Strut Tower Brace

[jmhvenom]

Ok, I figure this will get mixed responses. I searched a lot and could not find anything addressing it really. Does the Strut tower brace really do anything? I know the theory. But, I was also told that the Camaro frame in the front is stiff enough that you dont need the brace. Any thoughts? Is it worth while or just added weight?

[illcul8troffcr]

Me personally I cant notice any difference .. the car handles like champ in the curves and Im definitely one who flies in and out of curves .. the tires hate me for it. I plan on putting some engine dress up .. fuel rail covers.. billet .. and chrome .. and if someone makes them .. underhood mirrors.. so I found a hotchkis polished strut tower brace .. looks awesome under the hood so for me its just appearance .. and if it does do anything for stiffening ..so be it

[Eugenio_SS]

imho, no.
I've raced with and without it, and it makes no difference whatsoever in the handling. I ended up leaving it there... it's a nice piece and very practical to lean on when working on the engine bay.

[Ed Blown Vert]

it's a nice piece and very practical to lean on when working on the engine bay.

Thats what I use mine for. ;)

SFC's will work better.

[NHRAMAN]

I like mine. :D all red and shiny...:hahano: ....[ HOTCHKISS ]

[ihatemustangs]

I like mine as well...2point BMR. handling probably increased slightly with it. SFCs and LCAs were what made my handling noticably better:love:

[mrr23]

well, when i first got the one for the wife's car, i put it on. about a week later, took it off to paint it. while it was off, one day i was making a left turn from a light. as i'm making the turn she asks, did you take that bar thingy off? i said yes to paint it. why? i could tell.

i couldn't tell......

[ProwlerZ]

Yeah, it will help prevent chassis twist if you're running at the track a lot, but if you don't have SFCs, you're wasting your time.

[Chad97z]

It makes you feel more bumps. And the bumps are more harsh. It also reduces chassis twist, which was bad for me the other day because my car sits low and I was going to park my car at the black eyed pea in dallas and behind the building where the parking lot is, there is a dip in the road and then it goes up high real fast. So I wanted to hit it at an angle so I wouldnt drag anything.. Well, I went slow and approached it at an angle, so this would have normally put a twist on my car but since it resisted twisting, the rear tire got no traction and for some reason only 1 tire would spin and it was the one that wouldnt get traction, so I got stuck in a little itty bitty dip in the road. totally weird.

[Hot Black Trans-Am]

I put mine on after putting bigger tires, SFC's, springs and other suspension componets and I really noticed a big difference. If it's on a stock suspension I don't think you'll notice much, but it is nice to lean on. I didn't notice it make bumps any harsher, but it did feel like the tires stayed flatter going fast around corners.

[Chad97z]

I put mine on after putting bigger tires, SFC's, springs and other suspension componets and I really noticed a big difference. If it's on a stock suspension I don't think you'll notice much, but it is nice to lean on. I didn't notice it make bumps any harsher, but it did feel like the tires stayed flatter going fast around corners.

how does it feel when your tires are flatter?

[NHRAMAN]

well, when i first got the one for the wife's car, i put it on. about a week later, took it off to paint it. while it was off, one day i was making a left turn from a light. as i'm making the turn she asks, did you take that bar thingy off? i said yes to paint it. why? i could tell.

i couldn't tell......

That is the proper name for it in case no one knew..." Bar Thingy " :true:

[Hot Black Trans-Am]

how does it feel when your tires are flatter?

It didn't feel like the tires would slip as much up front and lean over quite as much. The tires also sounded different when going fast around corners at the traciton limit. They sounded to be using more of a contact patch or something.

[Somebody09]

I voted yes. Once I was racing some RXS Type-S at speeds of over 80mph on a normally not so twisty road, but at those speeds NOT having a brace sucked! Ironically, the same day my SLP brace arrived. It made a world of a difference! Recently (kinda), I raced a Charger... same twisties and my brace was out. Let's just say I don't ever want to take that turn at 95+ mph EVER again! 2nd scarriest moment in my life.

[AKIRA]

Thats what I use mine for. ;)

SFC's will work better.



LS1Tech.com had a thread about SFCs and strut towers and it came to an end with some peeps saying our cars dont need these sort of things. It got pretty technical and it was maybe a year ago that I read it (cuz I was considering buying some).

I remember no difference what so ever welding SFCs on my 94 mustang gt convertible. And they say convertibles are the number one type of frames that would benefit from these...

