Burkhart Chassis Front Bumper Support

**Ramairetransam** · 08-31-2012, 05:59 AM

what happens if i do the fmic on my formula and dont do a support , ? will the nose hold shape , what happens , i see a lot of people on tech not running a support and the fmic , i will be doing the ebay fmic kit this winter.

**pajeff02** · 08-31-2012, 09:26 AM

The bumper cover appears to hold its shape and position all by itself. I actually have a gap between the cover and the support. My guess is that you could get away without anything behind the bumper. Obviously, this affects your crashworthiness.

**tatertot91** · 08-31-2012, 11:04 AM

Could you place some foam padding across it to close the gap? I'm sure under heavy acceleration with a gap there you might get some flex. I'd be worried about the paint cracking

**SuperSSguy** · 08-31-2012, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by tatertot91

Could you place some foam padding across it to close the gap? I'm sure under heavy acceleration with a gap there you might get some flex. I'd be worried about the paint cracking

Im not sure how much force it would take to crack the paint on our front bumpers but i know that when they paint them,because of the material the bumpers are made of they have to use what they call ''flex'' in the paint this does exactly what the name implies its designed to flex with the bumper so it doesnt crack.

**pajeff02** · 09-01-2012, 04:20 AM

Originally Posted by tatertot91

Could you place some foam padding across it to close the gap? I'm sure under heavy acceleration with a gap there you might get some flex. I'd be worried about the paint cracking

I thought about installing some pipe insulation over the upper bar, but with all the contours, the cutouts for the fog lights and such, it really is quite stiff.

**pajeff02** · 09-01-2012, 07:07 AM

Project wrap:

Overall, I cannot recommend the Burkhart Chassis bumper support to anyone unless they need to make space for a FMIC. The fitment was off, the brackets are not positioned properly, and the supplied hardware was useless. On top of it, I only shaved 6-1/2 pounds off the front of the car. For the $250 plus dollars that I spent, I could have gotten a lot more bang for my buck on something else. Live and learn...

**Knight** · 09-01-2012, 07:26 AM

That's a shame, Jeff. I know how you were looking foreward to this mod. But, as you said, live and learn. At least others will know now.

The big question is, will it hold up to a deer strike better?

**pajeff02** · 09-01-2012, 10:22 AM

Jebus, don't go and jinx me! Dawn does occasionally drive the Trans Am to work. Last trip, she burned a quarter tank of gas up and back... she really likes the loud pedal.

**Knight** · 09-01-2012, 12:27 PM

She's probably banking some extra $$$ racing young punks and not telling you about it!

**tatertot91** · 09-01-2012, 03:27 PM

really a shame it didn't fit like it was supposed to, at least you finally got it to fit. Like you said though, live and learn

**xssv** · 09-01-2012, 06:07 PM

Damn....was looking into one of these. Might look into MWC....

**tatertot91** · 09-01-2012, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by xssv

Damn....was looking into one of these. Might look into MWC....

Although not as beefy, i've been looking into MWC and the fit seems pretty nice

**pajeff02** · 09-01-2012, 06:30 PM

I considered MWC, however, it was much less substantial than the Burkhart unit. Granted, it would weigh less, however, I did want to retain a bit of strength in the front end just in case.

**xssv** · 09-01-2012, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by tatertot91

Although not as beefy, i've been looking into MWC and the fit seems pretty nice

Originally Posted by pajeff02

I considered MWC, however, it was much less substantial than the Burkhart unit. Granted, it would weigh less, however, I did want to retain a bit of strength in the front end just in case.

I like the idea of extra strength, but really looking for improved air movement as I've closed things off a little up front

Either would....just looking for less hassle.

**pajeff02** · 09-02-2012, 04:43 AM

Hassle was exactly what this thing ended up being.

**kingls1** · 09-03-2012, 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by Knight

She's probably banking some extra $$$ racing young punks and not telling you about it!

Shhhhhh Walt no one is to know about that, she told me when we were up at the track about her secret street racing.. She said she wants her Vette done once and for all

**pajeff02** · 09-03-2012, 07:39 AM

Last time she street raced was against her brother -- he was in their parents' '78 Anniversary Edition Corvette and she was in our '70 Cutlass W-31.

**silverWS6** · 09-03-2012, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

Last time she street raced was against her brother -- he was in their parents' '78 Anniversary Edition Corvette and she was in our '70 Cutlass W-31.

She win?!

**tatertot91** · 09-03-2012, 08:44 AM

Jeff, you ever get those fog lights lined up right?

**pajeff02** · 09-03-2012, 01:07 PM

I don't recall the outcome, but normally our W would walk all over a C3... 325 hp vs. 185 hp.

Tater: I still think they are setting too far forward in the bumper. When we get to the track this weekend I'll get a measurement off Chris' car.