Yep, had a Beatrush bar in my NA and it was compatible with NBs. I know there are a few other brands out there too.

 

Mine are bent much worse than that. If you take your thumb and press on them as hard as you can you can dent them with your thumb. They are much thinner than body panels.

 

What's the point of the rails then, if they are so thin?

 

Kinda what I was thinkin...

 

They still offer some strength to the car, at least before they were crushed.

 

So then you don't want a car with crushed rails if you need it as stiff as possible, right?

 

Perhaps, perhaps not, seems to be several different opinions on it.
I believe the V8 kits come with a bolt in "frame connector" or chassis stiffener that would mitigate any concerns with the factory rail.
But for me, I plan on getting a prestine body, I have the time and wear with all to get it. It may not make a difference in the end product, but it will to me.
Seeing I'm investing quite a bit of time and money into this endevour why would I settle for anything less if I don't have to?

 

Wrong, crushed or intact the stock rails don't do jack. If you want an NA car to be stiff you:

a. Install aftermarket frame rails & bracing (FM or similar for 4 banger cars, V8 Roadsters or similar for V8 conversions
b. Install a roll bar
c. Install door bars that go with the roll bar
d. Install a front shock tower brace
e. Install Boss Frog style front end braces (underneath front fenders)

 

Your results may vary, but after installing a proper rollbar I noticed no difference in handling when I removed my rear shock tower brace, or after I reinstalled it. It made a noticeable difference before the rollbar was in the car though.

 

Thanks for that insight. I can see how the rear shock tower brace wouldn't add much; my Hard Dog roll bar rear attach points are fairly close to the tops of the rear shock mounts. I guess that's one stiffening device I can take off my list!

 

If you want to make a mountain out of a mole hill

 

Yes you absolutely Right dear.