T-Tops max torque?

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T-Tops max torque?

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Camaro Forum >> Camaro Models >> 3rd Generation >> T-Tops max torque?

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T-Tops max torque? - 10/2/2008 2:22:26 PM

CamaroGuyVT

Posts: 1
Joined: 10/2/2008
Status: offline

Hey there,

So I have a quick question....

I just bought an 85'' RS with T-Tops. Currently has a 400 small block but I''m looking to beef it up a bit. A buddy of mine just finished building a 383 stroker motor which has approximately 390 HP and 450 ft.lbs. tq. which he''s offered to sell to me for a really good price.

However, when I told him it''d be going into this RS, he said it wasn''t a good idea. He said the motor produced too much torque and would bend the frame since the car had T-Tops. Due to it''s single beam design, it would surely bend over a short time, even if the car has sub-frame connectors.

Does this seem true? The guy is VERY knowledgeable with Camaros, but i''ve personally never heard of this issue with the T tops with only 450 ft/lbs torque. Should I go ahead with the 383 stroker or stick with the 400?

Let me know what y''all think....Thanks!

Post #: 1

RE: T-Tops max torque? - 10/2/2008 3:59:32 PM

Jr. Mechanic

Posts: 401
Joined: 9/1/2007
Status: offline

Well, first off, there really is not a big structual difference between a hard top car and a T top car, its very little, if any. However, once you start putting out some power, it will twist, causing the T tops to leak (if they dont already.) Subframe connectors will REALLY stiffen it up, and you should have no problems.

_____________________________

Jr''''''''''''''''s Rides:
1983 Camaro Z28, 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1997 Plymouth Neon

(in reply to CamaroGuyVT)

Post #: 2

RE: T-Tops max torque? - 10/3/2008 12:52:54 PM

1990CamaroRS

Posts: 658
Joined: 6/13/2007
Status: offline

there is litereally almost NO difference between a hardtop and t-top car (pull the headliner off a hardtop car, and the t-top bar is right there in the middle). subframe connecters will help quite a lot, and if that''s not enough you can always add a roll cage.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: CMRO GRL

no no... its against the rules... and if i wanted to look at some, i''d look at my own

major fail.

(in reply to Jr. Mechanic)

Post #: 3

RE: T-Tops max torque? - 10/14/2008 8:05:46 PM

Roy

Posts: 23
Joined: 3/15/2008
Status: offline

I''ve welded two sets of subframe connectors into 3rd gen Camaros one hard top and one T-Top. The firmness of the body is noticably increased and the body flex should not be an issue. Do this, you will be amazed. I''d be more worried about breaking a yoke,axle,pinion, or ring gear in your stock rear end than the car twisting with 400hp.

Go for the engine and treat you differential to a new cover with bearing cap supports, this will help it "live" for a while behind the new power until you beef it up.

Good Luck!

Roy

(in reply to CamaroGuyVT)

Post #: 4