Hellcat power in a convertible

1GTMOPAR said

My 65 Dart conv. I'm building has 630hp 580' lbs. I added forward strut supports, frame connectors it's got RMS suspension. I went through and braced whatever I could to help rigidity. The forward strut supports really help tying the cowl to the forward frame rails.

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I used all US Cartool parts to brace the car. First were the subframe connectors. They made a huge difference, but did nothing for the cowl shake on rough roads.

Then I added the chassis stiffening kit that ties the front frame rails together and braces the shock towers. I also welded the shock towers solidly to the inner fenders to strengthen the factory spot welds that were tearing the inner fender. That reduced 70% of the cowl shake and improved the front end rigidity.

Finally, I added a triangular Monte Carlo bar to the engine compartment. That eliminated the remaining cowl shake. I eventually had to remove the bar, as it was made to clear the Slant 6 I had in the car. I now run a stroked 5.9 Magnum and need to make a new bar.

I am also going to add a V-shaped door bar to tie the rollbar, to the door sill, to the under fender bracing while still leaving the car easy to get in and out of.