pics of tubular k-members installed???
#51
Senior Member
Thread Starter
well i really like my pa racing member. it was 455 shipped to my door, took 3 and a half wks to get. and went in fairly easy. my a-arms are also pa but i got them on ebay thru thunder racing. and they were 177 so not bad all and all. it does look so much better, is lighter, and gives so much more clearance for headers!!!
#53
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Roscoe, IL
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1991 Trans Am
Engine: LQ4
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.70
my pro fab setup is a "road race" setup, vern said it will hold up to daily driving, but if it does ever break, he will replace it or refund. i remember reading a post of his on a ls1 board that he said if he didnt trust his products, they wouldnt be on his car that he drives his kids to school in. i got mine for 455 shipped and that was k member and a arms.
heres my mess
heres my mess
#55
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Roscoe, IL
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1991 Trans Am
Engine: LQ4
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.70
for this
383, 10.77:1
Lunati crank and rods
SRP pistons
afr 210
large solid roller
single plane efi
hooker 2110s
i just got it back yesterday so i gotta brag a little bit
383, 10.77:1
Lunati crank and rods
SRP pistons
afr 210
large solid roller
single plane efi
hooker 2110s
i just got it back yesterday so i gotta brag a little bit
Last edited by KagA152; 11-13-2005 at 02:19 AM.
#56
Senior Member
Thread Starter
correct me if a i wrong, but i was under the understanding that pa racing used to be pro fab???? k-member looks exactly the same! could i be wrong??
#57
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Lorenzo, California
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1987 Firebird Trans AM
Engine: 383 TPI...very soon
Transmission: TH700R4
Originally posted by bigdavesiroc
it does look so much better, is lighter, and gives so much more clearance for headers!!!
it does look so much better, is lighter, and gives so much more clearance for headers!!!
Does it really do much for handling or stiffness in the front end? Did you guys notice much of a difference in the feel of your car afterwards?
#58
Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Russell,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 84 Z28
Engine: Modded 350ci.
Transmission: T-56
I would assume that taking weight off the front end is the major advantage for doing this,Thats why i'm swapping it in.Oh and the clearance increase is really helpful too.
Kag-thats a supprising difference in price between what you and Bigdave payed..I was under the impression that the "RoadRace"option K-member was more expensive than the "standard" one.
Kag-thats a supprising difference in price between what you and Bigdave payed..I was under the impression that the "RoadRace"option K-member was more expensive than the "standard" one.
#59
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
I've talked to vern several times about the k-members for thirdgens and he doesn't charge to add the extra bracing for road racing/street use. I set up a group purchase awhile back and we got them for a hell of a deal. If anyone else wants one ask him about the GP and see if he'll still honor it? otherwise sometime this winter i may try to set up another GP.
#60
Originally posted by IHI
snksknr: you really need to get yourself that WolfeCraft anti roll bar for the rear of the car....I noticed a HUGE difference going from air bags to the anti roll bar!! Car leaves dead level and 60's are VERY consistant now, went from moving.01-.02 depending on track conditions to .001-.004
WELL worth the money and trouble, but there are some areas I would redo to make it beefier to the car mounting points.
snksknr: you really need to get yourself that WolfeCraft anti roll bar for the rear of the car....I noticed a HUGE difference going from air bags to the anti roll bar!! Car leaves dead level and 60's are VERY consistant now, went from moving.01-.02 depending on track conditions to .001-.004
WELL worth the money and trouble, but there are some areas I would redo to make it beefier to the car mounting points.
bigdavesiroc: i have Hooker LTs
#61
TGO Supporter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Gambrills, Md
Posts: 1,768
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: clapped out 84Z
Engine: 355 efi roller
Transmission: tremec TKO
Originally posted by mw66nova
think one of these would hold up to daily driving? i don't autocross or even push my car that hard going around turns
think one of these would hold up to daily driving? i don't autocross or even push my car that hard going around turns
Last edited by Lo-tec; 11-13-2005 at 07:43 PM.
