FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

I am looking at options for the front end for the ute and was thinking about an EH or HR front sub frame. Any thoughts on the viability of fitment most welcome. I have looked at the difference between these and the FC and am aware that the front of the FC is smaller. My thoughts are the later sub frames will give more room for accessories so it would mean that the bonnet would have to be modified to suit the wider opening
Jim

Wow!   I don't know of anyone attempting this.
First thought.   It would probably be easier to just build a custom front subframe starting with some FC rails if you were going to keep a HR front end. Or just start from scratch with a custom front crossmember.
Second thought.     Have you thought about how the whole look of the car would change if the bonnet was wider?
I think the concept of a wider bottom section of the subframe has merit with a custom front crossmember, and engineering approval should be ok so long as it was done well.
Ken

This is really thinking outside the box . The HR front end mounting position on the rails would be your first issue .I would have a look at the upper inner bush position on a FC-FE and note how close the upper pivot shaft and shims are to the inner guard .This is close on FE to EH and impossible on FX-FJ . On humpies I would remove some of the inner guard and make a removable cover section on the inside . Then there is the sway bar mounts [we moved these forward to fit front racks] and the outrigger mount , engineer would give you advice on that[ not required by some depending on front end mounting and strength of subframe ].I am interested in just what accessories you are needing the extra space for [I'm guessing V8 with air and power steer] .Keep thinking outside the box and good luck. Keep us posted on what you come up with. Cheers Haydn   

Don't want to give away to much, but the ute will be a custom build with a few major changes to the body. I am thinking of a supercharged V6 auto and c/dore running gear, as I said in the post when I got it, the sedan comes first then I'll start on the ute. I have a lot of ideas buzzing around between the ears, so I'll see what happens when the time comes.
Jim

I like the way you think Jim please make sure you post some photos when you start on it.

Regards
Neil H

With thanks to FCDave, it would appear the EH sub frame is different in size around the inner & outer legs and the pressed section that fits into the fire wall. Measurements taken by Dave of an EH sub frame relate to about 20mm difference at the legs and 20-30mm difference at the fire wall recess.
Back to the drawing board, Jim