Diamond Race Cars front Chromoly light weight subframe
Apr 20, 2014, 09:46 PM
#1
Diamond Race Cars front Chromoly light weight subframe
As you guys know i have been hunting for a subframe for a few years now. Several companies have claimed to be making one and only a few have actually have. But there pricing was obscene or they just looked like they would not work. I am not a cheap person but I know when to much is to much. Anyways a fellow member contacted me about a subframe he was having made by Diamond Race Cars. These guys specialize in custom frame work from simple things to top fuel race cars. There work is impressive. So after a few weeks of waiting they finished his subframe which can be found in pages 47 to 49 in the K member thread i made. This piece was very nice so he set me up with Diamond Race Cars to have the next subframe made. 2 weeks later it arrived and what a piece it is. So here is a review of this masterpiece.
Right out of the box. Extremely well built and black powder coated
On to the install. You all know if it saves weight I am all for it. So the first thing I did was strip the OEM subframe and weighed both pieces.
OEM subframe 27.1LBS. But remember I did a little shaving and modding to my OEM piece. So it actually was around 29lbs.
Diamond Race Cars sub frame weigh in
This piece is good for a 12LB weight savings. Now keep in mind I opted to KEEP front sway bar and exhaust hangers. This is a TRUE bolt in piece with all the options. So if you opt for no extras the weight savings gets better.
Here are some pics of each piece next to each other. Look at all that added clearance. There is way more room for exhaust clearance on this piece then OEM.
Next was to get cranking on the install. This thing fit's just like the OEM piece. I am very very pleased with this subframe.
Quick test fit before i install the components.
It fit perfectly so I started bolting on the components. Steering rack, sway bar, rear trans bracket, and the lower control arms all fit 100% perfectly. As if i was bolting it to a OEM piece.
Here is how you know they pay attention to detail. On the stock rack there is this rubber piece that go's around the rack. I really like that this rubber piece is still able to be used. It fits just like it did on the OEM piece.
With everything bolted on it was time to bolt it back onto the car. Here are some installed pics. I must say the 10.8lbs savings makes a nice difference just on install alone.
Another part of the subframe they put a little more thought into. The slight bend in this part should allow for easier trans install/removal.
Here are some underside pics
Here is something you will need to figure out. This bolt threads into the OEM subframe. On the Diamond Race Cars subframe you will need a nut. The OEM bolt is reused but the nut you need is a M14 1.25 thread. Make sure it is a flanged head nut. If you want to use a OEM nut like I did then just buy the OEM nut for the front strut bolts. The part number for this nut is MU431006. You will need 2 of them
Well that is it for now. In a few days I should have the engine in and I can give a good review on trans install, servicing, TC servicing ETC. Stay tuned as there is much more to come on this.
for pricing and options contact Diamond Race cars for the info. I can say this piece is the most affordable one on the market, just as light, just as strong and the details they incorporate is something others can not match. From what i am told they are trying to get a vendor license for this forum as well.
some questions i have been asked.
Is this on a street car? YES. this car is as street car as it gets at this degree. when it is not broken i do actually drive it a lot.
YES this subframe is built for a street car. Drag car only applications would have to contact Diamond for that type of build.
I can not give pricing so please do not ask me. you need to contact Diamond and they are trying to work out a vendor account so that info can be given.
Here is their website. http://www.diamondracecars.com/index.html
UPDATED.
i am a little behind guys. i have had some terrible luck. I tried to start the car and basically had to pull the engine back apart. anyways here is the subframe completely installed with the trans.
PROS/CONS
PRO
the TC is extremely noticeably easier to service. the trans does install easier then having the OEM subframe. so if you were able to remove your trans before WITHOUT lowering your subframe then this will be much easier now. i am very happy with it.
i run a 3.5 inch exhaust. 100% much more exhaust room. i cant wait to get my DP redone so i can get it to sit higher into the car.
CON
the damn subframe cant be seen anymore. HAHAH.
exhaust clearance.
Right out of the box. Extremely well built and black powder coated
On to the install. You all know if it saves weight I am all for it. So the first thing I did was strip the OEM subframe and weighed both pieces.