#63
Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Russell,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 84 Z28
Engine: Modded 350ci.
Transmission: T-56
Originally posted by 87CIZ
I've talked to vern several times about the k-members for thirdgens and he doesn't charge to add the extra bracing for road racing/street use. I set up a group purchase awhile back and we got them for a hell of a deal. If anyone else wants one ask him about the GP and see if he'll still honor it? otherwise sometime this winter i may try to set up another GP.
I've talked to vern several times about the k-members for thirdgens and he doesn't charge to add the extra bracing for road racing/street use. I set up a group purchase awhile back and we got them for a hell of a deal. If anyone else wants one ask him about the GP and see if he'll still honor it? otherwise sometime this winter i may try to set up another GP.
#64
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Vern is the owner of Pro-Fab racing here's the link from the GP https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...light=k+member
#65
Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Russell,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 84 Z28
Engine: Modded 350ci.
Transmission: T-56
great thanks for the link..looks like i'll be making a phone call or sending an e-mail in hopes of picking up this part for Group Purchase price
Did you pick yours up yet or are you still waiting to purchase..cause it looks like there are quite a few people who would benifit from another shot at a GP of one of these.
Did you pick yours up yet or are you still waiting to purchase..cause it looks like there are quite a few people who would benifit from another shot at a GP of one of these.
#69
Senior Member
Thread Starter
ok, so i don't know how to post pics here, but here is a link to my cardomain site. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2190059
hopefully this works. Hopefully my car drives in the next 6 months!
hopefully this works. Hopefully my car drives in the next 6 months!
#70
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Macedonia ,OH
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: Formula
Engine: 6.0 LSX
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt 3:27
What scares me is the look of flimseyness from the Spring perches. The steeel looks thin with small welds. Has anyone ever had one pop the welds loose or something?
#71
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Oregon
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 94 Trans Am
Engine: LT-!
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.42
I would like to know how those K-members are for the street? I am running 3 1/2 front wheels so not alot of force on corners.
#72
throughout the thread there are a few people that mention that they run theirs on the street and have no issues. i'm really interested in running one of these, but i'm loyal to friends of mine and they've been screwed by PA a few times....i may be going BMR or waiting till spohn gets his act together and puts his out...
on a side note, i was at PRI down in Orlando yesterday and today and went to talk to the guys at BMR and was really impressed with their work. they just put out a similarly designed torque arm to that of the one Spohn puts out with it's crossmember mount. but it uses an adjustable bracket where the ta mounts to the crossmember with a poly bushing instead of the slide-link heim joint that Spohn is using. very interesting.
on a side note, i was at PRI down in Orlando yesterday and today and went to talk to the guys at BMR and was really impressed with their work. they just put out a similarly designed torque arm to that of the one Spohn puts out with it's crossmember mount. but it uses an adjustable bracket where the ta mounts to the crossmember with a poly bushing instead of the slide-link heim joint that Spohn is using. very interesting.
#73
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Posts: 4,355
Received 61 Likes
on
46 Posts
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
I have mine in with hookers and my 383 matted to a T-56. I got pics on my site or i can post here if anyone is interested. Clearance is great!
#76
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,896
Received 912 Likes
on
599 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Heres a link to a pic of mine...
BTW your going to want a strut tower brace. the Kmember makes the frontend feel like a wet knoodle..
http://www.team3rdgen.com/modules.ph...view_photo.php
BTW your going to want a strut tower brace. the Kmember makes the frontend feel like a wet knoodle..
http://www.team3rdgen.com/modules.ph...view_photo.php
Last edited by TTOP350; 01-26-2006 at 11:16 PM.
#77
Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 95 Trans Am
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T-56
I've heard that aftermarket K members are dangerous to use unless it's solely for track use. They crack and such. Can anyone confirm this or is this B.S.?
#78
TGO Supporter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Gambrills, Md
Posts: 1,768
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: clapped out 84Z
Engine: 355 efi roller
Transmission: tremec TKO
I haven't heard of one cracking, but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened. If something happens to mine I will post about it, but until then I'm going to continue to drive it like I stole it.
