Who on here has swapped in the FC Front Subframe to their 1st Gens?



I'm thinking of doing this on my project FB but I want to make sure it'd be a worth while modification.



I'm planning on building a drift FB so wheel turn in and response is very important to me. I figure with all the FC's drifting out there I'd be able to use some of the steering modifications to get a good wheel angle.



Is there a good write up that goes over the removal and swappage?



How much modification will it take, or will it be basically a bolt in?



I've read that you need to drill and add a bit of re-enforcement so that something (I don't recall what) doesn't collapse under the stress of driving.



I know ReSpeed has made a rack and pinion kit with a new cross member but I'd like to use the brakes, axels, suspension as well as the rack and pinion.



If I do decide to do this I'll also want to increase the steering ration so it turns from lock to lock quicker, but that'll be another post down the road.

 

Also can i use a GXL Subframe? Or will I have issues because of the adjustable suspension stuff

 

to start easy, all the fc subframes are the same. the lower arms all interchange, but the 86-88's have replaceable ball joints, so might be better. the 5 lug front hubs are all the same, along with front rotors and spindles.



the gxl has a different strut, its exactly like TEINs edfc, its an adjustable strut with a motor on the adjuster



i'm thinking for drifting this actually might make sense, i think the fc setup can get more steering angle, although you might want to check

 

Yeah I was thinking more angle and better suspension options and better over all product support.



Thanks for the reply. It seems like there is hardly any activity on this site...

 

I haven't done it, but I'm planning on it for 2 cars. I'll tell you what I know....



The subframes are the same width. Going from memory, it's something like 43". This is good -- should fit "right in".



My plan of attack is to grind the welds for the studs that go through the frame off, so I can remove those studs and re-use for mockup purposes (final I figure I'll put a new stud in there... the 4 in there are 20+ years old, might as well use a new part). At any rate, in theory you just drill 4 new holes in the frame and drop those studs in and you're golden as far as bolting up the subframe. I haven't actually mocked it up, so we might get lucky and one of the studs will work in its factory location, so check that out before you do it.



The shock tops are different, I think... I checked, but now I can't remember. Worst case is you put camber plates on it and cut out the stock tower.



To me, mounting the swaybar is easy, as would your new steering column if you've got a cage. One of my projects will be doing it to a street car, so I need to figure out how to modify the dash bar or something to make a FC or Miata steering column work under a stock FB dash. If you're putting a cage in it, just fab mounts on the knee/dash bar.



Hope that helps. If I get around to it in the next few weeks I'll post pictures, but I don't foresee me making any progress until after Thanksgiving.