OEM subframe 27.1LBS. But remember I did a little shaving and modding to my OEM piece. So it actually was around 29lbs.
Diamond Race Cars sub frame weigh in
This piece is good for a 12LB weight savings. Now keep in mind I opted to KEEP front sway bar and exhaust hangers. This is a TRUE bolt in piece with all the options. So if you opt for no extras the weight savings gets better.
Here are some pics of each piece next to each other. Look at all that added clearance. There is way more room for exhaust clearance on this piece then OEM.
Next was to get cranking on the install. This thing fit's just like the OEM piece. I am very very pleased with this subframe.
Quick test fit before i install the components.
It fit perfectly so I started bolting on the components. Steering rack, sway bar, rear trans bracket, and the lower control arms all fit 100% perfectly. As if i was bolting it to a OEM piece.
Here is how you know they pay attention to detail. On the stock rack there is this rubber piece that go's around the rack. I really like that this rubber piece is still able to be used. It fits just like it did on the OEM piece.
With everything bolted on it was time to bolt it back onto the car. Here are some installed pics. I must say the 10.8lbs savings makes a nice difference just on install alone.
Another part of the subframe they put a little more thought into. The slight bend in this part should allow for easier trans install/removal.
Here are some underside pics
Here is something you will need to figure out. This bolt threads into the OEM subframe. On the Diamond Race Cars subframe you will need a nut. The OEM bolt is reused but the nut you need is a M14 1.25 thread. Make sure it is a flanged head nut. If you want to use a OEM nut like I did then just buy the OEM nut for the front strut bolts. The part number for this nut is MU431006. You will need 2 of them
Well that is it for now. In a few days I should have the engine in and I can give a good review on trans install, servicing, TC servicing ETC. Stay tuned as there is much more to come on this.
for pricing and options contact Diamond Race cars for the info. I can say this piece is the most affordable one on the market, just as light, just as strong and the details they incorporate is something others can not match. From what i am told they are trying to get a vendor license for this forum as well.
some questions i have been asked.
Is this on a street car? YES. this car is as street car as it gets at this degree. when it is not broken i do actually drive it a lot.
YES this subframe is built for a street car. Drag car only applications would have to contact Diamond for that type of build.
I can not give pricing so please do not ask me. you need to contact Diamond and they are trying to work out a vendor account so that info can be given.
Here is their website. http://www.diamondracecars.com/index.html
UPDATED.
i am a little behind guys. i have had some terrible luck. I tried to start the car and basically had to pull the engine back apart. anyways here is the subframe completely installed with the trans.
PROS/CONS
PRO
the TC is extremely noticeably easier to service. the trans does install easier then having the OEM subframe. so if you were able to remove your trans before WITHOUT lowering your subframe then this will be much easier now. i am very happy with it.
i run a 3.5 inch exhaust. 100% much more exhaust room. i cant wait to get my DP redone so i can get it to sit higher into the car.
CON
the damn subframe cant be seen anymore. HAHAH.
exhaust clearance.
Last edited by EvoDan2004; May 15, 2014 at 06:34 PM.
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Apr 21, 2014, 07:07 AM
#10
Looks really good man. I too have been looking into an aftermarket one for my drag car. But like urself, felt the prices were just too high. I may hit these guys up to see what they can do. I wouldn't need the exhuast hangers for my setup. Great pics too!
Apr 21, 2014, 05:50 PM
#15
I called Diamond Racecars and informed them that word has spread (I live in California) about their new front subframe they produce. They seemed very pleased to know EvoDan made this thread and explained about it in detail. i asked the price and off the top of their head they told me $1200 over the phone and that freight shipping was fairly cheap and that they would not gouge the customer, Dan the owner at Diamond Racecars said shipping would be roughly $30-40.
Im very excited about this product especially meaning dropping transmissions will be slightly easier and the outstanding weight savings.
Production will be 1 subframe a week at this point but if demand truly increases they will start to have them in stock meaning little to know wait time. I better start saving!
Im very excited about this product especially meaning dropping transmissions will be slightly easier and the outstanding weight savings.
Production will be 1 subframe a week at this point but if demand truly increases they will start to have them in stock meaning little to know wait time. I better start saving!