[67_LS1]

I realize that Chevelles are body-on-frame and have rubber body mounts. But could you run a brace from the top of the body mount under the core support to the top of the firewall fender mount area?
It seems to me that this wouldn’t be any different from the front sheetmetal.
Any structural engineers want to chime in?

 

[keithb]

What are you trying to achieve.

 

[67_LS1]

I’m just wondering out loud.

I've read that the front sheet metal does contribute to the front frame stiffness. Even the front bumper contributes by holding the frame horns together.

Since the core support is above the body mounts like the rest of the body I’m wondering if a brace would add anything.

 

[Hotwire]

I think you'd be better off working on triangulating the frame horns to the firewall. I somewhat understand what you're seeing but don't think there's much "squish" in the cowl area? There's a lot of metal there and I don't think the area in question is under vertical stress.

I'm not a structural engineer and it's been a good while since I've stayed at a holiday inn express.

 

[67_LS1]

I think you'd be better off working on triangulating the frame horns to the firewall. I somewhat understand what you're seeing but don't think there's much "squish" in the cowl area? There's a lot of metal there and I don't think the area in question is under vertical stress.

I'm not a structural engineer and it's been a good while since I've stayed at a holiday inn express.

The frame horns to the cowl area is exactly what I’m talking about. But on the frame horn end I’m thinking the brace would be on top of the bushing that supports the core support. The core support would then go on top of the brace. This way your not trying to attach the frame directly to the body and defeating the body mount.
I think the result would be you'd be stiffening up the front clip which does contribute to front end stability.

 

[shovelrick]

I would just look to do the Camaro & Nova sub frame type bracing that go from fender tops to core support IIRC

 

[Hotwire]

The frame horns to the cowl area is exactly what I’m talking about. But on the frame horn end I’m thinking the brace would be on top of the bushing that supports the core support. The core support would then go on top of the brace. This way your not trying to attach the frame directly to the body and defeating the body mount.
I think the result would be you'd be stiffening up the front clip which does contribute to front end stability.

Sorry I mistakenly read the OP with cowl instead of core.. I would say yes it would help reinforce the front wet noodle frame. You wouldn't believe the difference the sc&c front frame brace did for my car. Not only that, driving around with no hood or wheel wells, then bolting them in, that was a big eye opener as to how much the car needs the front sheetmetal and how weak it is.