LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Strut tower brace (when is it needed?)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 6, 2008 | 04:38 PM
  #1  
LM97Z's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Missouri
Default Strut tower brace (when is it needed?)

Is it worth it to have one, what exactly do the help?
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2008 | 05:18 PM
  #2  
Kmaroman's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 735
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Default

less flex and turn's better
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2008 | 05:21 PM
  #3  
Checkmate007's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Default

Strut tower braces and sub frame connectors that re-enforce the torque boxes should have been install on all these LT1 Camaro/Firebirds prior to rolling off the line IMHO.

Unless of course you like the wet noodle feeling.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 07:42 AM
  #4  
leadfoot4's Avatar
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,621
Likes: 11
From: Webster, NY
Default

Originally Posted by Checkmate007
Strut tower braces and sub frame connectors that re-enforce the torque boxes should have been install on all these LT1 Camaro/Firebirds prior to rolling off the line IMHO.

Unless of course you like the wet noodle feeling.

I agree. I installed such items on my '96 Z-28 11-12 years ago....
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 08:43 AM
  #5  
JoeliusZ28's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 740
Likes: 1
From: MI
Default

They are for reducing creaking noises when going over speed bumps
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 09:28 AM
  #6  
Elliott's94Z's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,370
Likes: 1
From: Oregon Grown
Default

Originally Posted by LM97Z
Is it worth it to have one, what exactly do the help?
For the price you can't go wrong with one imo. Give Ryan at UMI a call he will get you squared away with one. If you are dialing in your suspension then top it off with one..plus they go on in minutes
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 09:37 AM
  #7  
s346k's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 1
From: johnson co.
Default

for the average guy, i think they just get in the way and are a useless mod. i saw no improvements in the 1/4 mile with one, nor did i notice any difference on the street with it. sub-frames, yes, i will support those any day of the week. strut tower brace - no, i think it's a waste of money. if you're *serious into racing you already have a cage tieing the car together, thus making the STB (and SFCs) useless...imo.

just something else to remove before working on the car, and something else to add when you're finished.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 09:50 AM
  #8  
Elliott's94Z's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,370
Likes: 1
From: Oregon Grown
Default

Originally Posted by s346k
for the average guy, i think they just get in the way and are a useless mod. i saw no improvements in the 1/4 mile with one, nor did i notice any difference on the street with it. sub-frames, yes, i will support those any day of the week. strut tower brace - no, i think it's a waste of money. if you're *serious into racing you already have a cage tieing the car together, thus making the STB (and SFCs) useless...imo.

just something else to remove before working on the car, and something else to add when you're finished.
Of course you are not gonna see a difference in the 1/4 mile..rofl!!!!! Were you thinking it was gonna take a 1/2 sec off your time? IMO for the average guy that rally's around town or in backroads it's a CHEAP and easy suspenion mod to do and a decent one at that. And taking it off and putting it back on you might be out 10 min if that.

If it's such a worthless mod then why did you do it??????
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-3

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-7

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

 Brett Foote
story-9

10 Reasons the LS7 Is GM's Most Extreme Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Ever

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 10:00 AM
  #9  
Puck's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,152
Likes: 6
Default

It is a good place to lean on when the engine is hot, and can be used to lift the frame when you drop the engine from the bottom Also, if your dash pad is cracked it will not rattle as much with one(true story!)

Besides that you won't really notice anything, and I take mine off at the track since it is just extra front end weight...but it is cheap, easy to install, and looks good so why not?

If you want to tighten the frame up get some subframes.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 10:12 AM
  #10  
AChotrod's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,896
Likes: 1
From: Chicago area
Default

SFCs and STBs are the first thing I do to my cars. They definitly work. You would really notice it more on an older car thats alittle loose already but even I noticed the diff on brand new cars. It is a great place lean on when the engine is hot! LOL! Looks great. It works great for drag racing. It might not reduce ets but It helps to keep the front straight when launching also if your car is bas *** enough to pull the tires This will take alot of the stress off the suspension when landing by distributing the stress though both struts.
For 100 bucks you cant go wrong
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 11:48 AM
  #11  
chavez885's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1
From: Concord, CA
Default

i bought one...purely for appearence sake, i did not notice any improvement in handling at all.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 12:08 PM
  #12  
s346k's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 1
From: johnson co.
Default

