Installed my Che K-member brace + torque limiters..
12-28-2006, 06:57 PM
#1
6th Gear Member
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 11,278
Installed my Che K-member brace + torque limiters..
I haven't driven it yet so i'll update this post tomorrow, but the install went fairly smooth. Some things that may helps others are:
1. The inner k member nuts that need to be removed are an odd size, I believe 21mm because a 13/16 closed end wrench fit, but very, very tight.
2. Don't put the smaller bolts in the k member brace first like the instructions say. I did this and could not get the larger bolts to go in even with the small bolts completely loose. I had to completely remove the small bolts to get the larger bolts in.
3. Be sure to use locktite on the bell housing bolts and torque limiter nuts. I've read a few posts about the nuts on the adjustable torque limiters working loose and i'll probably have to redo mine with a stronger locktite since I only had the medium strength.
Sorry, no pictures.
1. The inner k member nuts that need to be removed are an odd size, I believe 21mm because a 13/16 closed end wrench fit, but very, very tight.
2. Don't put the smaller bolts in the k member brace first like the instructions say. I did this and could not get the larger bolts to go in even with the small bolts completely loose. I had to completely remove the small bolts to get the larger bolts in.
3. Be sure to use locktite on the bell housing bolts and torque limiter nuts. I've read a few posts about the nuts on the adjustable torque limiters working loose and i'll probably have to redo mine with a stronger locktite since I only had the medium strength.
Sorry, no pictures.
12-28-2006, 07:08 PM
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
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RE: Installed my Che K-member brace + torque limiters..
I never used locktite on mine and they did not work loose. As long as the jam nuts are tight they shouldnt move. I just had to take all mine apart for the LT install and eveything was still real tight. Not that I think locktite is a bad idea though.
12-28-2006, 07:18 PM
#3
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RE: Installed my Che K-member brace + torque limiters..
Well that's good to know. It seemed logical that they would work loose with all the pulling from the engine/transmission.
ORIGINAL: Riven02
I never used locktite on mine and they did not work loose. As long as the jam nuts are tight they shouldnt move. I just had to take all mine apart for the LT install and eveything was still real tight. Not that I think locktite is a bad idea though.
I never used locktite on mine and they did not work loose. As long as the jam nuts are tight they shouldnt move. I just had to take all mine apart for the LT install and eveything was still real tight. Not that I think locktite is a bad idea though.
12-29-2006, 11:11 AM
#4
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Join Date: Nov 2006
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RE: Installed my Che K-member brace + torque limiters..
This is one of those mods that most people do not do and it is a shame that they do not do it.
This was the very first mod I did to my car and it helped with the shifter binding that I was having.
When I first read about it most people said it would only be noticeable at WOT shifts and I have to disagree.
I noticed a difference when I went for a test drive after I installed it..
I think a lot of people do not do this mod because it is not one you see and can show off.
This is a great mod especially if you have the manual transmission.
This was the very first mod I did to my car and it helped with the shifter binding that I was having.
When I first read about it most people said it would only be noticeable at WOT shifts and I have to disagree.
I noticed a difference when I went for a test drive after I installed it..
I think a lot of people do not do this mod because it is not one you see and can show off.
This is a great mod especially if you have the manual transmission.
12-29-2006, 12:09 PM
#5
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Posts: 375
RE: Installed my Che K-member brace + torque limiters..
I have to agree. I have been ponding on this thouht for a while since I don't go to the track and I'm not SC'd. Nonetheless, I drive her hard and I will consider it more.
12-29-2006, 02:39 PM
#6
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RE: Installed my Che K-member brace + torque limiters..
Well I didn't get to do any WOT shifts today. My drive to work basically sucks and it's wall to wall cops. The first thing i noticed when i started the car was the obvious sound of the starter. I like it, but others may not. You can really hear the starter spinning now or maybe the starter spinning the flywheel. The next thing I noticed was how much more I could feel the engine, especially through the gas pedal of all places since it's not attached to the engine anymore. The stick shift feels more solid with less vibrations, i was expecting it to vibrate more although thinking about it now i'm not sure why.
I did a few high rpm shifts and could tell a definate difference. It's probably my imagination, but I swear it feels like I picked up a few ponies at the wheels. The car may not be more powerful, but it feels more powerful now.
I did a few high rpm shifts and could tell a definate difference. It's probably my imagination, but I swear it feels like I picked up a few ponies at the wheels. The car may not be more powerful, but it feels more powerful now.
12-29-2006, 03:54 PM
#7
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Join Date: Jan 2006
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Posts: 94
RE: Installed my Che K-member brace + torque limiters..
Don't forget the other benefit. We all know the torque limiters improve shifting, but don't forget many people have installed the K-member brace itself as a mod. One of the first things I noticed was the car was flatter and could comfortably go faster on an on-ramp. On tight turns the front end is definitely flat and steering is more precise.
12-29-2006, 04:14 PM
#8
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Erlanger, KY
Posts: 273
RE: Installed my Che K-member brace + torque limiters..
ORIGINAL: moosestang
I haven't driven it yet so i'll update this post tomorrow, but the install went fairly smooth. Some things that may helps others are:
1. The inner k member nuts that need to be removed are an odd size, I believe 21mm because a 13/16 closed end wrench fit, but very, very tight.
2. Don't put the smaller bolts in the k member brace first like the instructions say. I did this and could not get the larger bolts to go in even with the small bolts completely loose. I had to completely remove the small bolts to get the larger bolts in.
3. Be sure to use locktite on the bell housing bolts and torque limiter nuts. I've read a few posts about the nuts on the adjustable torque limiters working loose and i'll probably have to redo mine with a stronger locktite since I only had the medium strength.
Sorry, no pictures.
I haven't driven it yet so i'll update this post tomorrow, but the install went fairly smooth. Some things that may helps others are:
1. The inner k member nuts that need to be removed are an odd size, I believe 21mm because a 13/16 closed end wrench fit, but very, very tight.
2. Don't put the smaller bolts in the k member brace first like the instructions say. I did this and could not get the larger bolts to go in even with the small bolts completely loose. I had to completely remove the small bolts to get the larger bolts in.
3. Be sure to use locktite on the bell housing bolts and torque limiter nuts. I've read a few posts about the nuts on the adjustable torque limiters working loose and i'll probably have to redo mine with a stronger locktite since I only had the medium strength.
Sorry, no pictures.
I did notice that the K member brace tightened the steering up a little.
I see that you have CHE LCAs. Did you have any issues installing them? I have adjustable CHE LCAs sitting in the garage that I'm going to install when I get a chance. I've heard that the axle can shift a little and getting the bolts back in can be a little bit of a problem sometimes. One guy used rachet tie down straps wrapped around the axle and then hooked to the frame to move the axle back into place.
12-29-2006, 05:11 PM
#9
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Join Date: Sep 2006
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RE: Installed my Che K-member brace + torque limiters..
ORIGINAL: 06hoss
I see that you have CHE LCAs. Did you have any issues installing them? I have adjustable CHE LCAs sitting in the garage that I'm going to install when I get a chance. I've heard that the axle can shift a little and getting the bolts back in can be a little bit of a problem sometimes. One guy used rachet tie down straps wrapped around the axle and then hooked to the frame to move the axle back into place.
I see that you have CHE LCAs. Did you have any issues installing them? I have adjustable CHE LCAs sitting in the garage that I'm going to install when I get a chance. I've heard that the axle can shift a little and getting the bolts back in can be a little bit of a problem sometimes. One guy used rachet tie down straps wrapped around the axle and then hooked to the frame to move the axle back into place.
