tower brace?

**joker** · 12-14-2006, 04:40 PM

I am getting subframe connectors for x-mas. I ordered the UMI three point connectors. I wanted to know what the difference was between the two and three sided and same question with the tower brace. three point or two and what is the difference? Thanks

**nhraformula** · 12-14-2006, 05:43 PM

strut tower braces make for good arm rests and thats about it.

**tbaum** · 12-14-2006, 08:32 PM

Sorry dude...gotta say BS to that comment...especially if you have a vert. Between the SFC's and the tower brace, my car is stiff as a board now. Before I got them I cracked my dash and the passenger side door panel popped off one night at the track...now..no such problems. They are VERY worth it. Those rice boys you see with them have absolutely no need for them...oh yeah...they actually DO make a nice armrest as well.

**4JaysMD** · 12-15-2006, 03:53 AM

Agreed that they are worth something. I put an SLP version in my 00 Formula WS-6 and immediately noticed slightly increased oversteer, which was fine with me. Just my 2 cents.

**nhraformula** · 12-15-2006, 05:07 AM

Originally Posted by tbaum

Sorry dude...gotta say BS to that comment...especially if you have a vert. Between the SFC's and the tower brace, my car is stiff as a board now. Before I got them I cracked my dash and the passenger side door panel popped off one night at the track...now..no such problems. They are VERY worth it. Those rice boys you see with them have absolutely no need for them...oh yeah...they actually DO make a nice armrest as well.

i didnt notice any difference in my 3rd gen. alot of other guys will tell you that they didnt notice any difference either.

**third_shift|studios** · 12-15-2006, 07:46 AM

2000 ws.6 with 110k miles....noticed a difference immediatly. Car is straight as a bullet and responses much better to simple flicks of the steering wheel. Frankly; i got a cheap one. an 86$ 2pt brace from sponser B&M

**joker** · 12-15-2006, 12:52 PM

thanks everyone.

**6sw00** · 12-16-2006, 09:38 PM

yes.. you will notice a difference with the subframes.. and youll love it. P.S when you launch you will also feel and hear it struggle to spin the tires.

**Hot Black Trans-Am** · 12-16-2006, 11:09 PM

They both work wonders.

**Raven98Z28** · 12-17-2006, 06:14 PM

I had a BMR 2 pt on both my 98Z28A4 and my 02WS6M6. They are worth their weight in gold for hard steering. I had SFCs on each as well. I went w/ the BMR low profile weld-ins on my lowered Z28 and SLP bolt-ins on my WS6. I have to say I am very pleased w/ the choices. I've heard the 3 pt STBs can crack your windshield under hard turning load. FWIW.

**joker** · 12-18-2006, 04:19 AM

how hard are subframe connectors to put on?

**Raven98Z28** · 12-19-2006, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by joker

how hard are subframe connectors to put on?

Depends on the SFCs you choose. The BMR weld-ins I had were very straight forward: 2 welds on each SFC and the instructions were idiot-proof. For an experienced welder, it was nothing. The SLP bolt-ins I have now are also very easy. All I needed was a lift and a set of tools. I took it to Pepboys though since I'm used to having access to a lift but no longer have that access nor did I own a respectable jack and stand set. (Thanks, Santa!)

**joker** · 12-20-2006, 05:24 AM

thanks

**bevenue** · 12-20-2006, 10:55 AM

on my old 93Z28A4 I put a 3 point strut tower brace on it. It helped alot I noticed a difference right away, with mild oversteer. It did make it harder to work on, but it was still great.

**koolaid_kid** · 12-21-2006, 02:12 AM

I just put SFCs on my car and immediately noticed a huge difference. The car feels much more rigid and the body flex has disappeared. Well worth the cost.

**smokeyburnouts** · 12-22-2006, 10:33 AM

ya, i think the tower brace helps. i have it on mine along with some other suspension upgrades and its pretty stiff. i want SFC's badly. ill probly do those next but someone told me that itll bump my car up to the next advanced class for auto-x, which is why i held off.

**Raven98Z28** · 12-22-2006, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by smokeyburnouts

ya, i think the tower brace helps. i have it on mine along with some other suspension upgrades and its pretty stiff. i want SFC's badly. ill probly do those next but someone told me that itll bump my car up to the next advanced class for auto-x, which is why i held off.

What class do you auto-X in now? I compete in ESP (E- Street Prepared). The SFCs bump you into Street Modified as long as the two SFCs are independent and do not attach to each other or use a cross-member to attach to each other. Something like Kenny Brown Double Diamonds would put you in Prepared category.

From the SCCA 2006 Solo Rules 16.1.G (Street Modified): "Subframe connectors are allowed, but each connector must be attached individually without any lateral components attaching the two longitudinal frame rails. Subframe connectors may be bolted or welded. SP allowances which authorize unrestricted mounting of suspension components do not permit the incorporation of non-SP-legal subframe connectors into the mounting scheme for a Street Modified vehicle."

I actually have SFCs but nobody can see them unless they jump under the car to take a look. I've also removed my rear seats since no one rides back there and I need the cargo space sometimes and would like to keep the seats nice. If someone wanted to complain, they could point out the seats and that would also bump me. But I'm not competitive enough to be stealing trophies at my club.