rear tube-end of driver side fitted flush (entire circumference of the tube opening) , but on the passenger side the rear tube-end only made partial contact with the unibody
The connectors were carefully prepped and welded onto the undercarriage. When he began test-fitment of the stage two peices, the center crossmember would not clear the exhaust pipe!
To make the crossmember ends meet the center mounting pads, the crossmember had to push the entire exhaust system 1/4 of an inch!!! Driving impressions: When I left the shop I immediately felt the difference the SFCs made to my car. Just pulling out of a parking space I can feel the difference. I intentially made a premature right-hand turn leaving a driveway (so I can flex the car) and I can FEEL the rigidity. Before the install the car felt plenty stiff to me. I know its no S500, but it wasn't like a wet-noodle like those old dodge colts my friend used to drive
. I never complained about it like some people on this board, but these SFCs made a noticeable difference. I noticed that I hear road imperfections more so than feel them. I guess my hearing senses are more acute now that I don't feel the vibrations. Body doesn't shake that much if at all on potholes. On sweeping freeway transitions I can go a LOT fast with a LOT more confidence. Despite the increased chassis stiffness, the ride quality seems to be unchanged. I don't think I will try to have the stage 2s replace. I was thinking about having a local shop fabricate some bars to weld on laterally but after driving around I'm pretty satisfied with Stage 1.
If you don't have SFCs yet order it NOW, especially if you haven't decided on them. By the time you come around to wanting these things WSP will finally have them ready for you. Remember, 2 days = 2 months to them.
Next step would be to sound-deaden the floorboards. And scrap the useless $75 rods taking up space in my garage.
10-30-2002, 06:57 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,007
Re: Warpspeed subframe connector (sfc) stage 1 review
Originally posted by Smooth Operator
I finally had my WSP subframe connectors installed. I took it to a domestic performance shop who has done many domestic SFC installations. I bought both stage 1 and 2 at the same time because of the better price, but I was only able to install stage 1.
The tech noted how "stout" the connectors look and felt in his hands He was impressed given how many different types of Mustang SFCs he's seen and installed in the past.
He test-fitted both connectors against the underbody. The rear tube-end of driver side fitted flush (entire circumference of the tube opening) , but on the passenger side the rear tube-end only made partial contact with the unibody
The connectors were carefully prepped and welded onto the undercarriage. When he began test-fitment of the stage two peices, the center crossmember would not clear the exhaust pipe! To make the crossmember ends meet the center mounting pads, the crossmember had to push the entire exhaust system 1/4 of an inch!!!
Driving impressions: When I left the shop I immediately felt the difference the SFCs made to my car. Just pulling out of a parking space I can feel the difference. I intentially made a premature right-hand turn leaving a driveway (so I can flex the car) and I can FEEL the rigidity. Before the install the car felt plenty stiff to me. I know its no S500, but it wasn't like a wet-noodle like those old dodge colts my friend used to drive. I never complained about it like some people on this board, but these SFCs made a noticeable difference. I noticed that I hear road imperfections more so than feel them. I guess my hearing senses are more acute now that I don't feel the vibrations. Body doesn't shake that much if at all on potholes. On sweeping freeway transitions I can go a LOT fast with a LOT more confidence. Despite the increased chassis stiffness, the ride quality seems to be unchanged.
I don't think I will try to have the stage 2s replace. I was thinking about having a local shop fabricate some bars to weld on laterally but after driving around I'm pretty satisfied with Stage 1.
If you don't have SFCs yet order it NOW, especially if you haven't decided on them. By the time you come around to wanting these things WSP will finally have them ready for you. Remember, 2 days = 2 months to them.
Next step would be to sound-deaden the floorboards. And scrap the useless $75 rods taking up space in my garage.
I finally had my WSP subframe connectors installed. I took it to a domestic performance shop who has done many domestic SFC installations. I bought both stage 1 and 2 at the same time because of the better price, but I was only able to install stage 1.
The tech noted how "stout" the connectors look and felt in his hands He was impressed given how many different types of Mustang SFCs he's seen and installed in the past.
He test-fitted both connectors against the underbody. The rear tube-end of driver side fitted flush (entire circumference of the tube opening) , but on the passenger side the rear tube-end only made partial contact with the unibody
The connectors were carefully prepped and welded onto the undercarriage. When he began test-fitment of the stage two peices, the center crossmember would not clear the exhaust pipe!