#79
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Terre Haute, Indiana
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1985 Camaro
Engine: 350 .030 over (355)
Transmission: 700-R4
How hard is it to install one of these with the engine in the car, since you have to undo the motor mounts and such?
#80
TGO Supporter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Gambrills, Md
Posts: 1,768
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: clapped out 84Z
Engine: 355 efi roller
Transmission: tremec TKO
Depends on your mechanical ability. If you know your way around a car, it's not bad at all. Pull the control arms, unbolt mounts, jack the motor and support it, unbolt misc. crap, and remove the k-member (an extra set of hands helps). Re-install in reverse order.
#81
Senior Member
iTrader: (19)
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DFW
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 & 1992 Z28
Engine: LB9 & L98
Transmission: T56 & T56
Axle/Gears: 4.10s & 3.23s
I have just recently installed a TDS wonderbar, Hotchkis adjustable panhard bar & Lakewood boxed control arms. I already have an Eibach Pro kit and Koni (yellows) adjustable shocks, my entire front end suspension has been rebuilt except for the sway bar stuff. I am planning on getting the PA racing tubular K-member, but now after seeing the posts about cracking, I am paranoid. Did you guys go with the mild steel ot the chromoly? And is it safe for a car that is set up for handling and riding stiff like mine? I am buying my TDS sub-frame connectors on Monday, and would like to get the rest of my suspension stuff done before my motor is ready.
#82
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I don't think you would have anything to worry about when it comes to cracking. The tubes most likely will never crack, but if you were to say hit something pretty hard you would be able then to break a weld. Of everyone one here that i have noticed, no one has broken a weld. But don't quote me on that. I just haven't read anyone saying they have.
#83
Lo-tec, you called me to talk about those things cracking before you ordered yours…
Cracking, not exactly, but a lot of the stress points on them don’t tend to be attached the strongest way possible. If you do a search around the ‘net you’ll find some pics of PA and a few other K members with the LCA pivots pulled right out of the tube.
I’ve said it before, I’m not a big fan of these things in anything besides dedicated drag race applications. Lo-tec has a slightly different definition of safety then the rest of us. At the track we take a similar approach (though I usually go faster ), but on the street I’ve always felt like I should be wearing a helmet and nomex shorts while riding in his car…
Cracking, not exactly, but a lot of the stress points on them don’t tend to be attached the strongest way possible. If you do a search around the ‘net you’ll find some pics of PA and a few other K members with the LCA pivots pulled right out of the tube.
I’ve said it before, I’m not a big fan of these things in anything besides dedicated drag race applications. Lo-tec has a slightly different definition of safety then the rest of us. At the track we take a similar approach (though I usually go faster ), but on the street I’ve always felt like I should be wearing a helmet and nomex shorts while riding in his car…
#84
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
http://66.83.134.202/travis/Kmember/
the ones in there arnt mine.
the ones in the sub directories in there are mine.
the ones in there arnt mine.
the ones in the sub directories in there are mine.
#85
Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Sayreville nj usa
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 02 redfire gtp coupe
Engine: 3.8 modded and supercharged
Transmission: 4t65-ehd
how is the handling with one of these? i would think tubular arms would increase stickyness to the road
#86
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thats going to depend on if they are any stronger to deflections than a stock setup or not. Nobody that I know of has any hard data on it so... your guess is as good as anybody else.
I doubt anyone has or will break a weld, its the arms/tubes that are failing next to the welds. Most of that is probably due to weakening of the tubing from the welding process, and some of it due to trying to transfer load from one member to another in a way that the part isnt designed to really handle. Couple that with the weakening of the tubing and you've got a problem on your hands.
Interesting post. Personally I'd take my chances with the mild steel over the chromoly.
