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PostPosted: Sat Feb 22, 2014 9:12 pm 
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848cc
848cc
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Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 7:35 pm
Posts: 367
Location: Adelaide, SA
Hi All,

I've got front & rear subframes out for a tidy up. I've read in the past that people weld up their subframes for strength.
Is this only when running a high output engine or should I consider doing it as the subframe is now approaching 50yrs of service?
I'm running a 998cc but will probably increase it to 1100cc but no more.

Is it worth doing? Also, whereabouts do you weld to increase strength.

Thanks.

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PostPosted: Sat Feb 22, 2014 9:37 pm 
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998cc
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Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:00 pm
Posts: 1127
Location: Down South
I would just check the welds on the top of the towers on the front subframe. They sometimes crack there if you have been flying over bumps. You could always seam weld around that spot?


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PostPosted: Sat Feb 22, 2014 10:31 pm 
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1275cc
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Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 7:19 pm
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Location: Yandina,Sunshine Coast,QLD
For a std engine it's not needed just check the top of the suspension towers for cracks and weld if needed.
Otherwise the strengthening that can be added is;
Fully seam weld the tower tops.
Add triangle braces to the tie rod ears.
Image
Add strength plates (1.6mm) to the bump stop plates.
Image
And add plates to the rear mount pads (where the subframe bolts to the floorpan)
Image
Image

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PostPosted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 10:00 am 
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848cc
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Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 7:35 pm
Posts: 367
Location: Adelaide, SA
ah, OK. I'll check it out.
It's been blasted and the welds look OK but it's worth more investigating.

Thanks guys.

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PostPosted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 3:47 pm 
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848cc
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Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2011 7:18 am
Posts: 110
Location: Gold Coast
I had mine checked out before getting powder coated. They looked fine but with a quick rough up with a wire wheel and then using a lead light we could see light through some of the tower welds. I got an experienced mini engineer to weld all the problem spots. Better to be safe than sorry.

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