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| Is there any structural integrity lost if the rear firewall? (Page 1/1) |
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Blowerwhine
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JAN 28, 09:58 PM
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Will there be any loss is chassis stiffness if the firewall between the engine and the trunk is removed and replaced with a single strut tower bar welded on?
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theogre
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JAN 28, 11:02 PM
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"Is there any structural integrity lost if (I cut out) the rear firewall front Trunk wall?"
Very likely Yes even w/ whatever aftermarket strut brace.
Most of the entire trunk is part of rear framing plus part of crush zoning for rear end wrecks.
Is a reason why lower trunk is near bullet proof and upper wall has hidden brace.
Other have done some really iffy engine setups and some have big problems because cut out some to all of the trunk wall and don't reinforce the towers etc right.
"the rear firewall" is between cabin and engine bay and Cutting out part of that have problems too.
Affects structural integrity and can leak CO etc to poison you.------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)
The Ogre's Fiero Cave
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Blowerwhine
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JAN 28, 11:18 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by theogre:
"Is there any structural integrity lost if (I cut out) the rear firewall front Trunk wall?"
Very likely Yes even w/ whatever aftermarket strut brace.
Most of the entire trunk is part of rear framing plus part of crush zoning for rear end wrecks.
Is a reason why lower trunk is near bullet proof and upper wall has hidden brace.
Other have done some really iffy engine setups and some have big problems because cut out some to all of the trunk wall and don't reinforce the towers etc right.
"the rear firewall" is between cabin and engine bay and Cutting out part of that have problems too.
Affects structural integrity and can leak CO etc to poison you.
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Would it be any better if it's replaced with cross bracing as well? That wall takes up some useful space for sure
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pmbrunelle
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JAN 28, 11:38 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Blowerwhine:
Would it be any better if it's replaced with cross bracing as well? |
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Sure, but then don't you defeat the purpose of demolishing the wall to make space? If you cut out the wall only to rebuild something similar in its place, then you're back at square 1?
Why don't you make a sketch of your plan... draw lines over a Fiero photo in Paint to show us your plan for evaluation / comments.[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 01-28-2020).]
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Blowerwhine
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JAN 29, 12:56 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by pmbrunelle:
Sure, but then don't you defeat the purpose of demolishing the wall to make space? If you cut out the wall only to rebuild something similar in its place, then you're back at square 1?
Why don't you make a sketch of your plan... draw lines over a Fiero photo in Paint to show us your plan for evaluation / comments.
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http://www.nathanbittinger....ction/turbonorthstar exactly what I had in mind except the braces would be welded in
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olejoedad
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JAN 29, 05:55 AM
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Rigidity would be maintained with the bracing, however impact protection would be compromised.
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Blacktree
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JAN 29, 02:04 PM
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The bracing pictured in that website is less than optimal. It would still allow some chassis flex. It would also be prone to bending / kinking in the center section. I would suggest adding another horizontal bar across the bottom. Another alternative would be to use an X-brace, with a horizontal bar across the top.
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Dennis LaGrua
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JAN 29, 04:32 PM
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The rear firewall/trunk wall does serve as a structural member that solidifies the position of the wheel wells. If you brace in only one spot as with a strut brace, you will get support in that place, but little flex support all the way up and down the wheel well. IMO, the rear firewall is better off being left alone, especially so if you are swapping in a more powerful engine.. ------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
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pmbrunelle
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JAN 29, 07:41 PM
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As Blacktree suggests, it would be a good idea to add a bar at the bottom to tie the lower frame rails together:
But I don't know if this helps with your packaging puzzle.
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