I am currently building a 72 Dodge Charger. It was originally equipped with a 318 stock motor. I am upgrading to one of my former IMCA modified race engines. While it was built using a 318 platform it now produces considerable more than stock hp. The car did not come with a high performance package and I am trying to find out whether I should install torque boxes in the chassis or just tie the frame together with straight rails. Any ideas?

 

I would Check with your sanctioning track and see what the requirements mite be before doing anything.

 

No no, he's wondering if the chassis can handle the power.



You'll be fine. Put it in and romp.

 

There is no sanctioning body, this is a street car with a stock frame and no roll cage. The big question is since the stock horsepower is taking a huge jump which option would be a better fit to prevent the frame from getting twisted.

 

Oh, My Bad... I should have gave this a little more thought. Guess I read into it little to much.....
I dont feel you need to do ether at this time. Unless your going to be over around 400HP. per say.
That year car was going to be fitted with a 440 option but could not meet the emissions requirements at that time so it never got them. But the car was designed to handle it in street trim. (In my opinion)

AS for the Connectors and Boxes... No issues doing both... Connectors are good to tie the front to the rear... And the boxes do add a little extra support when tying in the rocker panels. But i dont see it needed for street use and under 400HP.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Unless your trying to dead hook 500 hp at the track with slicks or building something for going around corners with sticky tires I don't see the need for frame connectors. It isn't just how much power you have but how you expect to apply it.
now if your car was an old rust bucket that was given a new lease on life frame connectors might be a good idea to help make up for strength lost in rusty panel joints.
The truth is they can't hurt but I've seen some you wonder if they help.
On mopars I generally run a 2" tube from front to rear subframe going 6" in to each.
I also make a path through the floor and tie the to the roll bar main loop.

 

I agree about street tires no reinforcement, slicks yes.

 

I should probably have also mentioned that in addition to the race engine the car is getting a new K member and the suspension is being upgraded using tubular oval track race components. I am installing race shocks and heavier torsion bars as well as giving it a traditional stock car stance complete with wide tires and a lower body all around.

 

Cant wait to see what you out together J.. Sounds Fun...