[Hot Black Trans-Am]

I think that both help out. I don't see how they could not. Most convertiable are already braced with something so I don't think SFC's would help on a vert as much as a T-top car.

[sunsetorangess]

I thought sfc came on vert's from the factory? Anywho i put the stb and sfc on the ss and it made a big difference. I would say its worth the investment, although im thinkin i should have went with the weld in sfc.
J

[blackcat]

The brace makes a subtle difference. Not something that will make a major change in max cornering like tires, shocks, bars. On NewEngland back roads I find it tightens up the initial steering response. I noticed it, my 17 YO son noticed it so we pulled it out to see if it was just $ imagination. Nope. Choose wisely and get one that won't interfere with the engine oil dip stick.

[KageSS]

I like mine. :D all red and shiny...:hahano:

Same here SLP had it powdercoated candy apple red, it's smooth and shiny just like baby's :booty: :tmi:

[tuske427]

I think I notice a difference with mine on. I installed one a on a previous 4th gen car ('95 T/A with t-tops) I owned (did not have sfc), and on my current ride ('84 T/A with t-tops and sfc). Of course, I don't have track times to prove it one way or another (hence why I say I think I notice), but it feels tighter up front.

Then again, the third gen cars aren't nearly as structural up front as the 4th gens are...

I use the 3 point brace. I like the idea of the triangulation support it (supposedly) offers.

[jmhvenom]

got rid of mine, put on LCAs and subframe connectors instead. Hoping to actually notice a difference now.

[bevenue]

:rock: i noticed a big difference the first time i took a corner hard

[ss~zoso~ss]

i did aswell

[skar]

With sub frame I can not tell Any difference. . And the slp bar is heavy

[ferocity]

First i should say i have a 98 z28 with original shock at the time 16's.

Ok, i got a slp strut tower bar first and Im being honest with my experiance that I notice a huge differnce. The steering response was a lot better, car seemed more stable, and went in a straighter line. When I took turns car felt a lot more stable and when i burn out on a turn no more fish tailing, and this one was a huge differnce. Before the stb i would peal out on a turn and fish tail now i can stomp on the gas and no fish tailing. I recommend the stb. Of course i've had people tell me that i noticed such a huge difference because my shocks are worn, don't know if true or not, but i know that i noticed a differnce when i put on a stb.

And when i put sfc -slp- i've also noticed the stiffness on the whole car so much that one week after installing my sfc my tranny went out on me. I swear when i first drove my car with sfc the car felt brand new as if i added a power mod.

And funny thing when i went to 17's i felt a over all differnce in how the car feels, again felt like a brand new car im driving for the first time.

I maybe sensitive to the mods i do, but on ever mod or upgrade i've done i've felt a differnce for the good.

[jmhvenom]

I think anyone that notices a difference with the STB is noticing it in there head. I got SFCs and LCAs and can feel a pretty big difference with the car as well as not hearing many of the noises I used to.

[Hurley711]

I think the $$$ spent on a STB is better spent going with a stiffer FSB instead, preferably a 35mm bar.

[mobileone]

Do any of these make a difference in drag racing?

[Eugenio_SS]

drag, no... only difference= added weight.
and for road racing, no advantage, since a few have tried (including myself) with vs without on cars, and makes no difference in lap times.
it's still a good looking piece that is practical to lean on when working in engine bay.

[MadSeason]

IMO, if it didn't do anything Nascar wouldn't be using them since they add front end either too

[Eugenio_SS]

IMO, if it didn't do anything Nascar wouldn't be using them since they add front end either too

Nascar car frames and fbody frames are quite different, btw.

[AKIRA]

Nascar car frames and fbody frames are quite different, btw.

Bingo.

With that in mind of drag racing AND road racing, what would be the point in buying them?

[Eugenio_SS]

Bingo.

With that in mind of drag racing AND road racing, what would be the point in buying them?

esthetics and practicality (can lean on it while working inside the engine bay)

[AKIRA]

esthetics and practicality (can lean on it while working inside the engine bay)

And have another place to jack up...!

[GatorSS]

That bar thingy helps a little itty bitty bit...:dunno: :drunk:

[Nasty TA]

I have the hotchkis brance and it really helped out with body roll up front and stiffined up the stearing alot. In all it really made a difference it how the car handeled. Love it.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n141/calliman420/DSCN04111.jpg

[AKIRA]

Not to mention, our strut towers...arent they just a bar? Just a bent bar? Over $100 for that???

Whoops! I retract that statement! Still, expensive for little give back..