To make the crossmember ends meet the center mounting pads, the crossmember had to push the entire exhaust system 1/4 of an inch!!! Driving impressions: When I left the shop I immediately felt the difference the SFCs made to my car. Just pulling out of a parking space I can feel the difference. I intentially made a premature right-hand turn leaving a driveway (so I can flex the car) and I can FEEL the rigidity. Before the install the car felt plenty stiff to me. I know its no S500, but it wasn't like a wet-noodle like those old dodge colts my friend used to drive
. I never complained about it like some people on this board, but these SFCs made a noticeable difference. I noticed that I hear road imperfections more so than feel them. I guess my hearing senses are more acute now that I don't feel the vibrations. Body doesn't shake that much if at all on potholes. On sweeping freeway transitions I can go a LOT fast with a LOT more confidence. Despite the increased chassis stiffness, the ride quality seems to be unchanged. I don't think I will try to have the stage 2s replace. I was thinking about having a local shop fabricate some bars to weld on laterally but after driving around I'm pretty satisfied with Stage 1.
If you don't have SFCs yet order it NOW, especially if you haven't decided on them. By the time you come around to wanting these things WSP will finally have them ready for you. Remember, 2 days = 2 months to them.
Next step would be to sound-deaden the floorboards. And scrap the useless $75 rods taking up space in my garage.
BTW, I love your animated sig.
10-30-2002, 07:49 PM
#3
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Re: Re: Warpspeed subframe connector (sfc) stage 1 review
Originally posted by Sin
Awesome. If you don't mind me asking, how much did the shop charge to do the welding?
BTW, I love your animated sig.
Awesome. If you don't mind me asking, how much did the shop charge to do the welding?
BTW, I love your animated sig.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....hreadid=162807
Yeah those 2 jokers are funny. I'm still trying to figure out they "film" the guy in the tank top fall straight down head-first.
10-30-2002, 07:54 PM
#4
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,007
Re: Re: Re: Warpspeed subframe connector (sfc) stage 1 review
Originally posted by Smooth Operator
I posted my experience with the local shop and how much the shop charged me in here:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....hreadid=162807
Yeah those 2 jokers are funny. I'm still trying to figure out they "film" the guy in the tank top fall straight down head-first.
I posted my experience with the local shop and how much the shop charged me in here:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....hreadid=162807
Yeah those 2 jokers are funny. I'm still trying to figure out they "film" the guy in the tank top fall straight down head-first.
10-30-2002, 08:22 PM
#5
They sound good but due to the fact they add weight I will never get them. I am more intersted in weight reductions 
My question here is.. why dont car manufactures install something simaler to this straight out of the factory? There must be a catch here other wise lots of cars would come standerd with them
My question here is.. why dont car manufactures install something simaler to this straight out of the factory? There must be a catch here other wise lots of cars would come standerd with them
10-30-2002, 09:23 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,493
Re: sfc's
Originally posted by CBass69187
I read somewhere that these lower your car about half an inch. Is that true?
I read somewhere that these lower your car about half an inch. Is that true?
Emax95: If the benefits of the SFC's are as good as the testimonies, I'd rather install the kit and just try to reduce some of the weight with a diet. But yeah, I also do what I can to reduce weight...UDP, 17" Integrals, Brembo Gran Turismo Brake kit, and flywheel on the way.
10-30-2002, 09:25 PM
#9
Not DAVEB the parts guy
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,555
Originally posted by emax95
They sound good but due to the fact they add weight I will never get them. I am more intersted in weight reductions
My question here is.. why dont car manufactures install something simaler to this straight out of the factory? There must be a catch here other wise lots of cars would come standerd with them
They sound good but due to the fact they add weight I will never get them. I am more intersted in weight reductions
My question here is.. why dont car manufactures install something simaler to this straight out of the factory? There must be a catch here other wise lots of cars would come standerd with them
Dave
10-30-2002, 09:45 PM
#11
Originally posted by Dave B
They only weigh about 25lbs. In a sedan with such high torque, 25lbs is nothing. I've made runs at the track with my spare and tools (~50lbs total) and there was no discernable difference in ET or MPH. The additonal chassis stiffness and increased handling FAR outweighs the minor weight increase.
Dave
They only weigh about 25lbs. In a sedan with such high torque, 25lbs is nothing. I've made runs at the track with my spare and tools (~50lbs total) and there was no discernable difference in ET or MPH. The additonal chassis stiffness and increased handling FAR outweighs the minor weight increase.
Dave
With my current suspension setup I am extremly pleased allready.
10-30-2002, 10:07 PM
#12
Originally posted by emax95
25 lb's is still 25 lb's.. Every little thing counts when it comes down to a record braking NA run With my current suspension setup I am extremly pleased allready.
25 lb's is still 25 lb's.. Every little thing counts when it comes down to a record braking NA run
With my current suspension setup I am extremly pleased allready.
10-30-2002, 10:24 PM
#14
Re: Warpspeed subframe connector (sfc) stage 1 review
Originally posted by Smooth Operator
Remember, 2 days = 2 months to them.
