I got the shipping info from Powerhouse today, my new K-mamber brace and torque limiters will be here Fri. I'm like a little kid eagerly awaiting Christmas morning.
A quick question about the install Riven: you said it wasn't hard to install, but it sounds like you have quite a bit of experience working on cars. How difficult would it be for a layman? I'm fine with basic tools and installed my own CAI, but haven't had a lot of exp. working on cars in general. What are your thoughts about install?
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2005 Mustang GT Manual Black Premium Interior package
-Mods- JLT 2 CAI with SCT II 93 Evolution Tune Hurst short-throw shifter FRPP Shelby GT Axle-backs CHE K-member brace and Torque limiters
If I were to buy the K Member Brace alone (no Torque limiters)....what would the ride effect be like? Does it stiffen the chassis and improve handling? Will the K Member Brace alone help me with the shift to 3rd gear? Or is it the addition of the Torque limiters that do that?
Posts: 1088
Joined: 8/6/2005 From: Fort Worth, Texas Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: superiormirage
I got the shipping info from Powerhouse today, my new K-mamber brace and torque limiters will be here Fri. I'm like a little kid eagerly awaiting Christmas morning.
A quick question about the install Riven: you said it wasn't hard to install, but it sounds like you have quite a bit of experience working on cars. How difficult would it be for a layman? I'm fine with basic tools and installed my own CAI, but haven't had a lot of exp. working on cars in general. What are your thoughts about install?
It is very simple to install. You will need a couple real large metric wrenches. (21mm and 22mm) I had to go buy those. Other than that it is just 6 bolts 8 if you include the torque limiter adjustment. The large bolts will take some elbow grease to break loose, but if you hook a couple open end box end wenches together youll get it. Be sure not to torque to the spec in the install sheet. I would go 40 ft lbs. Ford says 33 but I gave it a little more since I was going though the TLs.
I have my car jacked up right now, waiting for my exhaust to cool down so I can install my K-member brace and limiters. I am pumped. I'll post pics once I finish.
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2005 Mustang GT Manual Black Premium Interior package
-Mods- JLT 2 CAI with SCT II 93 Evolution Tune Hurst short-throw shifter FRPP Shelby GT Axle-backs CHE K-member brace and Torque limiters
I looked in my Ford manual to verify and it says 33ft/lbs for the torque limiter bolts. If anyone needs I can send the pdf.
I wish I had got the memo...I just snapped one of the bolts off following CHE's instructions I can't be certain of the torque wrenches accuracy but the shop I use takes pretty good care of their equipment. In any case 85 ft-lbs was just too much. Hopefully I can get into a machine shop Monday and have them drill out the rest of the bolt. And I couldn't find an exact replacement bolt so if this one doesn't thread hopefully they can tap a new hole or I can find some washers and use the 100mm bolt.
But even with only one torque limiter installed there was still an improvement. While I by no means got on it even a little a lot of the slack and slop in the tranny while shifting is gone. And they are no issues driving(limping) around like I thought there might be with only one T-limiter. Only reason I didn't take the other out is for fear of snapping it on the way out. I do feel more vibes on start-up but I can deal with that. Can't wait till I get the other limiter installed.
< Message edited by Timmay!!! -- 11/18/2006 6:49:12 PM >
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Black 06 GT 5-Speed premium IUP JLT CAI/EVO tune, borla,FRPP 4.10s, Trutrac, Steeda, Eibach, Tokico, CHE, Centerforce, Findaza, Spydershaft, two bad feet in the cockpit, to be continued...
Question for all you guys that have the K-member brace and limiters installed:
The first few days were fine, my smoother shifts and much less bucking when shifiting. After taking my 'stang to the track Thurs. night, I notice now a slight vibration in the shifter (which wasn't there before), and a slight vibration in the floorboards where my feet are. Again, nothing major, but definately new. Any thoughts on what it could be? Would you think this has anything to do with the limiter/brace? Or am I on the wrong track?
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2005 Mustang GT Manual Black Premium Interior package
-Mods- JLT 2 CAI with SCT II 93 Evolution Tune Hurst short-throw shifter FRPP Shelby GT Axle-backs CHE K-member brace and Torque limiters
Well all the vibes that used to get soaked up by the motor mounts had to go somewhere. Maybe you should check the torque on everything and make sure nothing has come loose. I already feel more vibes in the shifter but like in you case nothing major. I kinda welcome it, makes me feel like I'm driving a car with some power behind it.