[KageSS]

I have the hotchkis brance and it really helped out with body roll up front and stiffined up the stearing alot. In all it really made a difference it how the car handeled. Love it.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n141/calliman420/DSCN04111.jpg

:Ot:

Red ign. coils are they MSD's ?
How do you like them?

[Nasty TA]

:Ot:

Red ign. coils are they MSD's ?
How do you like them?

Yes they are msd's. And they work great on and off spray.

[KageSS]

Yes they are msd's. And they work great on and off spray.

Cool, i think i'm gonna gets me some of that. :)

[Nasty TA]

[QUOTE=KageSS;437576]Cool, i think i'm gonna gets me some of that. :)[/QUOTE

I highly recomend getting a set. Worth the money

[Mr. Luos]

Biggest handling mod for me so far was the subframe connectors along with the panhard bar.
Night and day...at least in my opinion.

My car at this point is not effected by a strut tower brace. Running without the front sway bar already so the car isn't really a handling machine.
I do have the STB on the car though. :yup: Got it really cheap.
The subframe connectors though...man the car got much more solid. :yup:

[GottaHaveLS1]

I didn't really notice anything... but it's my only suspension mod. I can't wait to get the SFC's installed.

[AKIRA]

I didn't really notice anything... but it's my only suspension mod. I can't wait to get the SFC's installed.

I honestly couldnt see anyone noticing a difference.

[Y2KPewterSS]

Its an appearance mod IMO, doesn't do anything noticeably for handling.

[KageSS]

Yes, it does make a little difference.

A little, but it counts.

[2001somws6]

Im lovin it.

I out turned a cobra in an "S" curve at 75mph. I looked behind me and he almost went into the bushes.

[GMS Fleet]

If anyone is looking for a pair of subframe connectors or driveshaft loop join our GP! http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33711

[djvaly]

I got the SFC and tower brace bar, they work like a charm..
and for the ultimate visual effect and cornering happiness, in addition to the above, get the eibach pro kit srpings, 1.25'' lowering gets to 1.75'' after it settles. and if you do that you'd be all set. also if you do the lowering watch out for the headers/y pipe mods since they eat into the ground clearance another 0.5'' so get blistein shocks because u don't want to bottom out.
the stock shocks should start becoming obsolete at 50k+ anyways...

[TOO Z MAXX]

They are worthless. They are more of an appearance mod. I auto x my SS probably more than any one on this board and I couldnt tell the difference with it on or off.

[Eugenio_SS]

They are worthless. They are more of an appearance mod. I auto x my SS probably more than any one on this board and I couldnt tell the difference with it on or off.

:D:nana:

[djvaly]

They are worthless. They are more of an appearance mod. I auto x my SS probably more than any one on this board and I couldnt tell the difference with it on or off.

it depends,, not all f-bodys are created equal. on mine I felt a little difference like cornering at higher speed, especially on A4., but most difference I felt on SFC's and lowering it 1.5''

[Y2KPewterSS]

Has anyone ever read or come across an actual comparison/test that someone did trying to see if there is an actual difference or not? :brick:

[Wesman]

I have one on my car. I can't say I noticed a difference in everyday driving, but when taking turns hard, especially on banked turns and such, it definitely helps keep the car more planted to the road.

I look at it this way - the stiffer the chassis, the better. So even if its just keeping the chassis from flexing those few extra millimeters, its worth it to me. Its also nice when you have to jack up the car at one corner, and you know there is that extra structural reenforcement to help prevent the chassis from flexing too much ;)

[TOO Z MAXX]

it depends,, not all f-bodys are created equal. on mine I felt a little difference like cornering at higher speed, especially on A4., but most difference I felt on SFC's and lowering it 1.5''
You are not kidding, seems like every Fbod has its own quirks and personality. I have auto x 5 different LS1 Fbods, all with different mods. Some were real smooth and did well and some felt like they were going to rattle apart, but were very fast.
I auto x my car at a place that has a flat concrete surface and the grip is amazing. We hit speeds close to 100 mph on some courses. I also run the Hoosier A6 315's r compound tires front and rear. What I am trying to say is my car has seen about as much abuse and grip most any f body will see and I just couldnt tell a difference with it or with out it. They do look cool and are a nice arm rest while working on the var though.

