Chassis reinforcing for a t2 swap
 

I am planning on installing a turbo II S5 motor into my 1982GS and I am wondering if I should reinforce the chassis. How much torque will a stock chassis take. I am sure this question has been asked a million times, however, I have spent the last few hours in the 1st gen archives and I still haven't found much info on this topic. If I do have to reinforce the chassis, how and where should I reinforce it.

The stock 1st gen chassis can handle a lot of torque. Its quite strong actually. I'd say it could handle at least 300lb ft of torque, much more than even a modded TII engine can put out.

Considering the fact that many FBs have been swapped with V8s, I think you are OK.

Andrew

No, hasn't been asked a million times. For once, someone has come up with a new TII swap question, congratulations, you get a cookie, or 5 forum bucks, lol.

Guys are running over 400 hp with no body reinforcement. The thing I would watch/check is the normal rust areas and make sure they aren't compromised. If they are, the control arm mounts in particular, then I would look into adding some extra strength there when repairs are made.

none needed for a rotary motor, a high torque v8, i would add a cage and some subframe reinforcements if i wanted too keep all the body lines in tact ;)

I agree......even with super high HP numbers,turbo rotaries down put down super lowend torque......except maybe a 20B or bigger.

I wouldnt worry,except about the aforementioned rust issues.
I added a 4 point rollcage,and some strut braces front and rear,but thats about it.Youll break the stock trans,then the stock rearend, well before you have to worry about the unibody.Install a TII trans,then either be nice to the stock axle,or install an 8.8" Ford rear.At that point,you should be able to crank the power into the ridiculous levels for a 2 rotor,without much worry.

DirectFreak is running about 500hp and 430lbft of torque in his GSL-SE and AFAIK he only has an 8 point roll cage. There are no other subframe mods or anything, but I could be wrong. I won't speak fully for him.

But like I said, the 1st gen has a lot of torsional rigidity. It was actually one of the stiffest cars for its time I believe, and by todays standards its still up to par.

The biggest chassis upgrades for a 1st gen IMO are strut tower braces - it's pretty easy to make a front one and weld/bolt it to the firewall as well. After that, roll cage will help a lot. Mostly though at this point it's just about rust and mileage. These are old cars and metal fatigue is going to be adding up.

Currently 507 RWHP at 22 PSI, and 395lbft of torque. 6 point cage, although I removed the swingouts. (so only a 4 point 95% of the time).

No problems whatsoever. Like said before, I don't think you even need a cage. I only got it to be legal at the track.

If this guy says it isn't needed - it isn't needed.

Wow, you made less torque with higher hp? I got the vid with 480hp and 440lb ft of torque at only 21psi. Thats kind of surprising. Sounds almost like you've pretty much reached the limit of your turbo.