Steeda Strut Tower Brace

Gray02GT · May 19, 2004

Ok, first off I did a search, couldn't really find much of what I wanted. Most of what I found was people flaming on the STB.

Allright, I can get a Steeda STB very cheap. I'm always looking for little easy to install mods that can have a benefit. I've heard these don't make a huge difference in chasis stiffness, but for the price even if it doesn't make a huge diff it at least improves under hood appearence.

Now my question is, I am not good with my hands, and am by no means a mechanic. The only thing I have ever installed on my cars has been a CAI and Shifter. Would I have any problem installing the STB? It looks fairly simple from the pics.

Second, I've read some people claiming you cannot use stock CC plates with these. Why would that be? I don't understand, after looking at the pictures, why the Steeda STB would cause any issues with the CC Plates.

Third, can this unit be taken on and off if needed? I've heard it can, as it bolts on, but im not completely sure.

Thanks, and please don't tell me to get one of the 3 point braces from snow or kb, because I don't want them

Firme · May 20, 2004

I wount NOT recommend the Steeda 03-04 STB.

It only mounts to the two strut towers and not to the firewall.

Look around, there are better 3 or 4 point STB's out there.

As far as install. It mainly drilling into the body. I did mine myself. But I don't thing it was as cleanly done as if a shop that does them all the time did it.

You probably need a good high speed drill with good torque and some sturdy bits. I recommend a pnematic drill if you can get ahold of one.

You don't need C/C plates.

You can take it off later, but the holes and pain indention will remain obviosly.

KnRs88 · May 20, 2004

I installed a steeda brace on my 98 Cobra a couple years ago, and it was not too bad. Just make sure you mark the correct spots on the strut towers, and fire wall before drilling the holes. also you need to cut the plastic on the fire wall to fit the brace.

also you need to remove the brace for plug changes, but no big deal, just adds a little time to the job.

good luck, Im no mechanic either, just be patient with the job.

Rich

Firme · May 20, 2004

KnRs88 said:
...also you need to cut the plastic on the fire wall to fit the brace.

Thats my point the Steeda 03-04 Is a single bar that goes from one Strut tower to the other and does no go to the Firewall.

KnRs88 · May 20, 2004

Firme said:
Thats my point the Steeda 03-04 Is a single bar that goes from one Strut tower to the other and does no go to the Firewall.

I think I was writing my reply same time as you, I assumed it was a 3 point mount brace as mine is.

Firme · May 20, 2004

KnRs88 said:
I think I was writing my reply same time as you, I assumed it was a 3 point mount brace as mine is.

Yeah, they took the cheap way out
http://www.steeda.com/store/-catalog/03CobraStrutTowerBrace.htm

KnRs88 · May 20, 2004

yea I would not waste your money on that bar, unless you just want it for looks.

cold96snake · May 20, 2004

Mine came with a stb stock.

Gray02GT · May 20, 2004

People thanks for all the input on the 3 point brace, but I already stated, I don't want one. The only reason Im getting it because it is practically free, and I really don't need my front end tightened up that much. If it helps any, that's great, if not, oh well, it's practically free, a little project, and will add a little flare to the engine bay.

Firme · May 20, 2004

If that the case then, thats cool.

Basically its similar to cutting paper with scissors and staying on the dotted line. You put the bar where it should go, center punch the middle of the holes, drill them with a small bit with drill good enough to drill through 3/8" metal, then drill them again with the correct hole size bit. It should only be 4 holes, 6 max, you just put the nuts and bolts on, and you are finished. I would do it with the suspension loaded (car on the ground, it might warp on stands and then you have a bar holding the tower crooked.)

You don't need new C\C plates as long as the stock ones do not obstruct the bars mount points, all you need to do is drill and bolt.

Be careful when drilling, the drill might start "walking" across the metal and put some nice swirls in the engine bay. And after drilling holes, its a good idea to shave and metal sticking up on the edge of the holes.

good luck

Steeda Strut Tower Brace

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