Subframe Connectors for 2002 Camaro

**CamaroDMD** · 05-10-2008, 11:29 AM

I have been wondering if subframe connectors are a good addition to a fairly stock 2002 SS Camaro LE. This car is a daily driver and I would like to slowly upgrade the car to improve overall handling and performance. I'm planning on putting them in my '69 Camaro...and was thinking it might be a good addition to the 2002 as well. Everything is stock in the suspension right now.

Also, should I go with weld in connectors or bolt in? My buddy has weld ins in his '70 Dodge Challenger and went with those because they don't come lose while he claims that the bolt in connectors can loosen over time. The thought of perminately attaching them to my car doesn't worry me too much...although it is somewhat of a collector car. So, I'm not really sure which one's to go with.

Can someone also recommend a good brand or place to purchase them. I was looking on summitt...but I wanted to check around some more.

**tonyjnjz** · 05-10-2008, 11:36 AM

how rare is your car exactly? is it a fully optioned slp car as well? close to a 40k sticker? id have a hard time touching it if thats the case......as far as sub frames u can check newera performance as well...there prices seem to be pretty goood....sponser on this site......weld ins are the way to go but im not so sure on that car

**CamaroDMD** · 05-10-2008, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by tonyjnjz

how rare is your car exactly? is it a fully optioned slp car as well? close to a 40k sticker?

It's pretty highly optioned I think...it came with a several SLP options including the 345hp dual-dual exhaust (not CME) and the auburn rear end. I'm actually the third owner...so I don't have the original window stocker or the portfolio for it though. I have no plans on ever selling this car...and its not in perfect shape...but I do feel that its a nice example of an LE. Here is the SLP option tag...I'm not sure how "high optioned" this is considered:

**tonyjnjz** · 05-10-2008, 12:19 PM

its missing the suspension mods.......it seems thats the rarest slp mod as its expensive.....especially the koni shocks...fuck it..go ahead and mod it.....have fun..lol ..thats the point isnt it

**CamaroDMD** · 05-10-2008, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by tonyjnjz

fuck it..go ahead and mod it.....have fun..lol ..thats the point isnt it

Thats kind of how I see it. I'm going to minimize "perminant" mods that can't be reversed (such as welding on subframe connectors)...and I'll keep everything I take off...but I want to enjoy this car.

**Y2KPewterSS** · 05-10-2008, 02:15 PM

SFCs are the best non-glamorous mod for 4th gen fbodies IMO.

**blk_jaws** · 05-12-2008, 06:06 AM

sub frame connectors should be one of the first mods you do to your car

**Killer_bluebird** · 05-12-2008, 10:59 AM

If you want to keep it SLP then do the SLP subframes. They are pretty nice and stout. That is one of the few SLP parts that I would vouch for. Although they now have a set of headers that is similar to other designs instead of their old tuned length system that hung way too low. I used to have the Loudmouth system but I added a Borla XR-1 mufler to cut down a bit on the rasp especially after Long Tubes with ORY. My .02

**blk_jaws** · 05-12-2008, 04:11 PM

yea, slp sells the sfc's that i have on my car

**jujofields** · 05-12-2008, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by blk_jaws

sub frame connectors should be one of the first mods you do to your car

**sleepinghawk** · 05-12-2008, 05:35 PM

I just put the bolt on slp one's on. Mine is a D/D and pretty close to stock as far as the motor goes. About the only difference I could tell was it tightened things up on my Hawk. Before putting mine on I covered mine with stuff called Rhino liner. Seemed a few people had to re sand where they were welded, so I figured I would save myself some time. Glad I did it now. Just wish I had a lift, sure would of made life easier!

**KM02SS** · 05-14-2008, 05:54 PM

I installed some Jeg's bolt on SFC's, they were fairly inexpensive and easy to install. Along w/other suspension mods (strut tower brace, LCA's, panhard bar and new springs) car is tight and handle's great. All bolt ons and easy to take back to stock (except for springs anyway)

**KCC455** · 05-15-2008, 03:11 PM

I also have a 02 SS LE, t-top, 6-speed, 345 hp option. I recently installed some UMI components and I am very happy with them. UMI components are red powdercoated, so they look really nice on an LE. The parts I installed are the bolt in 3 pt. sub frame connectors and the on car adjustable panhard bar. I will be buying the full length torque arm and trans. crossmember in the near future. The SFC's are very stout and very high quality. Check out UMI's website UMIperformance.com for some good pictures.

If you have not checked out the 35thle.com website I suggest you do that as well. Take Care.

**Sam Strano** · 05-15-2008, 03:35 PM

I'd also recommend UMI. I'm also an SLP dealer, but the UMI stuff tucks tighter, is as high or higher quality and costs less too. If you are concerned about the long terms mods, get a set of bolt-on connectors and you can take them off whenever you wish.

I don't really think that SFC's are the first mod I'd do (actually I know they aren't), but they aren't bad things to have.

I'm a site sponsor. You can see the UMI chassis products here: http://www.stranoparts.com/searchbym...D=22&ModelID=7

If you'd like help on what to put on the car to improve it, I'm available by phone. I'd simply ask you drive the car and pay particular attention to what you don't like about the way it drives/what it does. That's how I recommend parts. I think parts are to fix an ill in the car and I can't know what you want to change if you can't tell me.

**KCC455** · 05-15-2008, 04:38 PM

I would highly recommend giving Sam Strano a call and talking to him about your intended use for the car. I did this and plan on buying KONI's, sway bars, springs, UMI full length torque and trans. crossmember. Sam did not recommend to purchase all of these parts, rather I know that over the next year or so I want to buy these components to keep improving the performance of my car. Give him a call and you can talk about what would work best for your car and it's intended usage. I have talked with Sam and people at UMI and they both are very good to talk with. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing and how you like your mods. Take Care.

**TedsB4Csled** · 05-23-2008, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by Sam Strano

I'd also recommend UMI. I'm also an SLP dealer, but the UMI stuff tucks tighter, is as high or higher quality and costs less too. If you are concerned about the long terms mods, get a set of bolt-on connectors and you can take them off whenever you wish.

I don't really think that SFC's are the first mod I'd do (actually I know they aren't), but they aren't bad things to have.

I'm a site sponsor. You can see the UMI chassis products here: http://www.stranoparts.com/searchbym...D=22&ModelID=7

If you'd like help on what to put on the car to improve it, I'm available by phone. I'd simply ask you drive the car and pay particular attention to what you don't like about the way it drives/what it does. That's how I recommend parts. I think parts are to fix an ill in the car and I can't know what you want to change if you can't tell me.

I like um'. What do you get for shipping to NC?

Sorry for your loss.

**Sam Strano** · 05-27-2008, 07:28 AM

Shipping depends on what product you get. 3-pts cost more to ship because they are much bigger and also a bit heavier than 2-pts. But when we ship we charge was it costs and don't add $10 "handling fees" and all that jazz in. To quote you I'd need to know what parts, and a zip code.