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~ Chassis Stiffening Project

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Old 11-10-2012, 12:59 PM
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uin2it
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Default ~ Chassis Stiffening Project

I have started my "Chassis Stiffening" project and thought I would post some pics:

Part 1:
Shelby Parts Rear Strut Tower Brace....weight 4lbs 15oz
GREAT looking piece! I was able to mount my Halguard onto it just like I had planned without any issues!
(For those who don't know, when getting a car extinguisher don't skimp on the cheap ones.....get the clean agent type!!)

Part 2: (not yet installed)
Hotchkis X-Brace will be going on tomorrow.... It only weights 7lb 15oz.

I already have the stock Front STB.

More pics on my website here:
http://dougkoal.wix.com/stanglife#!home/mainPage
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Old 11-10-2012, 07:33 PM
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908ssp
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That rear strut tower brace is a farce a scam. It does absolutely nothing to stiffen your car except lightening your wallet. There is virtually no stress between those points so bracing it does nothing. If you want to strengthen the strut tower area close the pass through or at least X brace it but closing it is better.

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Old 11-10-2012, 09:35 PM
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baddog671
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Originally Posted by 908ssp
That rear strut tower brace is a farce a scam. It does absolutely nothing to stiffen your car except lightening your wallet. There is virtually no stress between those points so bracing it does nothing. If you want to strengthen the strut tower area close the pass through or at least X brace it but closing it is better.

I did something very similar with my old coupe. Fun project.

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Currently fabbing an aluminum A-arm brace on my 06
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Old 11-11-2012, 04:43 PM
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eolson
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So is anyone able to get their back seat back in after this?? Erik
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Old 11-11-2012, 09:24 PM
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Ricardo
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Same thing in my car to mount my amplifiers on. If it helps chassis stiffness any, I can't tell. The S197 is a fairly stiff car from what Ford says. Yeah, you can put seat back in as long as you bolt towards the trunk area.
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Old 11-11-2012, 10:21 PM
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908ssp
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Here is with the back seat area all finished and seat folded down. Folds up and looks stock. I too put Dyna Mat over the back panel and on the rear interior deck lid.

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Old 11-12-2012, 07:42 PM
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Jay@Hypermotive
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Looks great 908ssp, thanks for posting that up. Doug, you put that k-brace in yet?
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Old 11-13-2012, 06:43 PM
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uin2it
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Originally Posted by Jay@Hypermotive
Looks great 908ssp, thanks for posting that up. Doug, you put that k-brace in yet?
put it on today! have not driven with it yet though.....easy install!
Attached Thumbnails ~ Chassis Stiffening Project-20121113_161335.jpg   ~ Chassis Stiffening Project-20121113_161346.jpg  
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Old 11-13-2012, 07:23 PM
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pascal
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Originally Posted by 908ssp
That rear strut tower brace is a farce a scam. It does absolutely nothing to stiffen your car except lightening your wallet. There is virtually no stress between those points so bracing it does nothing.
Yep.
I can think of a dozen other area to improve stiffness on these cars before that spot there, even on a race car, lol.
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Old 11-14-2012, 08:31 AM
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uin2it
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Contrary to the haters.......my initial driving impressions are that these mods have mad the car "smoother" feeling. (Really the only way to describe it). Less vibrations/shifting...car feels more planted. I like 'em.
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