Bought a used k-member, is it fine?

[qwikz28]

Guys, I bought this used k-member to replace mine that was slightly tweaked from an impact over a decade ago. It has some surface rust on it, but I was thinking I could take a wire wheel to it and paint it if it wasn't in too bad of shape. What do you guys think?

[V]

I think it'd be fine, But if you are still concerned, I'll give you one out of my '02 formula in a few weeks.

[WildBillyT]

Looks OK to me. I'd ask around about getting it blasted.

[qwikz28]

Thanks, guys.

I don't know why I didn't ask you first, Paul, but I paid this guy $90 shipped to get this one. He stated it was clean from a 80k mile car. My car has the same miles and mine has much less surface rust.

[Blackbirdws6]

I would say if you had a good K to take some measurements on the new one for reference. Few mins with a tape measure compared to one known to be in good shape would safe you some hassle.

Hit it with the wheel and see how it looks. Having it blasted would be the best as Bill mentioned but I'm not sure how much $ you want to put into it.

[qwikz28]

I was planning on putting it on level ground and making sure it is flat and level but I didn't think about measuring. I don't have a straight one for reference but I'm sure i can find someone that does.

I'll call some local places up to see how much they will charge. Really, I'm not too worried about longevity, but it would be nice to clean it up while it's out. I don't want to get too close to the cost of an aftermarket unit. That would defeat the purpose of me buying this one.

[Mike]

wire wheel and por15 paint will be all you need... blasting would be nice but not really vital for an area that doesn't have to be aesthetically perfect and will probably be scraped back within an oil change of installing on your car...

[V]

jake, If you want to measure one, I'll have one out of my 98 z28 within 2 weeks, then i also have a 99 v6 one and a 94 lt1 one, both out of cars already. The 94 and 99 were from accident cars so those might not be 100% straight. The formula and z28 appeared to be straight and both should be true.

I need to mod a 3rd gen k member to fit an LS1 and I though about buying a used one and prepping it before the swap. However with the uncertainty of buying a non-damaged k member that may not fit perfect, I'm just waiting to pull the stock k member and ill mod that one to ensure it'll fit my exact car.

[qwikz28]

Thanks, Paul. Let me know. I may just swing by with the k-member to compare and measure so as not to bother you.

[NJSPEEDER]

A little crust on GM k-members is to be expected. The ideal, which I know several guys have done on FRRAX and in the SCCA street prepared classes, would be to get it locked into a jig and completely weld all the seams. The gain in stiffness is well worth the few pounds of wire added to the structure.

[qwikz28]

The guy that built my exhaust could probably do that for a reasonable cost. You think it's worthwhile considering I don't compete and don't run R compounds?

[NJSPEEDER]

The less tire (be it compound or size) the more the focus has to be on keeping movement in the suspension so the appropriate pressure can be applied to the tires. Every tremor that moves through the chassis is movement not being controlled by the suspension.

Have you looked into aftermarket units that would be both stiffer and lighter?

[qwikz28]

Originally Posted by NJSPEEDER

The less tire (be it compound or size) the more the focus has to be on keeping movement in the suspension so the appropriate pressure can be applied to the tires. Every tremor that moves through the chassis is movement not being controlled by the suspension.

Have you looked into aftermarket units that would be both stiffer and lighter?

I did but they are just too much money. It seems the consensus among the racers on FRRAX is to stick with the stock unit.