72 Charger (Frame Beef-Up?)

[Jvz]

I just completed assembling a 440 Six-Pack Motor for my 1972 Dodge Charger and
have a few questions as to:

If beefing up the frame so as to not twist the body is necessary. 

This Charger is the Special Edition Model and came with a 400 and now with
the 440-Six-Pack Set -Up It's a performance street vehicle, around 450 - 500 HP.

I have a 727  Torqueflite transmission, 8 3/4" rear end (429 case with 3.23 gears).
The torque convertor is 2,400 stall speed, not quite enough for the large Cam I'm running,
so I'll probably have to change that.

My question is weather or not any one has any experience with needing to install
subframe connectors or not.

Any help or thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

John

[72Charger-SE]

John, I haven't had my car on the road yet but I added sub-frame connectors and torque boxes.  1972 Charger SE originally with a 400:2b/727/2.76 single wheel.  Now a 1972 Charger 'non-SE' with a 448ci:4b/727/3.55 sure grip.  With your setup I would say it would be a very good idea to add them.   

[HPP]

IMO, sub frame connectors are a good addition to a 180 horse 318, so I'd say they are required equipment on any stoutly built big block. Not only do they help with resisting twisting the chassis, but they help keep panel gaps consistent, reduce squeaks and rattles, and provide a good foundation for the suspension to more effectively control the car.

[Mike DC]

IMO, sub frame connectors are a good addition to a 180 horse 318, so I'd say they are required equipment on any stoutly built big block. Not only do they help with resisting twisting the chassis, but they help keep panel gaps consistent, reduce squeaks and rattles, and provide a good foundation for the suspension to more effectively control the car.

This stuff doesn't add much weight or trouble when done right.  It helps the car without any real downsides aside from non-stock appearances.  

A basic set of SCs (don't cut the floorpans) and factory-style torque box plating are the most beneficial.  A front lower radiator support brace and shock tower-to-firewall bracing are next in line.  

US Car Tool sells decent parts made for this stuff.  

[RallyeMike]

shock tower-to-firewall bracing are next in line. 

With subframe connectors and a full cage, I am tearing the inner fenderwell sheetmetal away from the shock tower on my 72. I don't have personal experience with these specific braces, but I wish I had added them - So I second this thought.

[Jvz]

Thank's guys for your help,
Does any one have a guy who has experience that can weld these,
in the Southern California Area?

John

[myk]

Thank's guys for your help,
Does any one have a guy who has experience that can weld these,
in the Southern California Area?

John

Where exactly in Southern California?

[ottawamerc]

Ya JVZ do it for sure. I put the USCar tool frame connectors and torque boxes on my 71 440 6 pack car and noticed a "large" difference. One thing with the USCar tool ones I liked is they look like they were made as a stock piece from the factory They are not as strong as other 2X3 tube styles etc. but I dont like the way they look on our 3rd Gen. cars and /or the mods needed to install them IMO.

Scott