My attempt at subframe lightening
Turbo Mini Forums

I weighed a totally bare subframe and iirc it weighed in at 16kg. The frame as you see it, with brace bars and solid floor mounts its about 12kgs. The saving isnt huge, as most of the weight appears to be in the towers. But the stiffness is way better, i stood on the front of a standard subby and grabbed the towers and could flex it real easy. I do the same with mine and it doesnt move! Feels really strong. Ill be keeping an eye on all the welds ect in the coming months to ensure nothings being stressed.

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

That looks good mike.

I'm tempted to attempt to make a subframe from scratch, and convert to front coilovers. Just get hold of a pile of t45 steel, tack weld it together, then get someone who can weld really well to finish it off. Bang, Job done! I'd imagine it would be a massive pain in the arse in reality.

Edit: Bugger making one from scratch, Too much hassle with suspension mounting points etc. I'll hybrid an original.

Edited by minimole23 on 24th May, 2010.

tbh it wasnt that hard to do. Easier than drilling 10 million holes in one!

Sorty ive kinda hi jacked this thread lol

I might start my own.

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

ive been thinking about the same mike, i have always wanted one of carls subframes but i like dougnuts over coilovers and i dont have pockets that deep, hybrid orginal/tubular subframe was the next best thing imo

Having seen it in the flesh, mike's frame is a nice bit of kit. Very light in comparision to a standard one. Chances are I will plagerise his work...

me to lol

I feel a patent coming on lol

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

and yet its stil held in place with the std boat anchors :)

i like that very much mike, what tube did you use?

"Turbo's make torque, and torque makes fun"

"did you know you can toast potato waffles?"

CFS 23mm 2.03mm wall

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

Carl?! you might want to have a word with Mike, he is abusing your idea

Certainly looks nice, and light, but is it really as rigid as a standard frame? when I look at it I can't help get the feeling that its not enough. Its just a feeling though and if you're happy, what does it matter :)

On 24th May, 2010 MikeRace said:

I had my doubts when welding it all up but you really can feel the difference. I had carl take a look and I added some supports underneath to be on the safe side.

Edited by MikeRace on 24th May, 2010.

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

Did you need that hammer to make it fit