Hotchkis Chassis Max Handle bar quesion

[TheJDMan]

Does anyone know if the Hotchkis Chassis Max Handle Bars will work with a DSE subframe installed on a 68 Camaro? I suspect they will but I'm just not certian.

[David Pozzi]

I seriously doubt it.

[6carmello8]

Does anyone know if the Hotchkis Chassis Max Handle Bars will work with a DSE subframe installed on a 68 Camaro? I suspect they will but I'm just not certian.

I'm guessing they won't do much, if anything but to add weight with a DSE subframe since it's already one of the stiffest out there.

[Vegas69]

I agree, the DSE sub doesn't need stiffening. The subframe to body could use another brace. I've seen and felt cowl shake racing my car over the past few years. If I ever build another, it will have down bars from the sub to the firewall.

[redfire69]

I think the handle bars do tie to the firewall, but they are probably overkill. Maybe just a set of down bars from Alston, etc?

[skatinjay27]

bars like that do wonders on 2nd gens... i think they would help greatly since it doesn't matter how stiff the dse frame is as its meant to triangulate the firewall/cowl to the frame. the real question is whether it will even work together since one of the mounting point is the control arm bolt and they were designed for factory frame cars. i dont think the pick-up points for the control arms on the dse frame are in the same location as stock frame

[SLO_Z28]

They definitely work! I would have a set made to fit your subframe, shouldn't be too expensive as its a relatively simple part.

[Cris@JCG]

Any time that you have any Z or S bend like the one I am showing here on a DSE sub.. you will have flex.. I know this cause I have my car on the jig.. & can lift it & it will flex.. Down bars help allot in my opinion.. I have been doing testing & analyzing flex point on chassis's lately.. I have figured how I am going to stiffen it up in this area.. 2nd gens are allot stiffer when it comes to chassis & body configuration.. weak link on first gens are floor designs..

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/IMG_1455.jpg

Hotckis down bars work.. or any other one's out in the market help.. If I set up down bars.. I set them with engine load on the front wheels.. welding is allot stronger than bolt on.. IMO..

Here is another pic of the way it was done in Trans AM racing.. 68 Penske/Donahue engine bay.. look @ the way the bars come in @ a angle to the bend on the chassis that tie into the cage..

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/Picture042.jpg

[David Pozzi]

FYI, TA rules restricted forward positioning of those braces, enough for safety, but not enough for chassis rigidity. Part of the reason for the S bend in the subframe may be so it bends up in a crash absorbing energy.