hotchkis x-brace on a 68 camaro conv.

[68KMARO]

Hello to all, who is running a hotchkis x-brace on their 67-69 camaro convertible. It seems the x-brace limits the exhaust size.Do I need this in addition to the subframe connectors? I will be running an ls1/4l80e.

Thanks for any info in advance.

rich

[Hotchkis]

Hey Rich,
Our Convertible X Brace (http://www.hotchkis.net/6769_camarofirebird_convertible_x_brace_support.ht ml) gives more room for larger exhaust than the stock brace and it's stronger too! Here's a picture showing how much extra clearance there is with a 2.5-inch exhaust system with our brace.

http://www.hotchkis.net/_uploaded_files/67-69_camarofirebird_convertible_x_brace_supportprodu cts92image_2.jpg

Driving a first gen Camaro convertible without an X Brace (stock or aftermarket) will greatly impair the driving feel. Installing subframe connectors in addition to an X Brace will make a convertible feel like a very confident and solid ride. Our convertible connectors are second to none when it comes to strength, ground clearance, ease of installation without having to cut up the floorpan, and allowing the removal of the rear leaf springs after installation.

[6carmello8]

Will this increase any sort of rigidity to the chassis to a hardtop?

Just curious.

[gearheadgarage]

I ran 2.5" pipes SNUGLY through the Hotchkis x-brace on my car for years. My MagnaFlow X-pipe tucked right into the entry of the convertible bracing with no problems. Clearance is tight, but never a rattle!

Frame connectors and the X-brace changed the feel from a 5.0 Mustang to a solid street machine that had minimal body flex with 650+ horsepower driven hard on a daily basis with no cracking in the body/paint even after heavy track use, drag racing, 20k miles and many donuts!

[BMR Tech]

We also make a Tunnel Brace (http://www.bmrsuspension.com/index.cfm?page=products&vehicleid=3&maincatid=28&catid=80&productid=227)for the 67-69 F-Body Convertible. The design allows for up to a 3" exhaust and utilizes gussetted x-bracing to further strengthen the tunnel in this area. Installation is simple and all new Grade 8 hardware is included.

http://www.bmrsuspension.com/siteart/products/DTB003_image1_large.jpg

[Hotchkis]

Will this increase any sort of rigidity to the chassis to a hardtop?

Just curious.

Hey Carmello8,
The coupe doesn't have the additional bracing to bolt the X-Brace to. To increase rigidity in a hardtop, subframe connectors and fender braces are the way to go.

Coupe
http://4.photos.ebizautos.com/10029/6217529/6217529_40.jpg

Convertible
http://www.hotchkis.net/_uploaded_files/67-69_camarofirebird_convertible_x_brace_supportprodu cts92image_2.jpg