Need for subframes with roll bar

I bought a 1978 Aspen to build into a bracket car, the car had a big block in it previously,, the car has an eight point cage, my initial thought was subframes are a good idea even though I am just going with a nice warm 360, but am wondering am I wasting my money and time when the car already is braced and connected with the cage.

Thoughts required or not needed on subframes with an eight point cage?

Subframe connectors should have been installed first then the cage tide to them.

So your answer is the roll bar is worth less alone as are subframe connectors alone, you need both and are useless unless they are all tied together?

No, at the least I would have the subframe conectors. On an F body it's a strait shot from front frame rails to the rear, I use 2" heavy wall tubing thru the floor. This gives much needed support to the front spring hanger area which is also tied into the cage. I had problems with my rocker panels buckling when my car was running High 11s so I tied my car together with the subframe connectors and a cage.

Even with a mild engine, subframe connectors have good benefits. They make the car feel more solid and less jiggly. What I mean is, you notice a big difference in the "seat of the pants" feel when driving it.

I've got subframe connectors like OldIron described. They go straight from the front rails to the rear ones and actually come up through the rear seat footwell. With the carpet in, you never notice it though. With a BB and more than adequate torque, the car stays level on "launch" instead of twisting all out of shape, even without a cage.

Maybe it's not fully understood, that yes if I was starting fresh, the first Mod I would do is subframe connectors, firm believer in strengthening the unibody. However, I bought this car and PO elected no subframes, and instead went right for an eight point cage, so on each Side, I have a tube welded to the sill right where the front crossmember is, then 2 points on each side at he front spring perch (no rear seat) then the rear down tube all the at the back near the tail lights. It all looks installed right with reinforcing plating and all. My first inclination was I need subframes, but am now questioning, with all that bracing do I need them. I agree if it had been mine to start it would have been subframes first then a roll cage, but I inherited it as it sits. With a nice cage but no subframes should I spend time, money, effort and add weight, probably still some rigidity to be had but is it overkill. I have made my own before on a Challenger used 2x3x1/8 and sliced the floor but that was in a circle track car and had a full roll cage.

Thanks for input and you guys are right believing as I do subframes are a must but now that someone has caged it, are they still a must? Thanks

Can you post a few pictures?

The first couple of pictures is the front down tube, the next is the hoop and bracing which is behind the front seat and over the front spring hanger, and the last is at the rear. OK tried to edit but I guess order is messed up but should be evident what is what.