Are the subframes different between a pre 99.5 and post 99.5 J? Moreso in terms of how a header that for sure needs the subframe to be notched out on a 95-99.5 . I have a 2000 and need to know if there are any differences around the header area on the subframe
thanks
im gonna go ahead and say no for good measure.
180hp in 1989 or 145hp in 2002, you decide. >
Subframe changed with the 03 model.
in 03 the subframe moved closer to the front I believe. I know those with an 02 eco automatics have had problems with the RK sport header since it bangs on the subframe. That happened to me with mine.
There is an extra brace where the exhaust for a 2200 would go. As far as I know that is the only difference.
There is no "extra" brace. The difference is that the center channel is straight with multiple holes on it. While the other, the center channel has a concave curvature.
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-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
My sisters 04 has the concave section and the extra piece welded in. Its there to stiffen the cradle and acts as a "brace".
Really, it is a added piece on top of the existing concave center channel piece? If that is case, I stand corrected.
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
At least on my sisters car it is. I want to say that the 03 sunfire I did a trans on was the same way.
It would be cheaper for GM to have just added an extra piece than to redo the tooling to make that change. Just some extra food for thought.
I can't believe what I'm reading from some of the older members... jeez guys don't we learn anything in the years upon years of surfing this site?
the subframes bolt into the same place, they're shaped the same on the top (where the header passes between the subframe and body), but the 03+ subframes have an extra support welded where (as was previously mentioned) the OHV exhaust goes.
ok so a 'subframe' brace?
180hp in 1989 or 145hp in 2002, you decide. >
sort of.
this is my 2004:
its on the backside where the subframe is near the steering rack.
well now... i wonder if that chunk of steel under the 03-05's evens out the lighter ecotec block...
180hp in 1989 or 145hp in 2002, you decide. >
z yaaaa wrote:well now... i wonder if that chunk of steel under the 03-05's evens out the lighter ecotec block...
doubt it. its about 1/8" thick.. I'd guesstimate that 'chunk' weighs maybe 5lbs
Its also not on the 02 eco subframe... so there would be a noticeable gain between the 02 and 03+ if that "chunk" weighed 50 - 60 lbs
My 02 Eco subframe is the old design. With the center curved.
up to 2002 is the old design... the new design was implemented in 2003 and used until 2005.
the skwirl's subframe had some damage from an accident (a welded nut that broke off for the a-arm) so I replaced it with a 2005 subframe.
...in case anyone was wondering about their interchangability.
well on a note here with the frames. why is it that when u take everything from a cavalier (05) for a ecoswap. im taking upper mounts lower mounts, etc(literally i cut the front clip off). and drop in to a 2000(all auto) why is it that the eco sitts higher and some say slanted diff then on factory ecoed cavs? we noticed this the other day i have two swapped 2k eco autos and both sit the same. yet my friends 04 fire sits diff. all ecos all auto, all factory mounts. someone said subframes diff when they tried to boost. but i cant see a diff i have the 05 subframe at the storage center. only thing i didnt change is i use on both the 2.4 dogbone. are they longer on the 2.4 vs eco? this is strange.
bluedriftcavy(a.k.a. wayne) wrote:well on a note here with the frames. why is it that when u take everything from a cavalier (05) for a ecoswap. im taking upper mounts lower mounts, etc(literally i cut the front clip off). and drop in to a 2000(all auto) why is it that the eco sitts higher and some say slanted diff then on factory ecoed cavs? we noticed this the other day i have two swapped 2k eco autos and both sit the same. yet my friends 04 fire sits diff. all ecos all auto, all factory mounts. someone said subframes diff when they tried to boost. but i cant see a diff i have the 05 subframe at the storage center. only thing i didnt change is i use on both the 2.4 dogbone. are they longer on the 2.4 vs eco? this is strange.
when i swapped from 02 subframe to 05 I noticed no change in how the engine sits, so the subframe being different is highly unlikely.
the lower dogbones are all the same length, the engine doesn't matter. the bracketry used on the engine is designed to make sure the lower mount is always the same.
my best bet is the radiator support at the front of the engine bay may be slightly closer or farther away on eco cars, causing the illusion that the engine is higher/lower/rotated.. not enough to alter front end swaps, but perhaps enough to change the way the engine LOOKS like its sitting in the bay?
who knows.
hmmm ill have to snap a side by side next time i see my boys fire. i sware they truly sitt diff in the bays.
dude...just modify the subframe to fit the header..its not that hard really. that 03+ frame looks like it wont fit the header at all, nor does it look like you could modify it to fit. work with what ya got
my turbo kit came out of a 2004 eco 5 spd, fit flawlessly, my car is a 2000 Z w/eco swap 5 spd has had a laundry list of fitment issues, there is def, some sort of design difference or something.
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