Since all 4speed Corvettes have the crossmember welded in, I figured it was to strenghen the frame and make it more rigid. I have noticed that the holes to bolt my elcamino crossmember in is starting to get egg shaped meaning something is moving. I am sure it is possible to remove the trans from the car if it was welded since there is more room then in my corvette.

Has anyone welded their crossmember in? and if so, is the stock crossmember strong enough or should a stronger one be fabed up?

Thanks
Tom

It's a BAD idea. I've used the stock crossmembers with a dozen different engines over the years in the same car and some over 1000hp and never had a problem. You are being too paranoid.

What if you break an engine and then cannot get the tranny out of the car again without cutting out the crossmember? If the engine can't turn over you can't get the converter bolts out and there is not enough room to go straight back with the trans to get it off the converter - and the oilpan sump against the crossmember... Been there before. You will regret it.

Tom, I agree with 283 - welding the crossmember in is a really BAD idea. If the crossmember holes are egg-shaped, the bolts have been loose. Use good grade 8 fasteners with flat washers and lock washers and your problem should be solved. The stock crossmember is plenty strong, as it's primary purpose is to keep the transmission in place. There shouldn't be much stress placed on the crossmember if you are using a good quality transmission mount.

I Did A Clutch In A 66 Vette 327 Car About A Year Ago In The Garage At My House. On My Back With 4 Jack Stands And A Floor Jack. With No Help.what A Pain In The @ss!!!! Why Anyone Would Want To Weld In The Crossmember. I Wouldn't Wish That On Anyone! I Should Have Charged That Guy Alot More Money!

You can always drill and tap the egg bolt holes for the next size up.

The idea of welding in the crossmember was not because I thought the crossmember might fail, it would be to stop chassis flex for drag racing purposes. I don't want to go with a motor plate and mid plate because I am keeping the stock floor. There is definitely a reason the Corvette had it welded on stick cars.

Tom

Why not add some bracing? Kind of a semi sub-frame connector?

The idea of welding in the crossmember was not because I thought the crossmember might fail, it would be to stop chassis flex for drag racing purposes. I don't want to go with a motor plate and mid plate because I am keeping the stock floor. There is definitely a reason the Corvette had it welded on stick cars.

Tom

CONFUSED...

Why can't you run a motor and midplate without cutting the stock floor?? I have both and "no stock floor was harmed" during the process. Welding the crossmember to the car does not make it more rigid because the crossmember is largely in tension because of the weight of the transmission/engine on it so picture it holding the frame together.

Unless you are racing around corners you will be fine for decades with what you've got and your small block. If you want it to be stiffer put a cage in the car.