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newbie question -- what's this part called, and what's it do?

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Old 12-28-2006, 02:15 AM
  #1  
Mike521
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Default newbie question -- what's this part called, and what's it do?

I saw a pic on another post of someone's engine compartment, they'd cleaned up the interior with nice hoses etc.

I noticed this big bar going from the left strut (?) to the right one, across the top of the engine. Looked cool but I'm sure it serves another purpose

can anyone tell me what it is and what it does? If it's useful, how expensive is it, and can a non-mechanic like me install it?
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Old 12-28-2006, 02:22 AM
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daydark
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Default RE: newbie question -- what's this part called, and what's it do?

That's a Strut Bar (AKA Strut Tower Brace). Super easy install if you know how to use a wrench Good part for Auto-X, or if you like to corner.

EDIT: Like this?

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Old 12-28-2006, 02:25 AM
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backinblack06
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Default RE: newbie question -- what's this part called, and what's it do?

A strut tower brace ....You can buy them from a bunch of our sponsors here. I know they help to stiffen the front end up which makes for better hangling and cornering, but thats it lol sorry.
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Old 12-28-2006, 09:30 AM
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2oo5stang
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Default RE: newbie question -- what's this part called, and what's it do?

Prevents tower flex on curves, you'll tell a difference with it on.
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Old 12-28-2006, 10:22 AM
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Mike521
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Default RE: newbie question -- what's this part called, and what's it do?

cool thanks everyone maybe that'll be my first mod, gotta start out small since I don't know what I'm doing lol
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Old 12-28-2006, 11:14 AM
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CrazyAl
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Default RE: newbie question -- what's this part called, and what's it do?

You mean it SUPPOSEDLY helps out when cornering.

Strut tower braces were made popular by import tuners (ricers)on little compact cars like Hondas. They are a really popular aftermarket item becasuse they are cheap to manufacture, they look cool, and they are very easy to install. You can buy them for nearly any car,wether you need one or not! However, the new S197 mustang platform is extremely stiff. They simply aren't needed on these cars. Sure they look cool, but don't expect them to improve your handling. If you want to improve handling, get LCAs or a new rear sway bar.
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Old 12-29-2006, 01:27 AM
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Mike521
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Default RE: newbie question -- what's this part called, and what's it do?

can someone explain exactly what "stiff" handling means? I don't know any of this lingo, or what should feel "good" when cornering, etc

thanks
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Old 12-29-2006, 01:43 AM
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daydark
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Default RE: newbie question -- what's this part called, and what's it do?

Stiff handling means the car does not roll when cornering. Kinda like this:


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Old 12-29-2006, 01:53 AM
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Mike521
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Default RE: newbie question -- what's this part called, and what's it do?

oh that's interesting, so you just get a feel for this after a while?

so am I correct in thinking that stiff handling will keep more weight on the inside-wheels as you take a turn, which allows them to keep traction? whereas without stiff handling, a lot of the weight will transfer to the outside-wheels and the inner ones will lose some traction?

just trying to understand the physics of it. that'll make me better at cornering when the time comes
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Old 12-29-2006, 02:28 AM
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rex7010
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Default RE: newbie question -- what's this part called, and what's it do?

+1


Rex

ORIGINAL: CrazyAl

You mean it SUPPOSEDLY helps out when cornering.

Strut tower braces were made popular by import tuners (ricers)on little compact cars like Hondas. They are a really popular aftermarket item becasuse they are cheap to manufacture, they look cool, and they are very easy to install. You can buy them for nearly any car,wether you need one or not! However, the new S197 mustang platform is extremely stiff. They simply aren't needed on these cars. Sure they look cool, but don't expect them to improve your handling. If you want to improve handling, get LCAs or a new rear sway bar.
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