[Eugenio_SS]

You are not kidding, seems like every Fbod has its own quirks and personality. I have auto x 5 different LS1 Fbods, all with different mods. Some were real smooth and did well and some felt like they were going to rattle apart, but were very fast.
I auto x my car at a place that has a flat concrete surface and the grip is amazing. We hit speeds close to 100 mph on some courses. I also run the Hoosier A6 315's r compound tires front and rear. What I am trying to say is my car has seen about as much abuse and grip most any f body will see and I just couldnt tell a difference with it or with out it. They do look cool and are a nice arm rest while working on the var though.

I even did a few sessions of lapping same day, afew with and without... and no differences in the times.

[anarchy99]

adds weight to the front end and IMO it's an appearance mod. Looks good, but thats about it on my car. I took it off and I think I might mount it to the garage ceiling as a pull up bar.

[djvaly]

it cost $100 bucks and installs in 15-20 minutes.. if u don't like it after, it's not a huge loss, it can only help under certain conditions like type of suspension (shocks + springs) u have, tires you have, your driving habbits.. like if u are agressive on curbs and corners, it does help keep the front tight. u may not feel it but there's definetly a less body roll. the car will feel it mostly, it depends on the driver, after a while u get used to it and it doesn't feel different to a driver..
I'd say it is a good investment better than the freaking Hypertech Prog3, or the gratenelli MAF.
what a waste of my money.. $400 all together for 5 horse power,, maybe.. :ughlaugh:

[Joshua.Grooms]

I would go with the "every little bit counts" phrase, even though I hate to say it. A street car won't benifit as much as a more race orientated car would mostly cause your not not pushing the envelope as hard. Besides, a roll cage will give you the ultimate on rails feeling if you want to go that route. A little extreme for me, but for some of our more "i wanna go fast" people out there, it should be just fine.

[Hot Black Trans-Am]

I would go with the "every little bit counts" phrase, even though I hate to say it. A street car won't benifit as much as a more race orientated car would mostly cause your not not pushing the envelope as hard. Besides, a roll cage will give you the ultimate on rails feeling if you want to go that route. A little extreme for me, but for some of our more "i wanna go fast" people out there, it should be just fine.

One day I do plan on doing a cage if I keep this car that long and by then I hope it won't be my daily driver anymore.

[djvaly]

One day I do plan on doing a cage if I keep this car that long and by then I hope it won't be my daily driver anymore.

+1, me too

[SiggyZ]

A STB does help some. It stifens up the shock (strut) towers which allows the car to keep straight over uneven pavement and it does tighten up the front end some. Improvements will vary depending on what brand and type you get.

[Wesman]

I look at it like this:

Even if I can't feel a noticeable difference, a stiffer chassis and more support is always a good thing anyway :yup:

[amon37]

I would never cage a daily driver.

[djvaly]

I would never cage a daily driver.

true, that's why when it becomes in 11s I cage it and make it track/weekend car. :yup:

[Joshua.Grooms]

Im not sure if i will cage mine, not like a 12 point or anything, but maybe 6 to 8 pt. Ill stick to normal add-ons. i really considering it for my 87 TA. Can't say yet though.
Hey, ill go for the STB, its one of the cheapest bolt ons if you think about it

[SiggyZ]

One thing you will notice (as I do with mine) once you install a STB, the ride will get a bit more rough as the front end will feel more of the pavement.

[djvaly]

STB is good at cornering, much less body roll and no more dashboard rattling..
i got the 3 point brace bar.

[Fastcar]

A long long time ago in a far away land I posted an example for readers to consider about how STBs work.... Think of a styrofoam coffee cup: the bottom of the cup where you hold it is rather rigid and not as easy to squeeze and flex as the top of the cup is, where it's open and has no reinforcement (obviously the cup bottom makes the bottom rigid). Think of the engine compartment as a styrofoam cup: the K-member, trans mounts, etc. are analogous to the cup bottom and make the car bottom rigid to provide necessary support. Now put a lid (=STB) on the cup and what happens? Suddenly the cup becomes more rigid overall and less prone to flexing: the lid provides support, ties the sides of the cup together yet doesn't change the overall shape and size of the cup in any way. The change in chassis stiffness is perhaps not as noticeable as the before/after with SFCs, but when I put a STB in my car the front end stopped "dancing" when I hit a bump or pothole and the steering response improved - more linear. I could feel a difference - perhaps my car was "looser" than others but we all know about GM manufacturing tolerances, especially concerning "piston slap" as another example..... BTW I also have SFCs, LCAs, Panhard rod bar, and a driveshaft loop on my car. STBs have been around for years - on older cars they were known as "export braces". Look at stock street cars that are modified for racing or older cars manufactured for export - they all have some form of STBs. When it comes to competitive road racing if a part doesn't improve anything and simply adds weight to the car they don't put it in! Any little bit helps when it comes to stiffness, like a good stiff drink, a "lucky stiff", certain parts of the body..... I certainly don't want less stiffness. 'Nuff said. :burnout:

