CarnivorWS.6-01

iTrader: (7)

When I installed my headers & catted Y my OEM tunnel support no longer will fit. My question is this. Do I need it? If so who's should I buy to replace it. My exhaust hangs about .5-.75" lower do to catts.

jimmyblue

iTrader: (11)

I replaced mine with a Lakewood driveshaft loop
but I can't say (yet) how that plays with headers
& Y-pipe. Though on mine the brace is well back
of the Y merge? The Lakewood loop zig-zags up a
bit and I'm able to shim the Y to just avoid banging
but higher up than the stock strap would let you.

Ouija

iTrader: (3)

I ran around without my tunnel brace for months when I put on my long tubes.

My Subframe connectors also bolt in at the tunnel brace.

I put a DSLoop on the car which went where the tunnel brace used to be, but then when I bought my new torque arm (DSLoop included), it mounts to where the tunnel brace bolt holes are.

IMO I don't think the tunnel brace is structurally important, and if you aren't worried abotu dropping a drive shaft then don't worry about it.

CarnivorWS.6-01

iTrader: (7)

Thats what I was thinking. Thanks have a merry xmas

Proud2bSS

iTrader: (2)

If one looks at that pos stamped steel oem tunnel 'bracette' that came with the car, does anyone really think it really has (had) any structural benefits???

Cal

iTrader: (1)

Yes, I do. Since it is mostly stressed in tension, it doesn't need to be that heavy duty.

Bow a piece of paper length wise, and compare that to another bowed piece of paper that has the edges held by a single flimsy little piece of tape in the middle. Which one is stiffer and more stable?

That tunnel brace turns a bowed piece of sheet metal (the tunnel) into a a tube, which is a much stronger structure.

CarnivorWS.6-01

iTrader: (7)

I tend to like to hear differant opinions. Even one with little thought behind them. GM could have save mucho $$ by not installing it if it was not needed.

WsSickLs6

yeah if GM can do anything to save a buck they'll do it...My opinion is: If it's there, it has to work...