Strut Tower Bars - Are they worth it?

Green Machine · Sep 26, 2007

I had one on my 94 GT, but I also had full subframe connectors,UCA's, LCA's,lowering springs, and k-frame bar. So the sum of the whole made for great handling.

On S197's I'm wondering if it's the same thing. Let's here some opinions if they are worth it.

My over all goal is to have parts that really work and are worth the money. I'm not building a autocross or drag car, but a nice daily driver.

Thanks, Dewman

bigcat · Sep 26, 2007

when you first put on the STB, you dont notice a huge difference. but when you take it off, you realize how much it does help. i have had mine on and off a few times for various reasons, and everytime i take it off, i learn to appreciate it more and more.

i have the strange development bar, and it is about 1.6 lbs, IIRC. very lightweight and gets the job done without looking too bulkky. some of the other STBs out there have way too much going on.

here is a very old pic of when it was first installed.

Green Machine · Sep 26, 2007

Thanks Bigcat for the info. That stb looks sweet.

I'm also doing the begin with the end in mind. I'm looking for a STB that will clear a Magnuson or Ford supercharger so I wont waste money later on.

I think BMR offers one that does that, but I'm not sure of the weight.

Thanks again, Dewman

stangdude2000 · Sep 26, 2007

I have a custom Steeda STB (thanks to Casey4s on the forum). Not too sure what the weight is, but it didn't feel particularly heavy, and it looks great! I also have no idea if it will clear a s/c, but I just saw a pic of a Steeda brace that clears an aftermarket (midwest auto gear) plenum cover. Casey4s should be able to tell you what it feels like taking it off, since he removed it for a shaker hood set up!

Here's mine:

partsbill · Sep 26, 2007

I bought the OEM GT 500 STB, it clears my manifold cover and its only $48.43.

Khyron · Sep 26, 2007

I had the Steeda STB on my car for over a year and just recently took it off because it won't fit over my Saleen Supercharger. I checked around and there currently are no STBs on the market that will clear it.

As for how the car handles without the STB now, I honestly can't tell much of a difference - even during road racing. Just my 2-cents!

red05bullitgt · Sep 26, 2007

partsbill said:
I bought the OEM GT 500 STB, it clears my manifold cover and its only $48.43.

Bill, I was just reading over you're post, and I'm curious as to where you purchased your GT 500 STB from ??? At $48.43 ! I'm definitely interested in buying one for my Stang, as I also have the intake plenum cover..I'd also like to know, if the STB clears the hood blanket as well..Anyway, thanks for your feedback in advance..Rocky

partsbill · Sep 27, 2007

red05bullitgt said:
Bill, I was just reading over you're post, and I'm curious as to where you purchased your GT 500 STB from ??? At $48.43 ! I'm definitely interested in buying one for my Stang, as I also have the intake plenum cover..I'd also like to know, if the STB clears the hood blanket as well..Anyway, thanks for your feedback in advance..Rocky

Bought it from the dealer, ford part# 7R3Z 16A200 B, the hood insulator does rub the bar in 2 places but it keeps the insulation from rubbing on my manifold cover, I had no clearance problems with the hood, but a friend of mine had problems with the hood coming in contact with the bar, the solution was to put a washer on the back stud on each side under the bar, this angled the bar just enough to clear his hood.

Emay · Sep 27, 2007

I am running the BMR STB and as many mentioned you don't notice much until you remove it for the first time after having it.

I also completely agree that the other suspension and chasis mods work hand in hand with the STB for an overall package.

View attachment 360294

Green Machine · Sep 27, 2007

I went with the BMR strut tower brace (STB011) @ $179.95

I have lots of clearance see pic. This thing is real sturdy and is only ~ 5 lbs in weight.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

Dewman

Green Machine · Sep 27, 2007

Emay - WOW, love what you've done on that Motor!!! The orange powder coating looks awesome!

Great job!!

Dewman

Frank S · Sep 27, 2007

The BMR brace eliminated about 60% of the dreaded cowl shake on my convertible. Reduced it from completely intolerable to barely tolerable, a significant difference. I make this assertion after before-after-before tests over a section of city street near here that really upsets even well-controlled and -damped suspension systems. One of the worthwhile additions to a convertible, certainly; maybe less so for a coupe.

At some level, it depends on what kind of loads you are putting into the suspension. For street and touring, Ford probably made the cars sufficiently capable and a bit less expensive. For road racing or autocross, where complex load-handling improvements may be implemented by small adjustments, the more stable the chassis, the more consistent effect those small adjustments will have. Otherwise you won't be able to depend on your testing and modding results. Large chance of pouring money and time down a hole, otherwise.

metroplex · Dec 17, 2007

So what is the final verdict on using the GT500 STB with a GT and the OEM intake plenum cover? Rocky said he couldn't get his GT500 STB to fit. I bought a set of 5/16" SS washers in case I need to angle the bar.

stanmckinney · Dec 17, 2007

I also have a plenum cover (factory) and would like to know what fits best.

MikeysOTP · Dec 17, 2007

stanmckinney said:
I also have a plenum cover (factory) and would like to know what fits best.

I have the Steeda one and it fits with the plenum cover. I don't know if it makes much of a difference in handling or not but it makes everyone think my car is fast or something

Strut Tower Bars - Are they worth it?

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