Is Maximum Motorsport Strut Tower Brace worth it? 99-04 Mustang GT

Stangg338 · Nov 17, 2020

I looked around and saw this Strut tower brace for 99-04 mustangs by Maximum Motorsport. I did do some suspension work (Shocks + struts) and actually installed Maximum Motorsport Heavy Duty Rear LCA's and immediately noticed a difference in the rear end but what is your guys' take on strut tower braces? Are they worth it for Mustangs? Do they help at all? Are they worth the $170? My 01 GT is STOCK, and it's a vert if that helps. I'm on stock springs if that has to do with anything haha. Thanks in advance.

Mustang5L5 · Nov 17, 2020

I have one on my foxbody, and it did make a noticeable difference. However, the new edge cars are stiffer than fox body’s.

if this was a coupe, I’d say save your money. However, being a convertible im on the fence. Chassis rigidity was always a concern, but if I was going to spend $170 on chassis bracing, it would be subframe connectors first.

Stangg338 · Nov 17, 2020

Mustang5L5 said:
I have one on my foxbody, and it did make a noticeable difference. However, the new edge cars are stiffer than fox body’s.

if this was a coupe, I’d say save your money. However, being a convertible im on the fence. Chassis rigidity was always a concern, but if I was going to spend $170 on chassis bracing, it would be subframe connectors first.

Yeah that makes sense. And everybody has always preached getting full length subframe connectors welded to their stangs but I have yet to do that (soon will). Do they help that much with traction though over stock?

Rdub6 · Nov 17, 2020

I installed them myself on my 86 hatch. This was one of my first welding projects, but what a difference! You can just feel the difference driving down the street.
The tell all was when I was jacking up the rear, with the jack placed as far rearward as I could get it on the connector, and the entire side of the car (front and rear) went up.
For overall improvement in the car, this mod is one of the best bang for the buck!

stormsedge · Nov 18, 2020

I have a 2K GT convertible. I installed a similar front strut tower brace, a rear brace and subframe ties...made the car nice and stiff (no door closing issues). I am on the stock springs (like you), Koni STRs, MM HD rear LCA + 5500 RUCA and bushings...and SR 35mm front/SR 24mm rear sway bars. Handles like a go-cart.

I stayed on stock springs due to the steep attack on some roads/driveways here (mountainous) and railroad tracks...call it a Dukes of Hazzard moonshiner set up.

The sfc's helped my car in the traction dept...could feel the weight transfer difference since the sfc's negated the twist/flex in the body pan during launch/spirited driving.

Mustang5L5 · Nov 18, 2020

Stangg338 said:
Yeah that makes sense. And everybody has always preached getting full length subframe connectors welded to their stangs but I have yet to do that (soon will). Do they help that much with traction though over stock?

Not so much traction, as they do help with body flex.

Think about it. Your convertible lacks a roof. Open both doors. What's keeping the car together? The floorpan? Really it's the thin sheetmetal rocker panels and the shape of the trans tunnel. If you look under the car, the front subframe stops around where your feet are, and the rear subframe stops under the rear seat area.

The connectors tie these two together making one continuous rail front to back on each side. It will make a noticeable difference in chassis rigidity.

The tower brace will help too, but the SFC's will make a huge difference on a vert.

On a coupe, the roof does help give the vehicle structure, but even those cars would benefit from SFC's

PSKSAM2 · Nov 21, 2020

I think the STB made a difference on my 02. Tightened up the front and made it feel very stable. It is a lot of drilling, and make sure you line it up well, I ended up stripping one of the inserts and had to open up one of the holes. Taking off the cowl is a bit of a pain and easy to break if it is old and brittle.

Is Maximum Motorsport Strut Tower Brace worth it? 99-04 Mustang GT

Stangg338

New Member

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Stangg338

New Member

Rdub6

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues

stormsedge

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

PSKSAM2

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Is Maximum Motorsport Strut Tower Brace worth it? 99-04 Mustang GT

Stangg338

New Member

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Stangg338

New Member

Rdub6

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues

stormsedge

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

PSKSAM2

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