Front shock tower stabilizer bar? '99 30th Ann. A good one?

**BobbyGFirebird** · 09-23-2015, 12:05 PM

I am not likely to be doing anything but aggressive back-road and mountain twisty driving in my t-top '99 WS6 T/Am, with only occasional track lap days --- but NOT competitive racing on track. Can you experts suggest a good GM Performance or other aftermarket strut brace to help with the cowl-shake on rough roads, bumps ? Thx ! :-)

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-23-2015, 12:41 PM

When I had mine it was from UMI Performance. Good piece, only reason I sold it was because I upgraded to a FAST102 intake.

Highly recommend staying away from the 3 point braces because they require you to go into the cowl.

**pajeff02** · 09-23-2015, 05:55 PM

I always recommend UMI when it comes to aftermarket suspension pieces. They fit well, look great and work as they should -- plus it's all made right here in PA.

**Naaman** · 09-24-2015, 12:34 AM

So, I know what the strut tower brace is "supposed" to do, but... does anyone hear actually feel that it makes a difference to their car's performance?

My thinking is that, even if the car doesn't "handle" better because of it, the handling will not deteriorate as fast since it resists the torsion of the chassis over time (?) essentially prolonging the rigidity of the chassis (?)

**0rion** · 09-24-2015, 12:47 AM

I would put the money where it would make the most difference.....sub frame connectors. Strut braces are a waste of money really but if you just want one get a 2 point brace and they're all about the same. I had an SLP brace at one point and other than not knowing it was on there my only complaint is getting the bottom bolts off when removing it were a pain. Not sure on the UMI brace if those bottom bolts are such a hassle.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 09-24-2015, 03:18 AM

The strut tower brace is for cars with struts. Placebo effect.

I would get sway bars since they combat roll.

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-24-2015, 06:03 AM

Originally Posted by 0rion

I would put the money where it would make the most difference.....sub frame connectors. Strut braces are a waste of money really but if you just want one get a 2 point brace and they're all about the same. I had an SLP brace at one point and other than not knowing it was on there my only complaint is getting the bottom bolts off when removing it were a pain. Not sure on the UMI brace if those bottom bolts are such a hassle.

Nope...easy. The up tube is a different angle and taller then the SLP.

**Whamhammer** · 09-24-2015, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Naaman

So, I know what the strut tower brace is "supposed" to do, but... does anyone hear actually feel that it makes a difference to their car's performance?

My thinking is that, even if the car doesn't "handle" better because of it, the handling will not deteriorate as fast since it resists the torsion of the chassis over time (?) essentially prolonging the rigidity of the chassis (?)

I put a 3 point tower brace on my '89 T/A, and I immediately felt the front end increase rigidity by a bunch. Of course after I replaced thte motor mounts and the engine was higher, it became a 4 point because the bar up was against the plenum on my TPI. Edelbrock mislabeled the packaging and sent me a carb/tb brace by accident.

I dont know how much rigidity will improve with a brace on a 4th gen, because of the shock setup, but additional bracing never hurts, and they only weigh about 5-6 pounds.

**kingls1** · 09-24-2015, 10:20 AM

UMI

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-24-2015, 12:17 PM

I felt it helped but then again I had a Base model TA (non-WS6) so any suspension upgrades will always help. But for straight line track useless, autoX and daily some.

On stock shocks it does help IMHO, but with Koni's or Bilstein shocks maybe not so much.

Also SFC's are a must with this car that they should have come with in the first place.

**024mula** · 09-27-2015, 05:25 AM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

Also SFC's are a must with this car that they should have come with in the first place.

X2

**nathan c** · 09-28-2015, 10:22 AM

Founders performance had good inexpensive suspension parts. I have their panhard bar on my TA.

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-28-2015, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by nathan c

Founders Performance had good inexpensive suspension parts. I have their panhard bar on my TA.

CAN'T LIST NON-SPONSOR LINKS. You can name them but not post a direct link.

**BobbyGFirebird** · 10-01-2015, 05:48 PM

Thanks all ! So a sub-frame connector is a great idea, but which brand (GM Perf., UMI ?)? And SLP for the 2-bolt shock tower brace? Is that a good summary?

**0rion** · 10-01-2015, 06:57 PM

stay away from the SLP brace....that's the one I had and the angle of the bar makes it a pain in the ass to get to that bottom bolt. Sub frames are 1000 times better than a brace.

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-02-2015, 06:29 AM

A lot of us here love UMI Performance.

Regarding SFC's - 3 points are better than 2 point. Bolt on can be welded latter on.

**pajeff02** · 10-02-2015, 12:24 PM

I always recommend UMI - have everything except their sway bars under our car and love it (front sway bar is removed and rear is the stock setup).

**DarrenWS6** · 10-02-2015, 05:50 PM

I intend to have a heavily loaded UMI suspension in the future myself. From what I hear, excellent quality products made in the state I originate in. Can't go wrong.

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-05-2015, 06:33 AM

I too have everything from UMI with exception the drive shaft safety loop. I tried theirs but it like many other was too low. Having a lowered car that made it worse.

I now have a DSL form Mid West Chassis. It's design exceptionally well, tucks up in the tunnel and clears all exhaust (dual and 3" single pipe).

My remaining suspension pieces are the k member, both a arms and front/rear sway bars. If all goes well I should be able to pick those up by this time next year.

**Naaman** · 10-05-2015, 06:33 PM

If it's going to be one at a time, I'd recommend the sway bars first. I don't have a K-member (it's on my "money is no object" list), but the sway bars make a nice difference. FWIW, I have the Stranos.