LS1 Brent

Where does the third point go on a stru tower brace? I know two of the points attatch to each side of the car but where does the third one atatch to?

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

It ties to the firewall. It adds some extra stiffness....there has been a debate as to if it is really necessary (but that's another story). I originally bought a 3 point but couldn't get the wiper arms off to install it (they were stuck!!!) so I bought a 2 point and "gave up". My 2 point works very well....

DGOETZ

I'd have to agree with trackbird here.
There are reports of windshields cracking with the use of 3 point STB's
The firewall is sheet metal not much support.

Pesticide

iTrader: (8)

Picked up a Hotchkis unit, 2 point, great fit and finish. Very happy with the results

talonis

The 3 pt helps to triangulage stress, which does help some. The windshield cracking is one of those myths. I believe that Sam Strano commented on the 3pt vs 2pt debate, I'll see if I can dig up the post.

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

Somehow, I knew I'd wind up getting this started again......

99 Black Bird T/A

iTrader: (4)

Cowl area isn't really all that strong in a fbody...not going to get much stiffness from bracing to it..imo

Jabroni

Don't waste your time with a 3 point. A 2 point will do fine.

talonis

Inevitably it always comes up. I think it's up there with the boxed vs. tube debate! I think they are all good enough for our cars, the differences are going to be small at best and only apparent under hard driving.

DGOETZ

What about tying into the radiator support instead of the firewall.
Of course you start screwing with the crumple zone of the car.
Something I would rather stay away from.

DONAIMIAN

iTrader: (18)

A while ago (maybe a year) I remember a guy posting that he broke his windshield trying to get his wiper arms off for a 3-point install (or could have been a coil pack relocation. But I do remember the windshield breaking when trying to get off the wiper arms. Long story short just get a 2 point.

92 z28

i have subframe connectors, should i bother with a strut tower brace as well or will it not do any help due to my subframes?>

TooSlow02

The shock tower brace helps stiffen the front of the car, since you're essentially "boxing" the front suspension. It just helps a different area of the car. The SFCs help to torsionally stiffen the middle of the car.

92 z28

so you would recommend i get the tower brace? if so, which should i look at and what are the costs? are they easy to install?

92 z28

i forgot to mention, its a 99 ws6, dont be fooled by my username.

fasteddyss

iTrader: (1)

I was on the fence about the strut tower braces but have recently decided that I will get one. My mind was changed when I read an article in Motor Trend about the new GTO and Cadilac CTS-V. They made no mention of strut tower braces in the article but in the pictures both cars have strut tower braces. Gm did not do this for looks.

F- bodys probably never got them based on cost concerns.

TooSlow02

I definitely recommend a tower brace. They're very easy to install. I personally like BMR's Extreme STB, but companies like LG Motorsports, Hotchkis, Global West, MAC, SLP, Spohn and RKSport all make them (as well as many others I forgot or don't know about). I prefer the BMR because it's the biggest one I could find (1 5/8" .083 chrome moly tubing). You can't go wrong with any of these companies, though. They pretty much run from $80-$160. If weight is a concern, get a chrome moly piece because they're lighter and stronger than steel, and stronger than aluminum. They come in all kinds of finishes, too, so check them all out and find one you like that's in your budget. The BMR pieces come in different colors, the others come black or red powdercoated, or billet aluminum.

Does anyone else have a recommendation? I've only had the BMR piece.