The front Verkline subframe shares the same construction methods and materials as the rear subframe. Verkline subframes come powdercoated black but are available in custom colors for an additional fee. The front subframe weighs a feathery 28.8 lbs, down from the stock weight of 48.2 lbs. Like the rear subframe the front is tig welded out of T45 tube and S355 plate.
Look at the intricate gussets for the motor mount pads and the lower control arm mounts.
The subframe is designed to bolt right in place of the stock part and make extensive use of CNC cut gussets and triangulation for stiffness and light weight. It has all of the mounts for the OEM undertray to maintain the car’s flat bottom.
Look at the amazing detail work for the motor mount pedestal. The front lower control arm mount is compatible with the stock alignment adjusting eccentric. OEM and aftermarket suspension arms can be used.
The Verkline subframe has more clearance to make working on the car’s underbody easier than with the stock subframe. There is also clearance for higher capacity oil pans as well as dry sump systems.
Believe it or not, the front subframe has more elaborate gusset work than the rear subframe.
11 comments
Car weight reduction is such a satisfying modification. Whilst it can be costly, something that benefits handling, braking, and acceleration is well and truly worth it!
weight is easy to validate, easier to work is also pretty easy. but how is “not sacrificing strength” validated? just cause the company that makes it says so doesn’t make it true. Has the strength of this subframe been tested and compared to the oem part by anyone?
The subframe is validated using FEA and the design is sound. As an ME I would have no issues running this at all. Care to volunteer your R35 for destructive subframe testing?
It seems like it would be stronger than stock, IMO. Stamped steel subframe vs. tubular steel with triangulation and gusseting is going to be a nobrainer to an armchair engineer.
Of course, some actual torsional stiffness numbers would be awesome and probably not too hard to for Verkline to generate in FEA, and experimentally.
These are the kind of parts that I would love to spec, compared to a built motor. Should improve every performance metric on the car with absolutely no downsides.
The material is of a higher grade as well.
so the headline says “shaves 49 lbs” but the article says “Venkline rear subframe weighs 34.9 lbs vs the heavy 66.35 lb stamped steel stock part.” Thats a BIG difference between 49 and 31.4
Maybe read the whole article, there is a front subframe too! Also, read the headline, it says 50 lbs.
Mike- you are too kind taking your time to respond to the haters. This is such a cool piece if you are a GTR afficionado or track purist type. Definitely something i could have seen Nissan use on the Nismo.
Especially ones that are too lazy to read!
Hey Mike,
Great write up. I’ve been actively working on cutting weight on my R35 as well. 250lbs shaved so far. I’ve been considering doing this but have a real world application question for you, after installing this have you noticed a difference in center of gravity and handling through corners? Top weight and rotational mass reductions I’ve noticed a significant weight reduction however I’m more cautious of moving the center of gravity for the negative. Could you share your experience thus far?
To be honest, we haven’t tried them yet. Because of supply chain issues, we haven’t been able to get all the parts to finish our GT-R build yet, we are going to do the engine and drivetrain in one big swoop. Stay tuned, it is almost all there, just waiting on the backed up machine shop now.