[SiggyZ]

Well said! :bravo:

A long long time ago in a far away land I posted an example for readers to consider about how STBs work.... Think of a styrofoam coffee cup: the bottom of the cup where you hold it is rather rigid and not as easy to squeeze and flex as the top of the cup is, where it's open and has no reinforcement (obviously the cup bottom makes the bottom rigid). Think of the engine compartment as a styrofoam cup: the K-member, trans mounts, etc. are analogous to the cup bottom and make the car bottom rigid to provide necessary support. Now put a lid (=STB) on the cup and what happens? Suddenly the cup becomes more rigid overall and less prone to flexing: the lid provides support, ties the sides of the cup together yet doesn't change the overall shape and size of the cup in any way. The change in chassis stiffness is perhaps not as noticeable as the before/after with SFCs, but when I put a STB in my car the front end stopped "dancing" when I hit a bump or pothole and the steering response improved - more linear. I could feel a difference - perhaps my car was "looser" than others but we all know about GM manufacturing tolerances, especially concerning "piston slap" as another example..... BTW I also have SFCs, LCAs, Panhard rod bar, and a driveshaft loop on my car. STBs have been around for years - on older cars they were known as "export braces". Look at stock street cars that are modified for racing or older cars manufactured for export - they all have some form of STBs. When it comes to competitive road racing if a part doesn't improve anything and simply adds weight to the car they don't put it in! Any little bit helps when it comes to stiffness, like a good stiff drink, a "lucky stiff", certain parts of the body..... I certainly don't want less stiffness. 'Nuff said. :burnout:

[bevenue]

A long long time ago in a far away land I posted an example for readers to consider about how STBs work.... Think of a styrofoam coffee cup: the bottom of the cup where you hold it is rather rigid and not as easy to squeeze and flex as the top of the cup is, where it's open and has no reinforcement (obviously the cup bottom makes the bottom rigid). Think of the engine compartment as a styrofoam cup: the K-member, trans mounts, etc. are analogous to the cup bottom and make the car bottom rigid to provide necessary support. Now put a lid (=STB) on the cup and what happens? Suddenly the cup becomes more rigid overall and less prone to flexing: the lid provides support, ties the sides of the cup together yet doesn't change the overall shape and size of the cup in any way. The change in chassis stiffness is perhaps not as noticeable as the before/after with SFCs, but when I put a STB in my car the front end stopped "dancing" when I hit a bump or pothole and the steering response improved - more linear. I could feel a difference - perhaps my car was "looser" than others but we all know about GM manufacturing tolerances, especially concerning "piston slap" as another example..... BTW I also have SFCs, LCAs, Panhard rod bar, and a driveshaft loop on my car. STBs have been around for years - on older cars they were known as "export braces". Look at stock street cars that are modified for racing or older cars manufactured for export - they all have some form of STBs. When it comes to competitive road racing if a part doesn't improve anything and simply adds weight to the car they don't put it in! Any little bit helps when it comes to stiffness, like a good stiff drink, a "lucky stiff", certain parts of the body..... I certainly don't want less stiffness. 'Nuff said. :burnout:

GREAT EXAMPLE!:redx:

[jigger1166]

A long long time ago in a far away land I posted an example for readers to consider about how STBs work.... Think of a styrofoam coffee cup: the bottom of the cup where you hold it is rather rigid and not as easy to squeeze and flex as the top of the cup is, where it's open and has no reinforcement (obviously the cup bottom makes the bottom rigid). Think of the engine compartment as a styrofoam cup: the K-member, trans mounts, etc. are analogous to the cup bottom and make the car bottom rigid to provide necessary support. Now put a lid (=STB) on the cup and what happens? Suddenly the cup becomes more rigid overall and less prone to flexing: the lid provides support, ties the sides of the cup together yet doesn't change the overall shape and size of the cup in any way. The change in chassis stiffness is perhaps not as noticeable as the before/after with SFCs, but when I put a STB in my car the front end stopped "dancing" when I hit a bump or pothole and the steering response improved - more linear. I could feel a difference - perhaps my car was "looser" than others but we all know about GM manufacturing tolerances, especially concerning "piston slap" as another example..... BTW I also have SFCs, LCAs, Panhard rod bar, and a driveshaft loop on my car. STBs have been around for years - on older cars they were known as "export braces". Look at stock street cars that are modified for racing or older cars manufactured for export - they all have some form of STBs. When it comes to competitive road racing if a part doesn't improve anything and simply adds weight to the car they don't put it in! Any little bit helps when it comes to stiffness, like a good stiff drink, a "lucky stiff", certain parts of the body..... I certainly don't want less stiffness. 'Nuff said. :burnout:

Very well said.:yup:

[pocheasy]

Im lovin it.

