I don't know if it was 'required' on exported Mustangs, but Ford made their decision to use an export brace on Mustangs because the European roads had more curves and twists than in the USofA and European drivers also drove more agressively (ask an Italian).
Jim

 

(ask an Italian).
Jim
Or a German. My assumption would be like youhave stated Jim. The concours brace is most likely a little thicker and shaped for maximum bracing power. Other than that, they are both export braces used to stiffen up the front. I don't think I would pay the extra 29 bux for the one advertised as the concourse brace. And, as Nick referenced, the concours judges are not going to whip out their micrometer if you do happen to show your car at a concours correct show.

 

ok, so if they were only for export cars,what is the other version that was on my car...the one coming from welded brackets on the shock tower?

it looks factory and my car was not an export car.

 

"shock tower brace"

two peice one each side that go from welded tip on shock tower to firewall.

 

If I wanted to replace this with an export brace, all I would have to do is the welds, smooth the surface, and put the export brace in, correct??

 

you can place the export brace on top of the shock tower without removing the welded end. Just undo the main brace and leave the welded peice on to switch it back later if you wanted to. It won't interfer with the export brace, so just keep it on to keep it original.

I'm sure soaring as well as many others will agree with me on this one, in fact I believe I remember soaring posting a picture awhile back of his export brace with the stock welded ends still in place.

-David Couch

 

That makes it much easier to do. I guess that will be coming up soon also.

 

that's precisely what i did
I didnt realise they had different names for what was really supposed to achieve the same thing.