what tower brace to get?
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From: Columbus, OH
I've got a BMR, I was perfectly happy with it's quality and fitment. I think there's really only so much a manufacturer can do with an STB. Some mfg's sell 3 point STBs, but I've heard rumors of some problems with them and the 3rd mounting point, which is why I stuck with 2 pt.
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From: Davenport, Iowa
^ I've heard the same also. I read that the 3-point STB's 3rd mounting point, which is on the firewall/windshield-base is poor design because from the bumps in the road and the chassis flexing, that 3rd point can and actually has caused windshields to crack.
I'm gonna go with BMR's 2-point Xtreme STB. It's made from thick roll-cage tubing, so being the thickest I imagine it's the strongest also. It's only $160.
I'm gonna go with BMR's 2-point Xtreme STB. It's made from thick roll-cage tubing, so being the thickest I imagine it's the strongest also. It's only $160.
I'm going to go with the BMR myself. LG makes the 3 point, but like was mentioned, I'm not going to take the risk of a cracked windshield since my car sees ZERO autox time.
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From: Columbus, OH
I've only got the 90 dollar STB by BMR. It looks nice and sturdy... I'm not sure exactly how much load an STB experiences so I assume, especially since it's a solid piece (e.g. no heim joints, etc.), that it's plenty adequate for my car, even when I get more aggressive with the suspension. Anyone have a clue as to exactly how much load the STB can experience?
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for looks 
Originally Posted by davered00ss
SFC's really do the job on the Chassi flex. STB's are mostly for looks. Get what looks good to you.
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Fanatic
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From: Columbus, OH
STBs aren't designed to eliminate chassis flex... they're designed to keep the front end "squared" under load. Without an STB, the strut towers have the freedom to move in and out like this / \ or this \ /. The STB keeps them like this \\ and this //. I don't really have enough expertise to explain it any better than that.
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Originally Posted by pimpmaro
STBs aren't designed to eliminate chassis flex... they're designed to keep the front end "squared" under load. Without an STB, the strut towers have the freedom to move in and out like this / \ or this \ /. The STB keeps them like this \\ and this //. I don't really have enough expertise to explain it any better than that.
well how much better is the BMR Extreme?...i dont get it...how thick would you want this...and how much effect is there even there?....i want whatll last and be most effective...but not cost effective!...im thinking SLP or BMR unsudre of whats better...if the XTREME is that much better then ill go for that...but how much load is there actually going to that area of the car?
xtreme
Originally Posted by 02WS6Bird
well how much better is the BMR Extreme?...i dont get it...how thick would you want this...and how much effect is there even there?....i want whatll last and be most effective...but not cost effective!...im thinking SLP or BMR unsudre of whats better...if the XTREME is that much better then ill go for that...but how much load is there actually going to that area of the car?
I got a BMR, and in my opinion it did nothing for me. I don't think there is enough flex in the shock towers while driving on the street with street tires.
I am however going to be autocrossing with race tires, and it may help out a little more there.
Overall though, unless you're planning to autocross/road race, don't waste your money on it unless you just like it for looks.
I am however going to be autocrossing with race tires, and it may help out a little more there.
Overall though, unless you're planning to autocross/road race, don't waste your money on it unless you just like it for looks.
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From: Columbus, OH
Peronsally, with mine, I felt that the steering was just a TAD bit more responsive on the street with my BMR bar... Whether or not it was enough to justify the mod money is another story. I like the look of it and I can feel it just a bit so I'm satisified.
i had the bmr and it fit fine. ripped the thing off my car last year as i fealt it didnt do much if anything to my car and sold it to use the money on more usefull things on the car like sub-frames
Originally Posted by davered00ss
SFC's really do the job on the Chassi flex. STB's are mostly for looks. Get what looks good to you.
If your upper shock mounts are moving that much, you have bigger problems ... more than a piece of metal attaching can help.
If you look at the chassis you will note that the LOWER A-arm takes almost all of the lateral loading and it's attached to the K-Member. The upper mount is a locating point only.
STB ... waste of money.
They do nothing for our platform. We use a coil over spring and double A-Arm type suspension and have rear wheel drive.
The 3rd gens did have a need for them because they used a strut and no upper A-Arm.
FWD vehicles gleen the most, however. A small compact design, coupled with all the torque steer, lots of forces being sent through the whole nose of the car.
Those that feel a huge improvement are fooled into thinking that because it just lightened their wallet and therefore it must help.
The 3rd gens did have a need for them because they used a strut and no upper A-Arm.
FWD vehicles gleen the most, however. A small compact design, coupled with all the torque steer, lots of forces being sent through the whole nose of the car.
Those that feel a huge improvement are fooled into thinking that because it just lightened their wallet and therefore it must help.