Superformance Clutch replacement

[Mark IV]

Please be aware that the factory's official position is that a "removable" cross member removes all warranty and liability from the chassis so modified.
There is a dealer service bulletin telling us not to do it.

Guys, there is no need to cut the crossmember out. The trans comes out easily with the tunnel removed. Yes, there is messy sealer on the tunnel but put down some self-stick carpet runner and run a putty knife around the sealer.

Yes, you can sneak the trans out the rear but it is tight. If you have a good engine hoist you can pull the entire unit out in way less time than cutting and welding.

[Shootnride]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Please be aware that the factory's official position is that a "removable" cross member removes all warranty and liability from the chassis so modified.
There is a dealer service bulletin telling us not to do it.

Guys, there is no need to cut the crossmember out. The trans comes out easily with the tunnel removed. Yes, there is messy sealer on the tunnel but put down some self-stick carpet runner and run a putty knife around the sealer.

Yes, you can sneak the trans out the rear but it is tight. If you have a good engine hoist you can pull the entire unit out in way less time than cutting and welding.

Well, first off, my car is WAY out of warranty, so I don't care about that. My crossmember is constructed so that it ties the frame rails together very securely and I'm confident that it's as rigid as the factory made it. Secondly, I'd rather build three new crossmembers than remove that tunnel, carpet, seats, seat belts, sticky goop, etc. And, once the removable crossmember has been constructed, the time required to remove the transmission by itself vs. pulling the engine and trans together isn't even remotely close to the same effort.

Ted

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Shootnride

Well, first off, my car is WAY out of warranty, so I don't care about that. My crossmember is constructed so that it ties the frame rails together very securely and I'm confident that it's as rigid as the factory made it.

Maybe....maybe not.

We have asked the factory for a "removable crossmember" and have been told "No". They contend that the frame design of the MK III does not allow for any possibility of such an item and that the torsional rigidity will be compromised. And as further proof of their CAD design they DO put a removable member in the MK II (289) as the frame design in that model allows such a bolt in piece. The 289s have a round tube ladder type frame that differs from the AC supplied unit by both tube wall thickness and a triangular reinforcement inserted into the tube.

Do what you want but the people who designed the frame for the MK III say "don't do it"

[Shootnride]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Maybe....maybe not.

We have asked the factory for a "removable crossmember" and have been told "No". They contend that the frame design of the MK III does not allow for any possibility of such an item and that the torsional rigidity will be compromised. And as further proof of their CAD design they DO put a removable member in the MK II (289) as the frame design in that model allows such a bolt in piece. The 289s have a round tube ladder type frame that differs from the AC supplied unit by both tube wall thickness and a triangular reinforcement inserted into the tube.

Do what you want but the people who designed the frame for the MK III say "don't do it"

Your point is well taken.
I can certainly understand why the factory wouldn't want owners doing their own crossmember fabrication, as they have no control over the quality of the work. I understand that it is much easier for them to attain the desired torsional rigidity by welding in the crossmember. I do believe that if "they" really wanted a removable crossmember they would come up with a good design. Not trying to pick a fight, just my opinion.

Ted