Running no subframe bushings

[jeds]

Assuming you have transmission tunnel clearance, modified shifter location, hood clearance, etc... Is there any issue with running no subframe bushings?

This is on a 69 Nova, so I would keep the additional puck at the firewall mount location.

I'm just not sure if there are floor undulations or something else that would prevent this.

[dhutton]

Assuming you have transmission tunnel clearance, modified shifter location, hood clearance, etc... Is there any issue with running no subframe bushings?

This is on a 69 Nova, so I would keep the additional puck at the firewall mount location.

I'm just not sure if there are floor undulations or something else that would prevent this.

It gets tricky if you are running a stock style steering column and steering gear. They don't line up.

Don

[jeds]

I have an aftermarket column and DSE sub/rack so I'm not too worried about alignment on that.

I'm mostly concerned about the floor causing issues.

I think speedtech ran without bushings on their Nova... and I'm sure others have too. I'm just not sure if they performed modifications on the floor and/or the surrounding areas.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I have an aftermarket column and DSE sub/rack so I'm not too worried about alignment on that.

I'm mostly concerned about the floor causing issues.

I think speedtech ran without bushings on their Nova... and I'm sure others have too. I'm just not sure if they performed modifications on the floor and/or the surrounding areas.

We run 2nd gens with no bushings with no issues. I make a 1/2" tall body bushing now.

[BBC71Nova]

Depending on your trans option, rear suspension and ride height, you may end up having to modify the pan/tunnel enough that the incremental cost of no bushings may not be a big deal assuming you plan for it, mock it up and only do it once. Assuming prior mentioned issues you are OK with as well.

I don't think Billy Utley is running bushings on his Nova either.

Personally I wished I had gone ahead and planned on 1/2 height or no bushings originally as well. I'm considering it now anyway but that means rework on the subframe to subframe connector tabs. My tunnel is gonna have to be redone as well due to shifting the engine back and raising trans tailshaft to get the drive angle acceptable. :bang: .

If you are planning on running LS combo then you don't even have to be concerned really with the loss of hood clearance. That was one of the primary deciding factors for me initially since I'm running a boat anchor.

[jeds]

I'm running an LS3, T56 Mag, and DSE sub.

I already had the tunnel modified all the way back with half height bushings in place. I MAY have room to fudge it as is with no bushings in-place but was wondering if it was frowned upon or would require additional modification to the floor or surrounding areas.

I talked to Billy about how he did his car. He used half-height bushings but removed the additional firewall spacer. This changes the angle of the subframe and lowers the car. He then modified the end of the subframe rails at the core support mounting area to lower them, compensating for the rise in the subframe.

[David Pozzi]

On a first gen Camaro, the trans crossmember will hit the floor. It even hits a little with stock height mounts.
My Art Morrison sub fits without mounts, just a couple of large OD washers. An LS engine with T56 with will hit the trans tunnel, but they hit or are marginal with stock height mounts too.

[Blake Foster]

I have an aftermarket column and DSE sub/rack so I'm not too worried about alignment on that.

I'm mostly concerned about the floor causing issues.

I think speedtech ran without bushings on their Nova... and I'm sure others have too. I'm just not sure if they performed modifications on the floor and/or the surrounding areas.

Yepp no issues that were major.:bang: but I had to replace the entire tunnel for trans and drive shaft clearance.

[jeds]

I think I'm going to have a full width weld-in crossmember made soon with a drop-out center section. Even at the height I have it now (half height bushings) I can't remove the crossmember with the sub in place without much cursing and frustration.

Sounds like I'll just have to play around with it once I have it apart.

[fesler]

We run 69 Camaro all the time with no bushings you will be fine, we also make billet ones for those that want something nice and more rigid.

[IndyNova]

so you would essentially be bolting the subframe directly to the bottom of the car? what would the benefits be of doing this?

[jeds]

It's just to lower the car.

I can get the ride height I want without having to adjust the coil-overs too much which would impact the suspension geometry.

It also lets me lower the car without reducing ground clearance at the engine/trans.

[IndyNova]

That's what I thought, I'd like to get mine lower too, I may have to check this out!

[frojoe]

I run no bushings (on rear of subrame, still need a ~1/2" spacer on the firewall mount due to difference in height) and a stock T56 and cut the whole tunnel out front firewall to rear firewall.. when you already modified your tunnel did you remove the under-floorpan stamped brace that's located between the seats? That was the first thing to hit my trans to my recollection. If you want to do it right you'll want to leave a ~1" gap around the trans for vibration/rotation and adjustment when fine tuning your driveshaft angles. My engine/trans angle is 0.5* down I believe, and I was able to trim the trans tunnel starting at about 3" back from the front firewall.. I was able to all the cutting and welding from inside the car.. I didn't need to cut all the way up to radially outwards on the firewall.