SR Performance STB-05-BK?
or
Ford Racing Boss 302 Strut Tower Brace?
Leaning towards the Ford Racing....
I disagree. While neither of these braces triangulate, that isn't to say they aren't without merit. They do tie the strut towers together and a triangulated brace would require welding to be effective. There's always a "bigger, better" step up in performance, it just depends on budget compared to how badly you need or want it.Neither. Unless the strut tower brace triangulates with the firewall like the STB on a stock SN95 GT, it's only useful for wasting precious underhood space and for lightening your wallet.
The SR Performance is the better of the two while the Ford Racing version is definitely a waste of space.
I too disagree. Ford puts them on newer models, I'm sure for a purpose...
Keep in mind, I have a ragtop, not a coupe. I feel every undulation in the road and can feel the flexibility of the car w/out a roof and a&c-pillars tying it all together.
I'm sure when I put the brace on I'm going to notice some difference.
I disagree. While neither of these braces triangulate, that isn't to say they aren't without merit. They do tie the strut towers together and a triangulated brace would require welding to be effective.
Any extra bracing is going to help in a convertible including a STB.
Wouldn't a regular brace between the strut towers also require welding to be effective?
I still believe that the strut tower braces used on many cars are there mainly for the "bling factor" and merely create the illusion that they're actually doing something. There are exceptions of course.
I can't speak for your car or a S95, but on my '06 there just isn't anywhere to bolt a brace
While welded in pieces would be more rigid, keep in mind that Ford needs to make cars for everyone who may be a potential customer. By bolting in the STB, not welding it in, they cut down on some of the rigidity but, also won't alienate potential buyers because of a "harsh" ride.
Definitely looking into this myself! Thanks for the confirmation!Here to report that the FR TB makes a huge difference in the ragtop. I put it on Thursday night and took it for a cruise through the old bumpy winding back roads of horse farm country here in New Hampshire. Huge difference!
I was at a stang cruise night last week and a guy had a 2011 with a glass roof and stated that the FR brace came stock on the car. Also the guy I bought my car from has a 2014 Ragtop and his has a Boss strut tower brace stock from the factory. So I guess Ford knows they do some good.