I out turned a cobra in an "S" curve at 75mph. I looked behind me and he almost went into the bushes.
dont you think that had more to do with your tires?...

I use the 3 point brace. I like the idea of the triangulation support it (supposedly) offers.
now ive heard that the 3pt stb's can lead to cracked windshields.. anyone expierence this?

[bluefields88]

I don't know about the STB's cracking windshields, but I have had a cracked windshield before, and let me say that you want to avoid it! they don't make the windshields as good as they did stock. the first replacement I had had a huge wave in it that made your eyes cross whenver you drove, and made my friends sick just riding shotgun. the window guy came back with another, but it had a huge wave in it too, so he had to come back again. the third one is alright, but still not as good as the original. I say if anyone has gotten a cracked windshield from a 3 point, don't get one. I'd rather have a less stiff ride than have to deal with crappy windshields.

[AKIRA]

Hmph. Ive had my winshield replaced many times via fucked hoods and violence and they all look the same. :shrug:

[Eugenio_SS]

analogy is good for strenght only... ie the same can be said about a cage in the car, yet it doesn absolutely nothing to improve handling or make the car faster in any scenario around any track. Following the analogy, putting a full-cage will improve the car handling... I saw try to prove that... the car is safer and more rigid... but handling hasn't changed.

Let's say argumentatively that it did change something in the front rigidity affecting handling... then it would affect the f/r balance for understeer/oversteer, having the same effect as rollbars, which isn't the case.
If that was true, the car would tend to understeer more w/ the STB vs non-STB... which isn't the case either.

Some have tried, including myself, to make several tests around different tracks w/ vs w/out STB and times are identical... and the handling characteristics of the car don't change, nor the balance.

And for the styrofoam cup... put it on the side... does the styrofoam roll any better w/ or w/out the added support ?

[Fastcar]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sway_bar

http://www.240edge.com/performance/tuning-bars.html

http://e30m3performance.com/myths/Strutbar_Theory/strut_bar_theory.htm An STB doesn't affect the F/R over/understeer balance directly like a swaybar: obviously a huge enough swaybar would make your car corner almost completely flat - at the loss of any suspension compliance! Don't hit a bump or pothole with that suspension. The STB helps keep the front suspension components in the proper relationship to each other so your steering angles don't change as much when the chassis flexes randomly. Perhaps you haven't noticed a difference in lap times with/without the STB but that doesn't invalidate the difference in the handling feel of the car that others have experienced. A much better handling car than our F-bodies, the Nissan 350Z track/competition model even has a REAR STB. I don't think that Nissan put it in just for looks, considering that it makes the rear interior space less useful. BTW, depends if you put a downwards load on the cup. :burnout:

[Mr. Luos]

Since they work so well....someone can buy mine. :lmao:
SLP piece.


Cage is the last thing that will EVER go in my car. It might be quick enough to need it (at sea level), but it won't get it. I don't race it enough to bother.

[Jeremiah]

Unlike other cars "Fox body Mustangs for example" the F bodys unitized construction is very structurally stable and a STB is nothing more than an appearance item. I have repaired fourth gen F-bodys that have had the unitized rails buckled and the front reinforcement ripped completely off the structure from side collisions and the towers were still within spec.

There is a structural rail called the upper long member that runs inside the top of the fender that ties the cowl plenum, the strut tower and the radiator suppt all together. This has the same affect as a STB only far better, Mustangs as well as many other cars dont have this extra bracing.

There are also a few threads on the subject with some profesional road racers like Sam Stranos that will tell you the same thing. Sam Stranos doesnt run a STB on his multiple SCCA national championship winning 01 Camaro.

You guys that say you noticed an improvement in response/handling by simply bolting one on your car are full of it. There good to lean on or if you like the look but a fourth gen doesnt need any structural bracing in this erea. I think a lot of you bolt one on your car and then go test it on some corners and... wow, my car handles pretty good therefore it must be the STB. In reality your car has allways handled that good, you just never payed any attention to it.