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Black 06 GT 5-Speed premium IUP JLT CAI/EVO tune, borla,FRPP 4.10s, Trutrac, Steeda, Eibach, Tokico, CHE, Centerforce, Findaza, Spydershaft, two bad feet in the cockpit, to be continued...
Posts: 1088
Joined: 8/6/2005 From: Fort Worth, Texas Status: offline
I never noticed any more vibrations. However, I am not sure I would notice if they were small. I drive a 65 mustang with a fairly rough idle due to the cam, so I am used to alot of vibration.
Update on the vibration: climbed under my car today and figured out the reason I was getting such bad vibrations was the driverside torque limiter had come loose. I tightened it down REAL well and problem solved.
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2005 Mustang GT Manual Black Premium Interior package
-Mods- JLT 2 CAI with SCT II 93 Evolution Tune Hurst short-throw shifter FRPP Shelby GT Axle-backs CHE K-member brace and Torque limiters
Update on the vibration: climbed under my car today and figured out the reason I was getting such bad vibrations was the driverside torque limiter had come loose. I tightened it down REAL well and problem solved.
Funny how sometimes it is the little stuff that causes the biggest headaches and pains.
This thread persuaded me to go with the Che K-Member and torque limiters so I thought I'd contribute a quick report after they were installed today.
My overall impresion is definitely positive. The stubborn second-to-third shift at >4k is now much better but still not as great as I had hoped. It's now perfectly manageable but I'm finding there to be no alternative than to learn the Mustang two-step, i.e. push the shifter fast out of second, ease the pressure momentarily then notch it into third. It's not the buttery-smooth, continuous action that I had on my last stick, a Lotus Elan Turbo, but the Mustang GT has a much more powerful engine so perhaps I should expect the shift to be a little harsher...
I think part of the problem of less-than-optimal shifting is with the stock tune's throttle lag, so I'm about to address that (somewhat expensively) via an aftermarket tune. However, I'm glad I did the K-member and torque limiters, as, while it has not completely removed the stubbornness of the second-to-third shift, it has improved it. Certain mechanical sounds on start-up and at idle are louder and there is somewhat more vibration; both of these things would bother me in a BMW, but not in a Mustang V8. Finally, I'm pretty sure I'm getting a bit more torque delivered to the wheels.
Those of you who have tested the mod at WOT: By WOT do you mean foot-to-the-floor shifting at red-line? When do you get the chance to do that from second to third in street driving? 4k-5k shifts feel pretty aggressive to me; does that make me a girly man?
Posts: 1088
Joined: 8/6/2005 From: Fort Worth, Texas Status: offline
I think u are right about some of the shifting problems are due to the stock tune. The hanging revs and throttle lag were a pain in the ass. A good tune is priceless.
WOT means wide open throttle. So yes pedal on the floor. As far as where to get on it. On ramps and rural roads are always fun. Track is always the best place.
And YES!!! shifting at 4-5k means you wear a dress.
I think u are right about some of the shifting problems are due to the stock tune. The hanging revs and throttle lag were a pain in the ass. A good tune is priceless.
WOT means wide open throttle. So yes pedal on the floor. As far as where to get on it. On ramps and rural roads are always fun. Track is always the best place.
And YES!!! shifting at 4-5k means you wear a dress.
DEFINITELY not trying to take this string off track, but has anybody that has made this mod found that it also fixed the dredded front end clunking sound so many have complained of? [not the one fixed by the '05 tsb, but the one that Ford is allegedly trying to discover a fix for].
thanks!
< Message edited by northy_polk -- 2/12/2007 12:45:18 PM >
Hello, i am just getting ready to buy the K-Member Brace W/Torque Limiters, what one do I get, they have two on there site, i have a GT. Thanks for every ones help
Hello, i am just getting ready to buy the K-Member Brace W/Torque Limiters, what one do I get, they have two on there site, i have a GT. Thanks for every ones help
Wherever you order it, get the one listed as "4.6L V8". That's how CHE has it listed.
Posts: 799
Joined: 2/23/2006 From: New York, New York Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: Riven02
It comes with 2. One of the pics only shows 1 because I was just showing how it went together and what it looked like apart. If you look at the installed pics both are installed.
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So does this fit with your LT's? Someone else said that their LT's were hitting them
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RE: K Member Brace With Torque Limiters Install - 
I can't be certain of the torque wrenches accuracy but the shop I use takes pretty good care of their equipment. In any case 85 ft-lbs was just too much. Hopefully I can get into a machine shop Monday and have them drill out the rest of the bolt. And I couldn't find an exact replacement bolt so if this one doesn't thread hopefully they can tap a new hole or I can find some washers and use the 100mm bolt. 
