Frame & cage setup for a Skyhawk

[goldboattail455]

I'm looking to put a Buick 455 in a '75 Skyhawk. I know for sure that im moving the firewall back 7". That isnt set it stone though. I also know with all that torque from a stock 455 I'll need to add frame connectors. Can someone explain how these are mounted? It looks like some guys cut a channel in the floorpan and put a 2x3 tubing linking the front suspension to the rear? What else is added? Is it just welded on all sides? Also i know I want to add a cage Im thinking 6 or 8. Am I right in thinking if I got a 6pt now I could always upgrade to a 8pt later? It looks like some guys weld the bars to plates that are welded to the floor. It seems simple but can you guys explain this for a new guy? Costs? I would like to know alot about setting this car up for cages and a frame. Thanks in advance.

[stage169]

Wow!!! There is a picture floating around of a Vega with a Buick 455 in it. Frame connectors that is about the jist of it. Alston type stop up front at the area beefed up for the trans mount. In the back they stop just in front of the lower control arm mount where the unibody steel is three layers with the middle layer being close to a .25" thick. S&W Race cars make frame rails.

Roll bar to Cage yes you can always upgrade later. Check the NHRA rules if you plan on going down the strip. If I remember correctly (and they haven't changed) below 11.5 seconds you need a 6 pt roll bar. That is good to 10 flat. Below that a cage. Unibody cars must have plates welded first then the bars.
http://www.nhra.com/contacts/tech_faq.html

If you are going to have someone install everything call around to check on labor. You could save 600 to 800 in labor if you do it yourself. Otherwise you'll have a grand or better in it all. Brian

[76Nomad]

If I install the Competition Engineering 8pt cage, will I still need to install the frame connectors or not?

[goldboattail455]

Hey Brian,
"Wow!" Suprise you that I'm getting a Skyhawk or that I'm planning on dropping in a 455? I have the pic of the vega with the 455 in it, just a couple pictures. Here is the link to Alan's website. http://www.thedinosaurgang.com/vega1.htm
It looks pretty bada**. Is Alston the brand of frame connectors? Is there anything that makes them different from me buying my own steel and doing it? Are they welded on all sides touching the car? It doesnt sound that complicated or expensive, unless im missing something. So an 8pt bar adds a firewall bar? Do you have the red skyhawk too? Thanks

[stage169]

Mostly the 455 . Yes Chris Alston is the brand of subframe connector. No you could make your own in fact there are some plans here somewhere. I could find them tomorrow if you want and I also have the instructions for installation. No an 8 point is just two more pieces from the hoop to the floor inside of the hoop width sometimes tied to the subframe connectors. Yes I have a red Skyhawk also, first for me (rollbar etc...) and it has just set for the last two years I spent my motor money on my white Skyhawk My connectors are welded at both ends and just stitch welded to the floor. Here is a couple pics before they were welded.

76Nomad, I have yet to put an H on the track (I hope soon I'm not getting any younger ) but I have always loved this response from Roy (bigwheelbigdeal) on his.

I have had a 406 '75 Monza since 1985 that I run and drive on the street (pump gas). It has no sub frame or connectors, only a 6pt bar with removable door bars. It runs 10.60 @ 128 with a 1.55 60ft. on 26"X10" slicks. It has NO chassis problems and has had the crap ran out of it here in FLA. (Year round racing) I put a narrowed 9" in it in '85 (stock width) with the torgue arm set up. It weighs 3300 with me in it and the spare, tools, and what ever else. It has got to make over 600 hp at the flywheel to do what it does.
Roy

[76Nomad]

Awesome, thank you. I can't wait to get this project going. I shouldn't be running that much power, but enough to warrant a cage.

[peterpan]

here are pics of my sub frame conectors

[phew]

Those pics sure make me wish my Monza hadn't had the framerails done already. That's an outstanding job. My friend and I had to come in behind their work and re-weld a lot of it. Hoping that with the 12 pt+ cage we added to the existing cage, it won't twist as much.

[NixVegaGT]

I like the engine placement on that 455 Vega! Nice choice for a BB. The lightest of the GM BB's and the most production torque. Pretty cool.

Ray inspired my frame rail fabrication. Here's a link to the construction.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2357894/8

A little late... Sorry. Running the frame rails down the pinch weld made the finished product really clean. The long rails ended up running right down the pinch weld and I welded that onto them. LOTS of welding. I still need to put a finished pic in there. Good luck with the 455 insertion. Take your time and do it right!

[NixVegaGT]

OH CRAP! That reminds me, Ray. How did you end up mounting the seats? I was planning on cutting a hole through the rail and putting a plug in it for access. What do you think?

[peterpan]

i have not got to it yet but i was planing on building a box to sink in enough for the seat bracket and running a bolt threw the bottom of the box and welding it in as a stud for the seat bracket

then weld the box into the frame rail

[Hawk231]

Does anyone know if the Alston 7111 frame connectors work with the Monza? The Vega is all they list under applications.

[stage169]

Yep! I would scan the instructions now but don't have time. They are for 71-81 Vega and Monza? That is what it says and those are the ones in my red car. Brian

[barebonesracecars]

........If you are going to have someone install everything call around to check on labor. You could save 600 to 800 in labor if you do it yourself. Otherwise you'll have a grand or better in it all. Brian

I built mine in 130 hours for about $400 in materials. Runs from K-member to rear control arm front mounts (roll bar acts as rear support over the shock mounts). This one was built for a road course car, not drag racing. A few pictures in My Garage folder.

[gotmud7]

Chris Alston installation page.