BeeStang

Can anyone tell me if a strut tower brace improves handling (especially on a vert) for daily driving? I know it will improve rigidity for spirited driving. Has anyone noticed any difference in how the carperforms during normal driving conditions?

Also, I have the Ford OEM plenum cover and wanted to know what brand will clear the cover without interference? I am also looking for a silver, brushed aluminum or chrome model.

Thanks!

06elnr

it will not make a difference in daily driving... but they look cool. I got mine on ebay for around 80.00and I think they had it in chrome as well.

JimsGT

I got the FRPP one because of its looks. I noticed zero difference in handling, or rigidity of the car after I put it in, feels the same.

TPony

No difference, I got mine for looks. The one you see in the avatar clears the plenum cover. It's the same design as the one placed in the Bullitts but without the Bullitt's data plate that would normally go in the middle. Instead, it has Ford Racing stamped-out....which I dressed up al little. Ford Part # is 8R3Z-16A200-A. If you are interested in more pics and details send me a PM.

odiaz

I used the Granatelly single bar. I did not notice much of a difference in every day driving. I finally removed it when I installed the shaker.

FyouGitive

I'm on my second strut brace ('06 convertible).

First was the BMR single that mounted to two bolts on each tower. I did before-after-before testing over a nasty patch of pavement near here, and decided it reduced cowl-shake by 60%; that is, it went from omigosh is it going to come apart?, to barely tolerable.

New one is the Shelby 4-nut double bar that locks to the shape of the tower top. Its effect was easily a significant improvement over the single 2-nut BMR bar.

If I get around to it, I'll try the Granatelli 3-point brace that mounts to the strut towers and ties to the firewall. Some say the 3-point is the only one that "does anything"; I know from experience and careful observation that the 2- and 4-nut bars have a beneficial effect. Don't leave home without one.

Nothing further, Your Honor.

Oops, further. ADD: Shelby strut bar photo URLs:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/...e5b68a28_o.jpg full bar
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/...2affcd36_o.jpg end view
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/...cee48d0f_o.jpg medium shot
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/...da797a6a_o.jpg close up of "locking" feature

(EDIT: speling errers; add photo URLS)

FyouGitive

I just looked up the Edelbrock 3-point bar; it must be that I confused the Edelbrock name with the Granatelli name. Granatelli doesn't offer a 3-point bar that I can find.

The Edelbrock bar, #5223 will fit the V6 as well as the GT, according to AJUSA, who sell it for about $130 including handling and CA tax.
http://www.ajusa.com/details/index/2...0/0/EDE%205223

So far, I'm keeping the Shelby one. Wouldn't want to show up at the Terlingua Shelby meet with no Shelby products on the car!
http://www.teamshelby.com/forums/ind...t&p=451238

Mikes_BLK_GT

I have the frpp brace and will be removing it soon as my other thread states it's hitting the hoodliner and I think making it hard to latch the hood. I shouldnt have to push as hard as I do to close it and always wondered why. Mine looks like 06elnr's above.

billyjo

i have the edelbrock three point and i felt a huge difference. night and day. i recommed the three way type but you cant put the plenium cover on. that sucks but the handling did improve.

http://users.net1plus.com/billyjo/New%20strut%20bar.jpg

mystang68/05

Here is how important the strut tower brace is for handling. Attached is a picture of the strut tower of Ford factory race car you can buy and go racing. Note the modification they did!



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