FAQ- Chassis

Q. What are subframe connectors? Do I need them?

A. Years ago cars were made with full frames. Basically the frame extended from the front of the car all of the way to the back of the car. This design made a very strong, and rigid frame. The one setback was that it was very heavy. Now days most cars are made with a unibody frame. Basically a unibody frame only has frame rails in the front and back of the car, but no frame in the middle. Although this is still a strong design for the everyday grocery getter, it wasn't a very good performance car frame. They're made with a unibody frame because it saves alot of money and weight.
All late model Mustangs are made with a unibody frame, which under drag and road racing conditions can flex. That's where Subframe connectors come into play. They are basically long steel rods or beams that are welded into place between the front and rear subframes.

Q. My friend has subframe connectors, and he only bolted his in. Do I really need them welded in?

A. Subframe connectors are used to make the cars frame more rigid. Although some companies do say you can just bolt theirs in, you should really get them welded in for the full effect. Besides making the car more rigid, welding the subframes in also makes it more safe. Believe it or not, I've heard of a few people who just bolted them in and because their cars frame flexed so much, it actually broke the subframe connector's mounting bolts......So you should weld them in.

Q. What is a strut tower brace? Do I need one? What brand?

A. A strut tower brace is exactly what its called, a brace for the strut towers. A strut tower brace does make the car more rigid, and is a very good thing to get if you are into road racing. Although we have no real data to prove it, I've heard from a few Mustang drag racers who claim that you don't really need a strut tower brace if its a drag car. The reason being is that the strut tower brace doesn't let the front end flex enough so you don't get full weight transfer on launch. Like we said, we have no data to back this claim up, but it does seem to make sense.
As for what brand, just make sure you buy a well known brand and you'll be set.