Companys are making them because they can be built for a few dollars and you guys pay $100+ for them, I even thought about turning out my own design.

SFC's are entirely different, there great for any car reguarless of modifications and unlike a STB will make a noticable seat of the pants improvement.

[Fastcar]

Unlike other cars "Fox body Mustangs for example" the F bodys unitized construction is very structurally stable and a STB is nothing more than an appearance item. I have repaired fourth gen F-bodys that have had the unitized rails buckled and the front reinforcement ripped completely off the structure from side collisions and the towers were still within spec.

There is a structural rail called the upper long member that runs inside the top of the fender that ties the cowl plenum, the strut tower and the radiator suppt all together. This has the same affect as a STB only far better, Mustangs as well as many other cars dont have this extra bracing.

There are also a few threads on the subject with some profesional road racers like Sam Stranos that will tell you the same thing. Sam Stranos doesnt run a STB on his multiple SCCA national championship winning 01 Camaro.

You guys that say you noticed an improvement in response/handling by simply bolting one on your car are full of it. There good to lean on or if you like the look but a fourth gen doesnt need any structural bracing in this erea. I think a lot of you bolt one on your car and then go test it on some corners and... wow, my car handles pretty good therefore it must be the STB. In reality your car has allways handled that good, you just never payed any attention to it.

Companys are making them because they can be built for a few dollars and you guys pay $100+ for them, I even thought about turning out my own design.

SFC's are entirely different, there great for any car reguarless of modifications and unlike a STB will make a noticable seat of the pants improvement.

No Junior, you're full of it. The towers can still be in spec because the car's not in motion. I noticed a big difference in the way my car handled after I installed an STB. The whole front end used to "shake" and "dance" whenever I hit a pothole or road irregularity: if I hit a pothole while turning the car would feel like it shifted slightly off track. After installing the STB my steering linearity improved and the front end stopped doing the pothole dance. If you don't feel the difference, save your money and don't put one in: we still live in a democracy. It might well be that YOU can't feel any difference in the way your car handles. You ever try an STB in your car or do you speak from uninformed opinion?

[TOO Z MAXX]

WOW, check out that pole. 91 suckers so far. I cant remember what shop it was but they did some testing and took some measurements with and without a STB. They came to the conclusion they do nothing. From my own experience I came to the same conclusion. My car has roughly 300 autox days on it so I know how my car handles. I also run Hoosier A6 r-compound tires on some super grippy concrete, so the stress is there. If a car is going to flex it will happen under these extreme conditions. I took mine STB off and I couldnt tell a difference at all. Is that enought proof for you guys.

[bluefields88]

nope. :D

[Jeremiah]

No Junior, you're full of it. The towers can still be in spec because the car's not in motion. I noticed a big difference in the way my car handled after I installed an STB. The whole front end used to "shake" and "dance" whenever I hit a pothole or road irregularity: if I hit a pothole while turning the car would feel like it shifted slightly off track. After installing the STB my steering linearity improved and the front end stopped doing the pothole dance. If you don't feel the difference, save your money and don't put one in: we still live in a democracy. It might well be that YOU can't feel any difference in the way your car handles. You ever try an STB in your car or do you speak from uninformed opinion?

Junior.. lol, Im probably old enough to be your father and have owned more F-bodys than most on this site including several more valuable than any home you will ever own. I have also worked on, driven, restored you name it on about every model of every year F-body built. I have cut appart and rebuilt countless fourth gens. I know these cars well beyond the exterior panels you wash/wax.

I know for a fact.... A STB will not do as you have said even under the most harsh driving conditions.

The fourth gens have there weak ereas, the strut towers or unitized cabin forward construction is not one of them by far.

Also, the force/impact it takes to buckle the rails from a side impact to the point everything forward of the towers has to be replaced is far more than any extreme driving conditions will replicate.

[Mr. Luos]

You ever try an STB in your car or do you speak from uninformed opinion?
I know you weren't talking to me, but I have, and felt ZERO difference.

[djvaly]

I felt a small diff from 3 point STB when cornering but a lot more when lowering the car 1.5'' and SFC

[KM02SS]

No data, just seat of the pants feel. I also added a reinforced panhard bar at the same time as I added the strut tower brace. My car has T-Tops and it felt tighter to me after I installed the parts, could be wishful thinking though.

