2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

90 model convertible subframe question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 18, 2009 | 09:46 PM
  #1  
Marshessn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Full Member
iTrader: (-1)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Magnolia Texas
90 model convertible subframe question

So I have searched through about 12 pages of the keyword "subframe" in the 2nd gen forums and come up empty handed.

My problem, is after fitting some wheels with perfect fitment on, i came up with a small amount of rubbing, which i expected.

However, i didn't expect to find it was only rubbing on one side.

My drivers side front wheel hub has been pushed back about 3/4" which was enough to make the wheel offcenter and the tire rub.

The car WAS in a accident, in which the drivers front fender, hood, and front bumper were replaced. The car looked to have been repaired pretty well, until i really started to look at things, and realized there was a s4 a-arm on the drivers side.

WTF.

Went to the junk yard, got a nice drivers side spindle, put that on, and to no avail, the wheel still sits back further, eliminating the a-arm being bent. I did notice the strut being slightly SLIGHTLY bent, but i plan on replacing that soon. However i am starting to think that maybe the subframe is deformed. So i set on my quest to find out which subframes fit.

I found, that all subframes between the series are the same (s4, s5) except the difference between coupe and convertible is a bit of bracing.

Well there just happens to be an immaculate s4 coupe at the junk yard i check out normally. What are the chances that this subframe could mount up, and be a temporary, drivable subframe to use on my s5 vert?

My intentions are eventually to do an ls1 swap.

Any help would be appreciated.

TL;DR - what subframes will mount up to a s5 convertible.
Reply
Old Aug 19, 2009 | 06:34 AM
  #2  
Turbonut's Avatar
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 67
From: NJ
How about a bent lower control arm? They will bend at the curve.
Although larger in just about every area, can't see why the vert subframe wouldn't fit, but why not check out the dimensions first to make certain the subframe is cocked. There are measurements listed in the FSM in the Body section. If you do get the S4 subframe, take the stabilizer bar as it also differs from a S5.
Reply
Old Aug 19, 2009 | 07:38 AM
  #3  
Rob XX 7's Avatar
FC guy
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,713
Likes: 17
From: Long Island, New York
take the car to a body shop and let them put it on a frame machine, they can get it right for you without changing subframes.
Reply
Old Aug 19, 2009 | 01:27 PM
  #4  
FirstRotaryExp's Avatar
The Brap is Back
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,777
Likes: 1
From: Dandridge, Tennessee
You CAN use the coupe subframe on a vert, HOWEVER, you WILL LOSE the ability to reinstall the bracing that runs in that area. Also, if you have 1 S4 LCA you might as well replace the other side with a matching S4 LCA. This way you have same series control arms installed, and the S4's have replacable ball joints unlike the S5's. Though you will also need the S4 sway bar endlinks as the S5's are thicker and wont fit withiin the S4 brackets.
Reply
Old Aug 19, 2009 | 07:59 PM
  #5  
Marshessn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Full Member
iTrader: (-1)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Magnolia Texas
no bent control arms here, im guessing its just the subframe.
taking it to a frame shop is a no-go. i'm not made of money...
Reply
Old Aug 19, 2009 | 08:05 PM
  #6  
Rob XX 7's Avatar
FC guy
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,713
Likes: 17
From: Long Island, New York
they dont get that much money, it takes them about 2 hours to do
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
whizzybang
Naturally Aspirated Performance Forum
21
Feb 10, 2017 12:08 PM
mazdaverx713b
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
19
Aug 29, 2015 12:30 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:43 PM.