Installing the Kenny Brown "Y" Super Subs
updated February, 2002
The subframe installation was performed in April 1999 by the boys at M78 Body shop in Haslett, Michigan. They had never done a set of subframe connectors as far as I know, so it was a learning experience for them as well. Unfortunately, this is not the way I would go again, as it was expensive. The installation cost was 50% higher than the cost of the subframe connectors themselves! I have since talked to Kenny Brown Performance about this, and they recommended that anyone who buys their system should give them a call for a suggested installer. In fact, they can install them at the factory for you, if you want to drive to Indianapolis, Indiana.
One problem that I found was the right subframe connector: The M78 personnel couldn't seem to get it to clear the wide-mouth ctylitic converter. The exhaust has shifted over time, I am sure, and this was the result: they lopped off about twelve inches of the subframe connector, and relocated the crossbar. I was dissappointed, and I don't know who is to blame, but the car seems to do just fine regardless. Just be prepared to have to accomplish some tweaks of your own if you wish to install the Kenny Brown "Y" super-subs on your third-gen. In my case, I think it is a matter of having a 15-year old, original exhaust system.
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Its kind of hard to see, but underneath that rustproofing is a new set of Kenny Brown Super-subs, which were installed in the spring of 1999. They are cadmium plated, and they get stitched to the rocker every six inches or so. |
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The super subs weld-in around the lower control arm bracket. The shop had some fitment problems that required the addition of a few pieces of sheetmetal to shim in the gap. |
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On the right hand side, there were big problems with the L69 wide-mouth exhaust system. The worst part was here: At the Y-pipe. The Y-pipe comes so close to the rocker that there is no room for the subframe connector. Thus, we had to chop the subframe connector by over ten inches to make it fit. Now that I have headers, I find that they too, would have interfered with the subframe connectors. |
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In addition, the bent piece of rectangular tubing that BR Super Subs uses for attaching to the crossmember is in the way with the L69 catylitic converter. We had to grind it off, chop it up, and re-weld it a little farther up the subframe connector. |
In all, these subframe connectors hold the car together remarkably
well! After the installation of these components, along with a new front
suspension, this old WS6 Trans Am went to Gingerman raceway, where it was
recorded doing an astounding peak of 1.27 g in the corners!