Hi, I just have question that may seem dumb. I have a 1981 Z/28 with t-tops and 64K on it. I'm putting in a 400hp small block and updating the suspension. Are the sub frame connectors enough to keep it together or is there something else I should be doing to the car?

 

Obviously T tops are going to be much different then a full roof car, but i would assume a good set of subframe connectors would be more than enough. I ran my 70 for the second half of the summer with 620hp/650ft lbs and NO subframe connectors and I cant see any issues..

 

Same here. I ran my '71 with a 427 in it for many years at the drags and street, with no sub frame connectors. I can't say it didn't show signs of ill fitting gaps when I finally restored it, but it held up better than I thought. I think you'll be fine with sub frame connectors.

 

Gen 2 Camaros tend to twist. Tearing the driver side roof is very common. My question back to you is "do you care if the T-tops seal?" Car that have been pushed hard even with the stock engine can be tuff to get to seal once they have been tweaked. At the first dealership I worked the owners son had a 81. He ran it hard and it was in the body shop every 6 months or so to get it "fixed" It always leaked at the back corner of the drivers window.

Remember the car body does not care about HP it cares about torque. A 400HP 383 can lay down 450 Ft/lbs of torque but if the rear can not hook that to the road that is does not matter. Your not going to twist the body while you 255's are making a bunch of smoke and bouncing up and down on the leaf springs. A set of cheater slick and a 4 link setup could twist things pretty bad with 450+ ftlbs of torque. If it was my T-top car I would want a 6 point cage right after I did the rear upgrade.