got my stage 3 subframe yesterday so go on with fitting it.
first thing first, the quality of the workmanship is very good. all welds look really good and it just looks and feels a quality product.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo82/GAF2_photo/ppp%20stage%203%20subframe/pppsubframe006.jpg
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo82/GAF2_photo/ppp%20stage%203%20subframe/pppsubframe005.jpg
after gettin the old arb off the two could be compared
old - http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo82/GAF2_photo/ppp%20stage%203%20subframe/pppsubframe003.jpg
new - http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo82/GAF2_photo/ppp%20stage%203%20subframe/pppsubframe004.jpg
fitting wasnt to bad once i stopped being a div (fitted the new gearbox mount before getting the frame up), everything lined up with a bit of persuision but would have been alot easier with a second pair of hands.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo82/GAF2_photo/ppp%20stage%203%20subframe/pppsubframe013.jpg
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo82/GAF2_photo/ppp%20stage%203%20subframe/pppsubframe011.jpg
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo82/GAF2_photo/ppp%20stage%203%20subframe/pppsubframe010.jpg
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo82/GAF2_photo/ppp%20stage%203%20subframe/pppsubframe009.jpg
one strange side effect, had to remove the rocker cover to get enough room to fit my manifold but once on there is actualy more clearance between exhaust downpipe and the frame, used to touch old arb.
just need to tighten everything up, set up using measurements taken before i started then get booked in for digital/laser tracking.
cheers yoof + PPP.
Very nice mate! Thanks for posting this up, great pics.
Quick OT: Just wondering if you have any problems running without disc splash shields?
no problems as far as i know. cheers
Most of my miles to date have been done without backplates and no problems.
yeah I've ran various mk3 polos for years with no guards on the back
Nice!!
Oooh!! I want one too on my mk2 "steilheck" G40...
Just have to start saving up some money...
Glad you're happy :) We might be more expensive than other alternatives, but I think the quality is worth it on a safety critical part.
Keep an eye on all the nuts/bolts after a few hundred miles :)
well guys i have had the frame on for 2 weeks now and it is like night and day. the handling is unbeliveable compared to without it, feels like its on rails.lol. can get the power down alot earlier and keep it down right through the bend, the seats are no longer supportive enough now the car is not rolling about with you. if you dont have one, get one, best buy so far.
cheers grant
When did the design change to give adjustment on both ends of the tie bars?? Is it an apposing thread?
GAF2, are you willing to sell your old ARB mounting blocks? If you haven't sold them already, that is!
erm yeah you can have them if u want for a tenner plus the postage, how does that sound?
Sounds good. Just to be clear though, they look like G-Laderseite blocks in the photo, but without the clamps?
Quote from: G-spot on April 24, 2010, 09:54:28 PM
When did the design change to give adjustment on both ends of the tie bars?? Is it an apposing thread?
10/10 for observation! We changed them this batch, just means ordering a LH thread and welding that on the compression strut, saves you from dropping the strut each time to adjust it.
Compression struts go aft of the TCA, these are tension struts. Do I get 10/10 for observation?!! ;D
Those frames do look superb quality Pete. With the ability to adjust in situ they really are excellent. Final evolution?
Splitting hairs- but you are correct, it's because they're sold as an escort 'compression' kit :)
Possibly the final evolution, I'm tempted to try an additional arb too- although this isn't really necessary if you've got the ability to tune spring rates.
Quote from: Yoof on April 25, 2010, 11:37:34 AM
Possibly the final evolution, I'm tempted to try an additional arb too- although this isn't really necessary if you've got the ability to tune spring rates.
Would this make the Stage 3 subframe more friendly to those who haven't got coilovers/method of adjusting spring tensions - i.e. standard spring/shock kits (e.g. H&R cup)?
I've still got our first development road version of the stage 3 frame on my car. Even with the ancient FK springs and shocks kit it's miles better than it was with the stock setup.
Quote from: cheys03 on April 25, 2010, 12:28:53 PM
Quote from: Yoof on April 25, 2010, 11:37:34 AM
Possibly the final evolution, I'm tempted to try an additional arb too- although this isn't really necessary if you've got the ability to tune spring rates.
Would this make the Stage 3 subframe more friendly to those who haven't got coilovers/method of adjusting spring tensions - i.e. standard spring/shock kits (e.g. H&R cup)?
Indeed it would, but if you're looking for something to suit a road suspension set-up then I'd reccomend the Stage 2 frame which retains the ARB, you don't have the caster adjustability a stage 3 gives though.
We've got a few more things in the pipeline first, but if the market demands it, then we can supply :)
Excellent. Thanks for the advice gents