Vette2Vette No Flex Install

[XfireZ51]

One of the projects I had lined up for summer driving involved installation of the Vette2Vette No Flex chassis bracing system. ZR-1 Registry member =Jeff= was the "beta" install for this system and has been very happy with it for several years. I wanted to document the install particularly given that I am using coilovers and the DRM rear suspension bracketing.
The DRM control arm brackets "spread" the control arms fyrther apart which then blocks direct access to the lower bracket/frame mounting bolt. This bolt functions as the upper mount bolt for the rear NoFlex mount.

The pics I have posted are as follows:

1. No Flex Components
2. Differential Jacking attachment
3. Blocked lower control arm bracket bolt
4. Remove control rod attaching bolt and move control rod for clearance
5. Temporary loosen Ebrake cable bracket for additional installation clearance

Additional pics are in next post

[XfireZ51]

6. Using a level aligning bottom of bracket keeping NoFlex tension rod mount perpendicular to frame.

7. This is the rear tension rod mount bracket installed and setup for drilling lower mount bolt hole. This hole goes through the lower frame and prevents rear No Flex bracket from sliding slightly side to side.

8. Shows where hole is drilled for lower brackt mount and that Ebrake cable is temporarily moved for install clearance.

9. Lower bracket bolt installed

10. Tension rod Heim joint being installed and torqued to 80#.

The rear driver’s side bracket is the most difficult part of the install. Front brackets are pretty straightforward

[XfireZ51]

This next group shows installation of front mounting bracket for the tension rod Heim joint.

11. The front mounting bracket utilizes the C4 convertible brace mounting holes already in the frame. I first hit the holes w some Kroil penetrating oil to help clean out the threads.

12. Shows the convertible brace mounting holes. There are 4 of them

13. Front bracket installed

14. Tension rods mounted in front and rear brackets and tension applied.

[XfireZ51]

My overall impressions are that this bracing system works. I am satisfied with it. What is noticeable is the absence of the 2nd Degree harmonics. This is the kind of thing that you don't notice until its not there any longer. As an example, going over railroad crossing, even w the targa installed. I expect to hear certain creaks, rattles and noise. However, when I did this for the first time after installing the V2V No Flex, the car felt more like it was a German platform. There was a lack of secondary flex or noise. The car felt much solid as if it was more of a single piece.

[onethumb]

Thank you for posting. I have been eyeing this kit for a while. Seems like a pretty straight-forward install with some benefit. My past experience with convertibles is such that a chassis stiffener is generally one of the best things you can do for them. It may not yield any time on the track, but the overall 'feel' of the vehicle improves. I suspect the same is true for these cars, given the flexible nature of the chassis.

[XfireZ51]

I have coilovers but I would opt for the V2V bracing first providing a much more stable platform for handling. As an example, I found I am using the Touring setting on my FX3 rather than the Sport I had been using.

[KPW]

Thanks for this post. I’ve been on the fence, but I think I’ll be bumping these up toward the top of my list.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

[Flyman 27]

How involved was the instal? How long did it take?

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

I have coilovers but I would opt for the V2V bracing first providing a much more stable platform for handling. As an example, I found I am using the Touring setting on my FX3 rather than the Sport I had been using.

I've always been intrigued by the bars. But, do the bars in any way impede access to the pinch welds when it comes time to jack the car up?

[dredgeguy]

I have had the V2V no flex for the last 2 years and it does the job. Leaving my home there is a dip in the road I would go over everyday. When I had the clear roof off the car would flex and the roof would sound like it was cracking when I went over the dip. After the install, no noise so for sure it is stiffer. I won the no flex in the ZR-1 Net silent auction at Carlisle (another reason to go!)