MM strut tower brace problem

[xpeteyjtx]

I think that I am making this installation harder than it's suppose to be. I bolted the strut tower brace to the firewall, but the passenger side strut tower has a stupid bracket on it, so it wont allow the strut tower brace to move into place.
Here are some pics:

This is the passenger side strut tower. You can see the thing that is in the way of the strut tower brace.

Here is the top view.


Did I do something wrong? Or is my car really messed up. You can see in the first pic that the strut tower brace cannot become flush with the strut tower because of that stupid thing.

Here are some other pics:

Passenger side firewall

Driver's side strut tower

Driver's side firewall


So what should I do? Should I place the MAF bracket over the strut tower brace? Thanks for the help and sorry for the long post.

 

[criticman]

My BBK unit mounted a bit differently. In any event, all I recall having to move was the wiring and plastic wire sleeve on the driver side.

I can't tell what that is on the passenger side from the pics - maybe b/c it is a convertible?

 

[xpeteyjtx]

Im guessing that its the MAF bracket, right?
I thought this thing was suppose to fit perfectly.
I will see what I can do tomorrow.

 

[criticman]

I will post you a pic of mine. Also, I was wrong - I had to move the passenger side wiring.

 

[cevtv]

Did you get the instruction sheet with it? If not, get it HERE.

See step #2 and just after step #11.



.

 

[vristang]

Congrats on the MM purchase. In my opinion it is the best unit out there.

Some vehicles do require some clearancing of the maf bracket. All I did with mine was hit it with a file for a few minutes, to give it a little clearance.

Also, you can enlarge the holes in the maf bracket (a little), to help it rotate out of the way a little more.

I don't think this is a major issue, it just requires a little tweaking.

jason

 

[criticman]

Here is a pic of my BBK strut tower brace on the passenger side. I hope that helps.

Note: I upgraded the bolt hardware - the "stock" BBK stuff rusted. Not sure what came with your Maximum Motorsports kit...but just a thought.

View attachment 484487

 

[xpeteyjtx]

Yea I got the instructions and all that good stuff. I understand that I need to unmount the MAF bracket, BUT, when I attempt to remount the bracket, I won't be able to remount it because the strut tower brace will be in the way. I guess I could create different holes for the bracket, but I don't really feel like doing that, as I will be creating 6 holes already for the brace

This is what I will do...
I will unmount the bracket, install the brace, and then remount the bracket over it. If I cant remount the bracket with both screws, I will just use one... that should be enough.

I'm only making a big deal over this because I would think that MM would slightly modify the brace so that it wouldn't touch the brace. I mean, only a little piece of the brace actually overlaps. Or... maybe there is something wrong with my car

Ok, thanks a lot guys, goodnight

 

[Henceforward]

You have to drill 2 new holes, and move the MAF bracket down enough to fit. Here is an image.

It will fit if you move the MAF bracket. Or you can cut the MAF bracket at the top, and drill another hole on the braket a little lower, and mount it in the OEM location.

 

[cevtv]

Yea I got the instructions and all that good stuff. I understand that I need to unmount the MAF bracket, BUT, when I attempt to remount the bracket, I won't be able to remount it because the strut tower brace will be in the way. I guess I could create different holes for the bracket, but I don't really feel like doing that, as I will be creating 6 holes already for the brace

This is what I will do...
I will unmount the bracket, install the brace, and then remount the bracket over it. If I cant remount the bracket with both screws, I will just use one... that should be enough.

I'm only making a big deal over this because I would think that MM would slightly modify the brace so that it wouldn't touch the brace. I mean, only a little piece of the brace actually overlaps. Or... maybe there is something wrong with my car

Ok, thanks a lot guys, goodnight

The bit after step #11 says that you may have to modify some things...... Very little in the performance world is a true "Bolt On".


.

 

[xpeteyjtx]

Hey criticman, the BBK piece looks better as it doesn't go near the bracket.

Thanks for the reply vristang, I will try to mount the bracket over the brace first and see how that works, then I will enlarge the holes if I have to or move the bracket.

Very little in the performance world is a true "Bolt On

Soooo true.

****, I forgot to mention that your bay looks awesome, Henceforward. Maybe I will get mine to look that clean soon.

Thanks again.

 

[jrichker]

The MAF bracket is an optional item in my book. Mine's been floating, suspended between the air box ducting and the inlet ducting for over 18 months with no problems.

 

[srothfuss]

I am with JRichker on this one. Just unbolt the bracket from the firewall and MAF. Mine [the bracket] is sitting on my self in the garage. The MAF doesn't have to be hard mounted to the car. Plus it makes changing the air filter (or cleaning it) so much easier.

 

[Sicarius428]

I will take structural integrity over a sheet metal mount anyday. Don't blame MM for that.
Kevin

 

[Mavrick]

I am sporting the floating MAF as well. Just lose the bracket.

 

[lxwants12's]

wow i havent seen a stock 5.0 intake manifold on top of an engine in a long time...looks good though...i really forgot how cool its look(to me)
stock airbox..radiator fan...damn feel like goin and buyin another 5.0 just to start over again but would save all that stuff nex time