sub frame and tower brace

**2000dreambird** · 07-21-2009, 12:34 PM

is there anything i should know before i go looking for a set of SF conects or a tower brace

**shady milkman** · 07-21-2009, 12:39 PM

just 1.......the tower brace is more for show .

**pajeff02** · 07-21-2009, 12:39 PM

SFC's come in two styles: bolt in and weld in. They also have SFC's that are triangulated and attach to the tunnel brace. All depends on what your goal is with the vehicle. Personally, I went with a set of UMI bolt in SFC's as our car is a driver. Based upon past threads, it appears most of the members here seem to be running UMI or BMR equipment under their cars.

**2000dreambird** · 07-21-2009, 12:43 PM

i'm sure you need to drill for the bolt on's right and why would the tower be just for show

**blackcar** · 07-21-2009, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by 2000dreambird

i'm sure you need to drill for the bolt on's right and why would the tower be just for show

I hava a slp triangle bolt on. I did not have to drill holes and install was very easy. The hardest part was getting the car high enough off the ground to work under but keep the weight on the tires. (and that wasn't that hard

)

**pajeff02** · 07-21-2009, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by 2000dreambird

i'm sure you need to drill for the bolt on's right and why would the tower be just for show

No holes need to be drilled for the UMI bolt in SFC's. The attachment points are pre-existing holes in the front subframe, above which you insert a threaded plate, and the lower control arm mounts for the rear axle.

**anniversary30** · 07-21-2009, 01:35 PM

Actually the tower brace makes a difference in helping stiffin up the front end. T-top cars....anything to help the from twisting isn't a bad thing and they arent very heavy. Cheep and a piece of cake to install.

**yyun** · 07-21-2009, 03:14 PM

I have the Kenny Brown Double Diamond Sub frame connectors that are welded in. I would recommend these if you can still find them.

**2000dreambird** · 07-21-2009, 03:40 PM

I was thinking weld on because why would you take them off

**purplebat66** · 07-21-2009, 04:19 PM

i had mine bolted on and while they were getting installed i had them also welded.

**anniversary30** · 07-21-2009, 05:15 PM

I have the alston sfc's . mine were welded on. Nice cause they are tucked in under the side nicely

**lvbroham1** · 07-21-2009, 08:30 PM

Also look into the difference between boxed and tubed. Boxed are stronger, UMI's are great and best bang for the buck. Welded all the way, even if you stumble upon some bolt-in's look around to get them welded in. Also due to our cars having a k-member style front end, tower braces aren't totally necessary. (But hey every little thing helps... right?) If you have sub-frame connectors it will stiffen the car up a lot and keep the t-top style car from twisting way more than the tower brace ever will.

**shady milkman** · 07-22-2009, 04:46 AM

Originally Posted by anniversary30

Actually the tower brace makes a difference in helping stiffin up the front end. T-top cars....anything to help the from twisting isn't a bad thing and they arent very heavy. Cheep and a piece of cake to install.

a big enough difference is the real question

**anniversary30** · 07-22-2009, 05:43 AM

Well we all have our own opinions but they aren't that much money for added protection. I would guess it depends on how much power you are trying to make. Not a lot, maybe don't bother. If you are going to make some substantial power and not going to cage the car, It wouldnt hurt. To me just another little insurance for 100-200 bucks. Or maybe you want to road race the car, it does tighten up the fron end. I noticed the difference from completely stock to having the brace on.

**shady milkman** · 07-22-2009, 05:44 AM

true enough.

**blackbirdbrain89** · 07-22-2009, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by shady milkman

a big enough difference is the real question

even with drag racing if ur lifting the tires ur going to want one... comes down 100 times and flex's the towers then thats making a week point in the tower... some time its going to bite u in the ass... but there a pain in the ass when u work on ur car... even checking the oil is harder now lol mine right there in the way and the adjustalbe one just looks better imo it stoped adjusting it out after the 3rd tame taking it off

**shady milkman** · 07-23-2009, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by blackbirdbrain89

even with drag racing if ur lifting the tires ur going to want one... comes down 100 times and flex's the towers then thats making a week point in the tower... some time its going to bite u in the ass... but there a pain in the ass when u work on ur car... even checking the oil is harder now lol mine right there in the way and the adjustalbe one just looks better imo it stoped adjusting it out after the 3rd tame taking it off

what percentage of people that have them are 1. lifting their tires..or 2. AX or road racing ??

if the are lifting their fronts..then yes every step to tie in the chassis is needed...or if road racing

the op and about 98% of all f-bodies i doubt needs or will see a benefit of the SB..that money can be spend elsewhere that is more important

**blackbirdbrain89** · 07-23-2009, 01:50 PM

true, but to each is there own. and if some one want to make it handle better... even if the STB only helps a very small amount it will help down the road if u ever get good tires and start having fun on off ramps