Gomez's ULTIMATE build thread Lots of pics

[Twistiva]

Start of lower radiator support



some dimensions. these are the numbers that worked for me. use them as a guideline if you want to tackle it. right and left needed





I will be working on it again shortly (tomorrow or Tuesday when I get a bigger drill bit for the mounts). I will get more pics as welding gets done. My welds aren't the prettiest. I was gonna hire a welder coworker but I really want to do it all myself.

So....what's the point of a redesigned radiator support? Nice work. Love the pix and the detailed discussions.

[Gomez]

Several reasons. Based on Advancedynamix's R&D, much strengthened front end for better handling and the ability to move the radiator forward. Rad forward allows moving the engine forward allowing more power to be put to the ground during all conditions through better traction.

After getting the stock support off it became obvious to me the need for more strength and/or a stiffer front end.

It is also removable for easier engine removal/work etc. plus more room for intercooler. Got a couple ideas on that one already.

[bhazard]

You should reproduce that support

[M3NTAL]

Thanks for the pics Gomez, this is def next on my list of things to do.

[Aaronbrook37]

Man I need one of those rad supports so bad haha. Having a single core radiator and a high boost B6T is not a great combination...

[fastivaca]

Gomez, here's what you need. I've heard it called a couple of different things... a step drill, a christmas tree bit

[zoom zoom]

As much as I hate to say it out loud and jinx myself, the HF kobalt bits are doing pretty good for me so far. You'll need a 1/2" drill tho lol.. I got mine for like $60---80 after a 4 year warranty at lowes.

[Gomez]

I have to go through just over a 1/2" of material so a step bit won't work. I already have them. I also have to be able to drill a hole into the final piece of angle in a couple spots to be able to fit a 22mm socket into it. HOPEFULLY I will be able to update pics tonight.

[Gomez]

Getting ready to weld.








Spotted to hold for a bit














Welded and with loose fit to show removability.












Sway bar bracket bolts drilled in and welded on.





Final fitment is good.











Now All I need to do is get my radiator and intercooler, fit them and I'm good to go. Well almost. Still need to affix the upper rad support bracket to the lower support. Spacing is near exact as I can tell from the upper support bracket to the lower. should be as simple as can be to do that. Also needs the bumper cover plate with the 5 holes in it for the bottom of the cover. Easy stuff. The hardest part is done.

Once everything is mounted I will blast it and powder coat for a nice satin black finish and paint the rest of the engine bay as well. The only hard part of the rest of the build will be the engine mounts. I want them to look either as factory as possible OR as aftermarket as possible. Nothing in between will be accepted. Sometime this summer will be that project.

[Damkid]

Very nice man!! How thick is that angle iron? 1/4"?

[moz]

Gomez... I tip my hat to you sir. That is awesome work right there. Kudos

[Gomez]

Thanks Moz.

2x3x1/4 angle. Built this way it nearly matches the stock support exactly in every necessary dimension.

[kumalaba]

impressive!

[moz]

Question.
Will the way this is set up raise or lower the cross member mount on the front?

[Gomez]

^ exactly the same