Remember, 2 days = 2 months to them.
10-31-2002, 07:48 AM
#15
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Because most people on here are DIY....these require welding. I paid $120 for labor at a custom muffler shop. They did a great job. They prepped the surface and coated bare metal afterward with undercoating spray that I provided. Few other places wanted to charge me $250 - $350 for the same job. I had tons of other places just turned me down flat out. Good help is hard to find these days.
Originally posted by MaDxKiLLa
these sound so good but how come nobody has them??
these sound so good but how come nobody has them??
10-31-2002, 09:01 AM
#16
Not DAVEB the parts guy
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,555
Originally posted by emax95
25 lb's is still 25 lb's.. Every little thing counts when it comes down to a record braking NA run With my current suspension setup I am extremly pleased allready.
25 lb's is still 25 lb's.. Every little thing counts when it comes down to a record braking NA run
With my current suspension setup I am extremly pleased allready.
Dave
10-31-2002, 07:10 PM
#18
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Originally posted by 1MAX2NV
Do you have the OEM exhaust or aftermarket? I'm surprised the stage 2 didn't fit.
Do you have the OEM exhaust or aftermarket? I'm surprised the stage 2 didn't fit.
I don't know how to get around it. Bending the crossmember to clear the exhaust pipe will make it too short for the mounting tabs. Considering the difference stage 1 makes, wondering what gains the stage 2 could've given me is now driving me nuts. I am considering a new b-pipe with a resonator to eliminate that extra flange. I wonder if its warpspeed's secret plan to force me to buy their b-pipe... because it worked!
On a side note, I printed your pics of powdercoated subframe connectors and used them as visuals! When a couple of their customers saw it, their eyes went
.
10-31-2002, 07:26 PM
#19
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Originally posted by emax95
They sound good but due to the fact they add weight I will never get them. I am more intersted in weight reductions
My question here is.. why dont car manufactures install something simaler to this straight out of the factory? There must be a catch here other wise lots of cars would come standerd with them
They sound good but due to the fact they add weight I will never get them. I am more intersted in weight reductions
My question here is.. why dont car manufactures install something simaler to this straight out of the factory? There must be a catch here other wise lots of cars would come standerd with them
Btw I saw the installer push up the floorpan with his barehands where the passenger feet would be and there was a lot of flex!
11-11-2002, 03:05 AM
#21
Just to let all of you know...
I've had Stage 1+2 on for a few months now, and I couldn't be happier. I don't drive my car everyday now since I'm in school, so whenever I DO drive, I feel like I'm driving a sports car, seriously.
The most notable feature of these SFCs happens when I turn the steering wheel. I turn it to make a turn, and it feels pretty planted and stable. But when I turn the wheel some more, even jerk the steering wheel, the car responds so sensitively and it really feels like it's prepped for Auto-X.
As I've said before, Stage II seems like it adds a bit too much extra stiffness to the ride. If I could do it all over again, I'd just get Stage I. But since Stage II is also on there, what the heck, might as well keep it. BTW, I paid $60 for Stage I install and $40 for Stage II (WSP didn't predrill some holes like they were supposed to..grr). This was done at a Midas muffler shop. There's always at least one *decent* and qulified guy who works there.
I've had Stage 1+2 on for a few months now, and I couldn't be happier. I don't drive my car everyday now since I'm in school, so whenever I DO drive, I feel like I'm driving a sports car, seriously.
The most notable feature of these SFCs happens when I turn the steering wheel. I turn it to make a turn, and it feels pretty planted and stable. But when I turn the wheel some more, even jerk the steering wheel, the car responds so sensitively and it really feels like it's prepped for Auto-X.
As I've said before, Stage II seems like it adds a bit too much extra stiffness to the ride. If I could do it all over again, I'd just get Stage I. But since Stage II is also on there, what the heck, might as well keep it. BTW, I paid $60 for Stage I install and $40 for Stage II (WSP didn't predrill some holes like they were supposed to..grr). This was done at a Midas muffler shop. There's always at least one *decent* and qulified guy who works there.
11-11-2002, 03:11 AM
#22
BTW, one word to describe the car: nimble.
It recovers from any slight lean in an instant, enabling you to gun it the instant you complete the corner.
Also, I saw that Turbo95Max did not claim these to be "great." Well, I'm pretty sure that these things work best with cars w/ H&Rs or higher (stock, Maxspeeds, Eibachs, etc).
I want a VI now!!!
It recovers from any slight lean in an instant, enabling you to gun it the instant you complete the corner.
Also, I saw that Turbo95Max did not claim these to be "great." Well, I'm pretty sure that these things work best with cars w/ H&Rs or higher (stock, Maxspeeds, Eibachs, etc).
I want a VI now!!!
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