how much horsepower before your chasssis/frame twists?

[gordo1968charger]

i want to put a big engine in my 68,but would also like to keep it stock looking,how much can the frame take before it twists?or modifications have to be made?

[tan top]

if launching with slicks ,  on a sticky track  even a stock  440 would do a number on the unibody after a while .......... the next time your at the track & you see a mopar launch with  one  front wheel off the ground ....that is frame twist  ..... most of the time

a good start  would be  frame connecters & torque boxes 

[Mike DC]

Yeah, it's the grippy tires that do the hurt more than any certain horsepower number. 

Harder 60-foot launch = more twisting forces on the frame.

[firefighter3931]

Once it dead hooks you're tweaking the unibody....tie the frames. 


Ron

[gordo1968charger]

where would i get frame connectors and torque boxes?

[yeahitsgotahemi!]

I believe there are a bunch of threads on this topic. But to answer your question, some of the more trick frame connectors I have seen are made by US car tool. They weld in and appear factory. I think XV has a similar product that they sell on ebay. The torque boxes I imagine can be bought through various parts supplies. I remember seeing them in Paddock, but I think they were pricey. Maybe making your own out of sheet metal would be the way to go.
Definately heed the wisdom of the members who posted, anything that can be done to increase the torisional rigidity of the body will increase the performance and life of the vehicle.

[gordo1968charger]

the us tool ones looked fantastic,not a bad price either.when  the weather is warmer i ll get some fitted.

[tan top]

where would i get frame connectors and torque boxes?

got mine from ART  ,   

http://www.autorust.com/contact.html     

but yearone & the paddock sell their stuff also

[Mike DC]

 
And don't underestimate the gains from just adding the factory-style torque boxes.  Those factory engineers were no dummys. 

SCs are the common thing everyone in the musclecar hobby talks about these days, but you really gain from both additions.  The chassis is only as strong as its weakest link no matter how strong certain other areas might be.