[artisto]

Just made an appointment to have them installed. This is the first step in a long line of suspension mods to come. Anyone else done this? What did you think after having them installed?

[Grimace427]

I will maintain the opinion that subframe connectors offer little value on the S197 chassis as it is already incredibly stiff from the factory. Components with rubber bushings offer the best opportunity for upgrading.

[racin366]

Originally Posted by Grimace427

I will maintain the opinion that subframe connectors offer little value on the S197 chassis as it is already incredibly stiff from the factory. Components with rubber bushings offer the best opportunity for upgrading.

That matches with what we found on the road courses. On the S197 subframe connectors are just extra weight to drag along. The only part of the chassis that really benefits from extra reinforcement is really the torque arm/frame rail area in the rear. We make braces for that, you can see them in the link below. Feel free to pm me with any questions.

Steeda Mustang Three Point Frame Rail & Torque Box Brace - Made in the USA 555-5551

[BMR Tech]

Originally Posted by artisto

Just made an appointment to have them installed. This is the first step in a long line of suspension mods to come. Anyone else done this? What did you think after having them installed?

We have them on our 2011 Mustang GT, and we enjoy having them on the car.

I look forward to hearing your feedback, as I do with many others who have chosen to install SFCs on their S197.

I agree 100% with the statements of the S197 chassis being much more rigid/stiff, in comparison to the '79-'04 cars, however, there is still room for improvement. The S197 chassis is between 30% - 40% more rigid (tested and proven) than the previous Fox/SN-95/New-Edge platform. That being said, a reinforced '79-'04 is more rigid than a stock S197.

Shelby American has done a substantial amount of testing in-house, on the benefit of SFC on the GT500, and when they build a car for performance, SFC are one of the very first modifications that they perform.

[Malern28us]

Originally Posted by racin366

That matches with what we found on the road courses. On the S197 subframe connectors are just extra weight to drag along. The only part of the chassis that really benefits from extra reinforcement is really the torque arm/frame rail area in the rear. We make braces for that, you can see them in the link below. Feel free to pm me with any questions.

Steeda Mustang Three Point Frame Rail & Torque Box Brace - Made in the USA 555-5551

but what aout those of us with convertibles?

[artisto]

Originally Posted by BMR Tech

We have them on our 2011 Mustang GT, and we enjoy having them on the car.

I look forward to hearing your feedback, as I do with many others who have chosen to install SFCs on their S197.

I agree 100% with the statements of the S197 chassis being much more rigid/stiff, in comparison to the '79-'04 cars, however, there is still room for improvement. The S197 chassis is between 30% - 40% more rigid (tested and proven) than the previous Fox/SN-95/New-Edge platform. That being said, a reinforced '79-'04 is more rigid than a stock S197.

Shelby American has done a substantial amount of testing in-house, on the benefit of SFC on the GT500, and when they build a car for performance, SFC are one of the very first modifications that they perform.

I will keep you posted. Having this done Monday.

[Radioguy]

Originally Posted by Malern28us

but what aout those of us with convertibles?

Ford stated this in a press release when the 2011 Mustang was announced:

"Mustang’s technological advances are also incorporated in the structure of the vehicle to improve safety. The 2010 Mustang coupe earned the U.S. government’s top five-star crash-test rating, a designation the 2011 model is expected to achieve.

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible’s driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe’s body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion in an impact. "

[enjracing]

Originally Posted by Grimace427

I will maintain the opinion that subframe connectors offer little value on the S197 chassis as it is already incredibly stiff from the factory. Components with rubber bushings offer the best opportunity for upgrading.

exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Malern28us]

Originally Posted by Radioguy

Ford stated this in a press release when the 2011 Mustang was announced:

"Mustang’s technological advances are also incorporated in the structure of the vehicle to improve safety. The 2010 Mustang coupe earned the U.S. government’s top five-star crash-test rating, a designation the 2011 model is expected to achieve.

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible’s driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe’s body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion in an impact. "

Ok. What if I feel like it isn't enough? What options are there?

[artisto]

Originally Posted by BMR Tech

We have them on our 2011 Mustang GT, and we enjoy having them on the car.

I look forward to hearing your feedback, as I do with many others who have chosen to install SFCs on their S197.

I agree 100% with the statements of the S197 chassis being much more rigid/stiff, in comparison to the '79-'04 cars, however, there is still room for improvement. The S197 chassis is between 30% - 40% more rigid (tested and proven) than the previous Fox/SN-95/New-Edge platform. That being said, a reinforced '79-'04 is more rigid than a stock S197.

Shelby American has done a substantial amount of testing in-house, on the benefit of SFC on the GT500, and when they build a car for performance, SFC are one of the very first modifications that they perform.

Had the SFCs put on yesterday and here is my opinion.

I was told that the difference would be a bout a 4 or 5 out of 10. They were right. Driving over rough pavement that I encounter everyday on the way to work, it feels a lot less harsh of a ride.

Seems to be that slightly more steering effort is required, that's a good thing.

I have a Hurst shifter, and in second gear there used to be a lot of NVH coming from the shifter in 2nd. That's gone now, a good thing.

I drive this car almost every day, and seat of the pants tells me that it feels more solid.

[BMR Tech]

Good to hear that you are happy with them.

Enjoy your car, and if you have any suspension needs in the future, I'd be happy to assist.