Subframe Question

[MiniDiva]

We've just had out front subframe shot-blasted before whacking a 1275 engine into it.

Whilst it is nice and raw before painting it, is it worth seam welding all the joins in it - will it strengthen it significantly??
Some of the original welds look a bit ropey.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[CoolCurly]

If you think some of the joints look ropey, then youve answered your own question.

Ive never welded a subframe to be fair but have replaced many. Remember to use fresh Subframe bushes and bolts - thats one tip I can share. There are some good polyuthane (sp) products around now I think..

[fwdracer]

If you intend rallying or racing your Mini - then Yes. If not..... well I've never heard of subframe welds failing under road use.

[cooperman]

The most 'over-engineered' component on any Mini is the front sub-frame. This type of engine/suspension support unit was so unique when designed in 1958 that is was well over-strength and coped with everything from 34 bhp of the original 850 right up to the full-on 1380 race motors without any stress failures.
For rough-road rallying, like the old RAC rally or the Accropolis, where you could have 500 miles of rough and loose roads, some seam welding was essential. The only welding I ever do on my sub-frames is to weld a 3mm thick triangular plate to re-inforce the front tie-bar mountings, and that is always worth doing IMHO.

[fwdracer]

Totally concur with Cooperman on this. Welded triangualar gusset into the Tie bar mountings to reinforce the frame locally on my Se7en.

[MiniDiva]

Excellent, thanks chaps!