I was considering a front subframe delete on my '02 WRX, from what I understand it makes the front end a little softer therefore creating less understeer.

Is this correct, if so what are the cons to getting rid of the front subframe?

Increased overall unibody wear?

Decreased safety?

Thanks in advance for your replies, I did a search and found very minimal info.

:banana: for you!!!

 

Safety.

 

Do you know what the safety concern is? To my understanding (which may or may not be correct) not having the front subframe will let the engine drop out of the bottom of the car easier/faster in a front end collision. Like I said, that may or may not be correct, but looking at how the front subframe is mounted to the frame, it makes sense to me :\

 

There is so much engineering going into cars today - I would say that deleting the subframe would be a bad idea. I'm sure it's part of the whole "get the engine out of the way safely" plan in the unfortunate occurance of an accident.

If you've got too much push at the front - why not add a rear swaybar, or if you've got one and it's not working - stiffen it up a bit?

 

I disagree. GDB A/B/C Spec C models do not have that subframe. And, surprisingly enough, GDB and GC8 chassis are very similar too and GC8 does not have it either. That chasssis is for added safety and improved chassis rigidity. Safety is your call, but regidity can be gained back by usign aftermarket lower arm bars. They are mych lighter, have less clearance issues.

 

Thanks for the replies guys, im get a cusco front subframe and a cusco rear swaybar to help push the rear out.

 

I dont have a specific source to cite, but I believe the u-shaped subframe is there specifically for improved safety in front offset crashes.

 

andd im takin mine out til i can afford the perrin one. wich cusco brace replaces the subrame??

 

bum(p)

 

The perrin one looks nice, but i am running w/o subframe. I have the ALK and cusco v1 bar only.

 

I'd imagine you would sacrifice a ton of frame rigidity, which in turn will surely affect your handling...in the wrong way.

There's a reason people spend so much money on thicker and stiffer suspension and support for their cars...

 

If it had anything to do with frame rigidity or handling, they Aus market and Japan market cars would have subframes too... but they don't.

It's a safety item for tests that are done in the US but not in other markets (offset frontal crash, as in, someone else's driver's side to your passenger side.)