How to install 240sx sub frame collars in 1990 Infiniti Q45

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subtle_driver
Posts: 332
Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:55 pm
Car: 1989 240sx hatchback, 1990 Q45 5-speed, 1973 Datsun 240z, 1987 Starion Turbo, 2003 Subaru wrx, 1995 Infiniti q45 5-speed,
Location: San Diego
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I acquired some sub-frame collars from Powered by max, thanks to my friend Will (I'm helping him swap in a ka24de-turbo), They are designed for the 240sx, s13. but they fit just perfect in my 1990 Q45 and do what they are designed to do.
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They are designed to eliminate the slop from the rubber bushings. The sub-frame will move up and down when you accelerate and corner.
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I'm my case, the bushings were torn from all the hard launches from drag racing, the g-forces from Autocross and Gymkhana driving events.


1) All you have to do is support the car on jack stands must be positioned on the pinch welds on the side of the uni-body, so you can lower the sub-frame independently from the body. Keep the lifting jack under the diff to support the sub-frame & so you can raise and lower it.

2) Remove the two 17mm nuts in the back and just loosen the 17mm and 14mm nuts on the front so it will tilt back.

3) Lower the sub-frame down till you can slide the bigger top collar in, it has a slot cut out so you can do this, make sure to face the flat part up, and the stepped part downward.
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4) raise the sub-frame and install the lower collar, smaller one (Make sure to face the small step facing upwards, and the larger step facing downwards,; it should fit snug in the stock bushing), then the big stock washer and 17mm nut.
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5) proceed to the front and do the same thing.
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6) tighten all the bolts and nuts and you are good to go! Enjoy that lack of slop in the suspension and drive-train.


superuber
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Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 6:12 pm

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nice write up. whats a good place to get these?

subtle_driver
Posts: 332
Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:55 pm
Car: 1989 240sx hatchback, 1990 Q45 5-speed, 1973 Datsun 240z, 1987 Starion Turbo, 2003 Subaru wrx, 1995 Infiniti q45 5-speed,
Location: San Diego
Contact:

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Powered by max here in San Diego

http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/page.php?5

Let them know SD club racing sent you. lol

superuber
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thanks. did you notice a big difference?

subtle_driver
Posts: 332
Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:55 pm
Car: 1989 240sx hatchback, 1990 Q45 5-speed, 1973 Datsun 240z, 1987 Starion Turbo, 2003 Subaru wrx, 1995 Infiniti q45 5-speed,
Location: San Diego
Contact:

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yes I did notice something positive.
The wheel hop is much less and the car has a tighter feel to it, I don't get that feeling of play in the drive-train and the rear suspension has lost its trend of slight hesitation or wandering when transferring weight from corner to corner.

I also noticed some small vibration noises due to the lack of a 1" or more of slop insulating the suspension and differential from the body.

Do this only if you are wanting to have a tighter suspension and drive-train, not for a luxurious and sloppy ride.

For me it's worth it! feels almost like a 4,000lb 240sx. Especially with the -2.2 degrees of camber up front and -1 degree in the back.

I'm in the process of installing a cutting brake, or hydraulic e-brake. stay tuned. ;)

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elwesso
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Car: 94 Infiniti Q45t 5 spd
2007 BMW M Coupe
2007 Infiniti G35 S 6MT
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The subframe spacers are a great mod for the Q, especially for how little money and relative ease of install!!

OwnerCS
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Joined: Thu May 27, 2010 4:34 am

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Thanks SD for sharing your journey.

Lots of good information for next year's (2011) suspension upgrade project. Well -- if I ever get out from under the hood.. LOL :gapteeth:

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flyingbrick
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Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 11:51 am

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elwesso wrote:The subframe spacers are a great mod for the Q, especially for how little money and relative ease of install!!
hi.

I'm trying to contact you with regards to the supercharger manifolds you had access to or something?

superuber
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Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 6:12 pm

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got these on friday. Installed in ten minutes! thanks, big difference. stiffer.

subtle_driver
Posts: 332
Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:55 pm
Car: 1989 240sx hatchback, 1990 Q45 5-speed, 1973 Datsun 240z, 1987 Starion Turbo, 2003 Subaru wrx, 1995 Infiniti q45 5-speed,
Location: San Diego
Contact:

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No Problem!

Thanks for adding my Article! I feel so special!

I have a lot of images on how to do things, but never have the time to make write-ups...

Next Project...
I'm working on a Hydrolic hand brake for my 1990 Q45 this week and testing Some Urethane Engine mounts made by McKinney Motorsports for the Datsun 240z.

OwnerCS
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Joined: Thu May 27, 2010 4:34 am

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Congratulations SD! I also appreciate you contributions.

subtle_driver
Posts: 332
Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:55 pm
Car: 1989 240sx hatchback, 1990 Q45 5-speed, 1973 Datsun 240z, 1987 Starion Turbo, 2003 Subaru wrx, 1995 Infiniti q45 5-speed,
Location: San Diego
Contact:

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Thanks again! BTW, it only takes 30 minutes to do this job, and if you can change oil or tires you can do this mod.

superuber
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Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 6:12 pm

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subtle_driver wrote:Thanks again! BTW, it only takes 30 minutes to do this job, and if you can change oil or tires you can do this mod.
Actually less. I didn't have to support the rear. Dropped one side, than the other. Lift and air gun=10 minutes!

subtle_driver
Posts: 332
Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:55 pm
Car: 1989 240sx hatchback, 1990 Q45 5-speed, 1973 Datsun 240z, 1987 Starion Turbo, 2003 Subaru wrx, 1995 Infiniti q45 5-speed,
Location: San Diego
Contact:

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It took me around 10 minutes, with taking pictures, cause I have the lift and impact, but I'm referring to those who do not have these tools at home, like me! lol

OwnerCS
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Joined: Thu May 27, 2010 4:34 am

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From the Max web site , the parts are the MAX Subframe Collars for Nissan? Just need to order 1 unit that provides the set?

superuber
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Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 6:12 pm

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yes, one set provides it all.

subtle_driver
Posts: 332
Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:55 pm
Car: 1989 240sx hatchback, 1990 Q45 5-speed, 1973 Datsun 240z, 1987 Starion Turbo, 2003 Subaru wrx, 1995 Infiniti q45 5-speed,
Location: San Diego
Contact:

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yes, one set. tell them I sent you! lol

OwnerCS
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Joined: Thu May 27, 2010 4:34 am

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subtle_driver wrote:yes, one set. tell them I sent you! lol
Will do!

LOL - Today I've been in a tangle with the alternator. Right now the alternator is winning..


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