Guys,

I'm picking up a shell that has stock rear suspension and differential (open). My current ride has been modified with aluminum uprights from a Z and has a 180sx diff and will become a donor to this "new" shell due damage to the front in a recent accident (the fronts tweaked and has a nasty vibration at any speed above 60mph). The car is aligned and not eating tires but its never gonna be the same. Thats the reason for the shell purchase.

My question is this:
Which would be easier, to swap the stuff over to the "new" shell piece by piece or to do a subframe swap with all the good stuff in it?? I've never swapped a subframe. It doesnt look too tricky but I have never done it, so I thought it would be smart to ask. It seems to me that the subframe swap would be the way to go. And it would be a good time to install new bushings in the sub frame. Let me know what you think. I'm certain it won't make a difference but it is a hatch to a coupe swap.

 

Subframe swap gets it all in one shot... Its not hard, just make sure you are prepared to heat bolts struggle with rusted nuts etc. I'd get both cars up in the air side by side and use a dolly/creeper to set the "good" subframe on and roll it into position under the shell.

 

I would do the subframe swap
get fuel lines replaced while down there

 

Subframe swap alllllllllllll the waaaaayyyyyyyyy

 

I figured that might be the consensus. Where would be the best place to pick up subframe bushings? I dont want solids...but some ES stuff would do the trick.

-Royce

 

yeah, I would agree, with the work it would take to swap it piece by piece, you might as well swap the entire sub frame as one piece.

BUT, you never know when it comes to subframes, you might find that the one on the shell is in better shape and yours is rusted or something dumb like that. So inspect thoroughly before tackling that project.

bushings - (don't know if price is good, or if the site is good, just pulled it up with a quick search, but it is basically what you're looking for)
nismo set - MyNismo.com - NISMO Bushing - Rear Subframe Insulator Mounting
energy suspension - MyNismo.com - ENERGY SUSPENSION - Subframe Insert Set
energy suspensino - MyNismo.com - ENERGY SUSPENSION Rear Sub Frame Set

From what I remember, the nismo ones are supposed to just be harder rubber. Much improved over stock, but still not as stiff as the energy suspension, polyutethane ones. If that is true ( I honestly don't remember) then the nismo ones might be worth considering for a daily driver.
I don't have a personal opinion. I've driven either stock, or aluminum ones (or my buddy's welded together one)

might consider cleaning it up and painting it to ward off any rust issues down the line.

 

Good suggestions on the inspection and clean up Phil. I got a line on the energy suspension bushings...figured I might as well get the master kit. THe shell is an 89 coupe...straight as Faaaaaahhkkk...but it has been sitting. Cant wait to get it home and go to work! Should be within the next 2 weeks.

-royce

 

just remember that the master kit isn't exactly a "master" kit.
It really only has the common bushings, not every single one. I don't think the master kit even comes with sub frame spacers.

if its been sitting for a long time, expect to find all kinds of problems here and there. Chassis go to hell when they sit. So go over that thing with a fine tooth comb while you work on it.

Can't wait to see the progress.
hit me up if you need a hand.

 

Thankfully the bulk of the working parts that will be in the shell will be from my car. The entire driveline and suspension...brakes and all will be from my car. But dropping that subframe will reveal a lot about the chassis. Take note that with the sway in the front of my hatch anything will seem like an upgrade. You guys have no idea how sad it makes me to type that statement.

 

if you use the energy suspension bushings for the subframe, cut off the tops and sit the subframe flush to the chassis. Pretty sure there is a small write up about it towards the thread on my red S14 in the builds section.