T-Top body, when will it twist?

[slone56]

I have about 500 HP, and posi 3.73 on street tires. I have a 2-step, and it set up to launch at about 3,000 RPM's. I am really afraid to launch this thing hard. I usually roll out a little before getting on it. I am afraid of twisting the body because I realize the T-Top takes away alot of the structure. Is this enough power to twist the frame/body? If so, what are some different options to beef it up, so I can launch this thing like I want to. I have seen an X brace that bolts in the trunk behind the seat. Is that any good? I think there may be a weld in X style also. What is the best way, to strengthen this up, without ripping out the interior, and leaving the back seat in.

 

[andrewmp6]

You could try http://www.gbodyparts.com/product_info. ... cts_id=713 or http://www.gbodyparts.com/product_info. ... 8096d5ad18 both should stiffen up the body.

 

[Coveted]

know about a guy with a 455 that actually shattered his ttop leaving the line hard.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Well, it all depends on how well it hooks, and how hard you leave. For strength, I would consider beefing up the frame by boxing the C channel sections, and maybe even considering an X brace from corner to corner to further strenghten the areas between the subframes. Using polyurethane body to frame bushings would also add some stiffness. The factory GM rubber ones are full of holes and made of rubber to isolate vibrations in the frame and keep them from the body. That back seat brace may help somewhat, but most of the twist will be opposite corners of the frame, like twisting a playing card by moving the ends in opposite directions. That's why the X brace would be good on the frame as it would keep the distances equal on the diagonals of the rectangle formed by the C channel. These cars are stronger than similar vintage F bodies and Fox body Fords, but they still could use some help for racing applications.