Originally Posted by Elliott's94Z
Of course you are not gonna see a difference in the 1/4 mile..rofl!!!!! Were you thinking it was gonna take a 1/2 sec off your time? If it's such a worthless mod then why did you do it??????
no, i thought it would drop a second off my ET . i was stating my experience. i know it won't do dick for a car in the 1/4, but does everyone else? i did it to prove a point to a friend that bought one. once again, stating an experience, simple as that.

if your car yanks the front tires, odds are you need a cage - and a cage will distribute stress and hold a car together better than any bolt-on piece you can find.

imho this is a worthless mod that is potentially money that could be spent elsewhere, on something productive. other than "looking good"...it does nothing.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 12:27 PM
  #13  
Elliott's94Z's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,370
Likes: 1
From: Oregon Grown
Default

Originally Posted by s346k
no, i thought it would drop a second off my ET . i was stating my experience. i know it won't do dick for a car in the 1/4, but does everyone else? i did it to prove a point to a friend that bought one. once again, stating an experience, simple as that.

if your car yanks the front tires, odds are you need a cage - and a cage will distribute stress and hold a car together better than any bolt-on piece you can find.

imho this is a worthless mod that is potentially money that could be spent elsewhere, on something productive. other than "looking good"...it does nothing.
Your a better friend then most..let's just hope the same guy doesn't consider wanting a ricer spoiler too
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 03:39 PM
  #14  
s346k's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 1
From: johnson co.
Default

Originally Posted by Elliott's94Z
Your a better friend then most..let's just hope the same guy doesn't consider wanting a ricer spoiler too
eesh. gotta draw the line somewhere. the ta already has a ricer wing on it, the problem is...gm put it there.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 03:42 PM
  #15  
BizZzatch350's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (33)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,793
Likes: 15
From: T E X A S
Default

I have BMR tubular SFC as well as their STB, the STB just looks nice, doubt it does any thing. I could always use it as weapon if needed :shrugs:
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 04:07 PM
  #16  
Puck's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,152
Likes: 6
Default

My spohn 25mm solid rear sway bar did a lot more for keeping my car straight on launch then the STB. It honestly did quiet down the rattle from my broken dash pad though, so it must be doing something to make the front end more rigid...it just was not noticable in my case and my driving habits.

IMO it is still just for looks and to lean on when lashing rockers or something when the car is hot
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 06:07 PM
  #17  
AChotrod's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,896
Likes: 1
From: Chicago area
Default

since when does a cage tie the strut together??? uni body yes front end no. There is nothing tying the top of the front suspesion other than a couple bolts and sheet metal. Its worth it. Im sure you could find a used one for 50buck or less.
I noticed the diff more when I take them off and drive rather than when you first put them on.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2008 | 06:12 PM
  #18  
Fixxer99TA's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 0
From: Melrose, MA
Default

Originally Posted by BizZzatch350
I have BMR tubular SFC as well as their STB, the STB just looks nice, doubt it does any thing. I could always use it as weapon if needed :shrugs:
I actually used my BMR as such last time the car was apart. And yes, people do back up when your wielding a BMR strut tower brace.

Yes it does something, more than you might expect also. Take it off and go for a ride sometime, hit some good corners at speed.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 07:18 AM
  #19  
s346k's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 1
From: johnson co.
Default

Originally Posted by AChotrod
since when does a cage tie the strut together??? uni body yes front end no.
think about where roll cages mount, then ask this question again. i'd like to see you twist any part of an fbod with a cage installed for road racing / carving corners.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 08:16 AM
  #20  
the_merv's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (88)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 21,019
Likes: 891
From: The Beach...
Default

I have a SLP one.. like mentioned above.. something to lean on..

Although it doesn't let my FRC's clear..
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:52 PM.

story-0
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-3
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-4
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-5
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

The world was a better place when it was still around.

By Brett Foote | 2026-01-23 09:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Reasons the LS7 Is GM's Most Extreme Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Ever

Slideshow: The 7.0-liter LS7 was designed for absolute cutting-edge performance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-07 18:36:00


VIEW MORE