I doubt anyone has or will break a weld, its the arms/tubes that are failing next to the welds. Most of that is probably due to weakening of the tubing from the welding process, and some of it due to trying to transfer load from one member to another in a way that the part isnt designed to really handle. Couple that with the weakening of the tubing and you've got a problem on your hands.
Interesting post. Personally I'd take my chances with the mild steel over the chromoly.
#87
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
Originally posted by flyboy367
how is the handling with one of these? i would think tubular arms would increase stickyness to the road
how is the handling with one of these? i would think tubular arms would increase stickyness to the road
unless someone told you, you couldnt tell the diff.
#91
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: Trans Am
Engine: 350
Transmission: 4L60E
#92
TGO Supporter
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 B4C 1LE
Engine: Proaction 412, Accel singleplane
Transmission: built 700R4 w/custom converter
Axle/Gears: stock w/later 4th gen torsen pos
Here are some great pics of a PARACING K-member from the underside:
click for incredible wheelstand pictures---> http://paracing.com/article_info.php?articles_id=5
Here are some killer installed and before and after k-member pictures:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/powe...ml#post1574950
here are the complete collection of pictures I took of a k-member/coil over install:
http://www.outlawperformance.com/ima...mods_09-25-04/
click for incredible wheelstand pictures---> http://paracing.com/article_info.php?articles_id=5
Here are some killer installed and before and after k-member pictures:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/powe...ml#post1574950
here are the complete collection of pictures I took of a k-member/coil over install:
http://www.outlawperformance.com/ima...mods_09-25-04/
#93
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 12,666
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes
on
48 Posts
Car: 86 Trans Am, 92 Firebird
Engine: 408 sbc, 3.1L of raw power
Transmission: TKO600, T5
Axle/Gears: Moser 9", 3:70 trutac, 3:23 torsion
im gonna jump on the resurection train here and ask, how do you jack up the front of the car with a tubular k-member?
#94
TGO Supporter
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 B4C 1LE
Engine: Proaction 412, Accel singleplane
Transmission: built 700R4 w/custom converter
Axle/Gears: stock w/later 4th gen torsen pos
I jack mine up like normal but use a rolled up rag on the K to protect the powdercoating.
#96
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 12,666
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes
on
48 Posts
Car: 86 Trans Am, 92 Firebird
Engine: 408 sbc, 3.1L of raw power
Transmission: TKO600, T5
Axle/Gears: Moser 9", 3:70 trutac, 3:23 torsion
hmmm i dont know that i like this "flexing"
#97
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Waterloo, Iowa
Posts: 4,671
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 86 firebird with 98 firebird interi
Engine: pump gas 427sbc Dart Lil M 13.5:1
Transmission: Oldani TH400 w/ BTE 9" convertor
Axle/Gears: 31 spline Moser/full spool/4.11Rich
It would be easy enough to make a craddle to replace the pad in a floor jack for this reason. the entire front end weight is way heavier than that bar could hold, and flexing is going to happen since all the wieght is on one point-centerd no doubt. Make a craddle and get the weight bearing points closer to the bends near the outside of the k member. Or if your car is caged, just jack it up on one side since the other side will go up with it.
#98
Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Calumet City,IL
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: Camaro
Engine: lt1
Transmission: 4l60e
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt
Does any one have the tubular k-member and a-arms with a lt1 swapped in. Just wondering as I had to notch the k-member for clearance of the ac compressor. Thanks
#99
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: 39.84N 105.11W
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '89 Trans Am GTA
Engine: WAS 350 - now L92 (alum. 378/6.2L)
Transmission: WAS 700R4, now a built T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Originally Posted by //<86TA>\\
...how do you jack up the front of the car with a tubular k-member?
#100
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
I'm gonna go out on a limb here & say that if someone has a tubular x-mem installed, then they have enough sense to already have SFCs on the car - & if someone's not comfortable with the flexing, wouldn't it also be possible to jack up one side of the car at a time & place the jack stands that way?
tubular crossmember.
no SFCs.
if you have a big jack, you can always lift it high enough to get both size..
but yea, it flexes.