I then installed SFC's, new LCA's and lowering springs and a mechanic friend said he's never driven a tighter F-Body.

[99'CajunFirehawk157]

So in essence, get the cheapest "lean bar" possible, if you got to have one, tru dat?

[Y2KPewterSS]

I always thought it would be interesting for all the people that state they could feel a difference after they put one on their car, to take 2 equal fbodies, one with a STB and one without and have them drive both. Would be interesting to see if anyone could actually pick the fbody that had the STB and the one that didn't.

[bevenue]

I always thought it would be interesting for all the people that state they could feel a difference after they put one on their car, to take 2 equal fbodies, one with a STB and one without and have them drive both. Would be interesting to see if anyone could actually pick the fbody that had the STB and the one that didn't.

Are you volunteering your car?

[Hot Black Trans-Am]

So in essence, get the cheapest "lean bar" possible, if you got to have one, tru dat?


Not the cheapest, but the best looking one!

[Y2KPewterSS]

Are you volunteering your car?

I will get back to you on that one :D

[Z ROADSTER]

It makes you feel more bumps. And the bumps are more harsh. It also reduces chassis twist, which was bad for me the other day because my car sits low and I was going to park my car at the black eyed pea in Dallas and behind the building where the parking lot is, there is a dip in the road and then it goes up high real fast. So I wanted to hit it at an angle so I would drag anything.. Well, I went slow and approached it at an angle, so this would have normally put a twist on my car but since it resisted twisting, the rear tire got no traction and for some reason only 1 tire would spin and it was the one that would get traction, so I got stuck in a little itty bitty dip in the road. totally weird.


Man , I can feel for you ! I had the same exact thing happen to me in my drive way . It was very embarrassing . I had to call a friend to come over with a chain & pull me back onto level ground . For some strange reason the posi-traction rear end didn't want to work & the stiff chassis wouldn't flex enough to get traction. My neighbors just stared & shock their heads. Frggin strut bar !:think::stuck:

[TOO Z MAXX]

Man , I can feel for you ! I had the same exact thing happen to me in my drive way . It was very embarrassing . I had to call a friend to come over with a chain & pull me back onto level ground . For some strange reason the posi-traction rear end didn't want to work & the stiff chassis wouldn't flex enough to get traction. My neighbors just stared & shock their heads. Frggin strut bar !:think::stuck:

Sorry to tell you guys but that has nothing to do with the STB

[Hot Black Trans-Am]

Put the brakes on and hit the gas next time. The stupid stock diffs do this on ice too. Once they have resistance from the brakes the other wheel will move you.

[Z ROADSTER]

Sorry to tell you guys but that has nothing to do with the STB


To a degree , your correct ! The real culprit is the stiff, large diameter, front & rear sway bars or stabilizer bars. All of which contribute to a stiff / harsh ride . Not good for drag racing if you want your suspension to transfer weight for additional traction .
Two stars for TOO Z-MAXX !:zzz:

[TOO Z MAXX]

To a degree , your correct ! The real culprit is the stiff, large diameter, front & rear sway bars or stabilizer bars. All of which contribute to a stiff / harsh ride . Not good for drag racing if you want your suspension to transfer weight for additional traction .
Two stars for TOO Z-MAXX !:zzz:
Yep, I have the Strano sway bars on my car. If I jack my car up in the rear by the LCA I can get 3 wheels off the ground with one jack point.

[Eugenio_SS]

WOW, check out that pole. 91 suckers so far. I cant remember what shop it was but they did some testing and took some measurements with and without a STB. They came to the conclusion they do nothing. From my own experience I came to the same conclusion. My car has roughly 300 autox days on it so I know how my car handles. I also run Hoosier A6 r-compound tires on some super grippy concrete, so the stress is there. If a car is going to flex it will happen under these extreme conditions. I took mine STB off and I couldnt tell a difference at all. Is that enought proof for you guys.

I did the same on autox + lapping and times didn't change either... you're not the only one.
Maybe i should bias the vote in the right direction... :lmao:

[Y2KPewterSS]

I did the same on autox + lapping and times didn't change either... you're not the only one.
Maybe i should bias the vote in the right direction... :lmao:

Please do, it needs a correction factor of about +100 votes to NO :lmao:

[TOO Z MAXX]

Please do, it needs a correction factor of about +100 votes to NO :lmao:
Damn, over 100 suckers now.

[Jeremiah]

Damn, over 100 idiots now.

Corrected.

Most of them have no idea the difference between a sway bar and strut tower brace... lol