How to make firewall rigid

[chopthebass]

It may all make sense further down the build, but right now I have the firewall on, and have also added a strengthening piece of aluminum that fixes to the rear (on to the 3/4 angles dash piece). It is still very flimsy everywhere else. What will ultimately give it strength?

[David Hodgkins]

I replaced the firewall on both my builds with a thicker one from FFMetal:
http://www.ffmetal.com/index.html#fw1

:)

[chopthebass]

So there are no more supports at the top?

[canuck1]

There aren't any more supports. The body compresses the bulb seal installed on the top of the firewall which provides additional rigidity. For most people, this is adequate. If you are planning on adding AC, wipers and/or a heater/blower that attaches to the firewall, I second the upgraded firewall from FFmetal. It's much thicker, stepped forward 1 1/2" and the attachment method is more robust as well. I have it in my car and couldn't imagine doing without. The extra space is a HUGE plus if you like to hide your EFI computer & wiring etc.

Sean

[edwardb]

I've done both. The standard firewall and the heavier one from FFMetal. The thicker piece is nice. I like it. But I agree, the bulb seal presses down from the body and it makes either much stiffer than it is when first mounted. The standard thickness can handle the wipers, heater, etc. BUt if you're going to mount more, or just want that extra thickness, the FFMetal piece is nice. Unfortunately, I don't see the firewall forward option listed any longer on FFMetal's website. The only firewall they sell now is the .090 replacement for the .040 stock version, and goes in the same stock location.

[canuck1]

...Unfortunately, I don't see the firewall forward option listed any longer on FFMetal's website. The only firewall they sell now is the .090 replacement for the .040 stock version, and goes in the same stock location.

Sorry, didn't mean to lead you astray. The "firewall forward" option is the model I have and edwardb is right, I don't see it listed on FFMetal's website any longer! Only the 0.90" thick straight replacement for the 0.040" FFR provided piece.

Sean

[carlewms]

I tried to contact FFmetals and did not get a response ...

So far two items have stiffened up the firewall: 1) a large metal plate to strengthen the mounting locations for the the mechanical throttle linkage and 2) the installation of dynamat on the cockpit side of the firewall.

Carl