front/rear strut tower braces?
 

Are the braces a big difference maker in handling? I hear that the rear braces really help out much more than the front.. I doubt I'll actually buy a pair but instead fabricate some myself and save 200 bucks!

Well there has been debates about the front tower brace and if it really does work. From my experience (my brother has the steeda front brace) the front brace does make a small difference in front end stiffness, but if you add a G-trac brace into the equation than there is a big difference in front end stiffness. Now about the rear brace I wouldn't be able help you on that sorry.

I've actually thought about a rear brace as I hear squeaking back there occasionally.. From everything I have read though, you are correct; fronts are only for show and add no real rigidity, and rears help keep flex down in the rear.

I think this only matters for autocross people though.. and would not make a difference with even spirited daily driving. A nice thick rear sway bar would probably make a bigger difference.

A good shock/strut/spring setup is going to do more for you in the handling department than adding an unneeded brace.

A front strut tower brace will help a convertible more than a coupe.

springs would be nice but the $ is the problem and I kind of like the lift kit look!

I would be checking if you have the factory A-Arm brace first.
Some S197s didnt get one for some dumb reason.
Dont see a homemade strut tower or rear shock tower
brace doing all that unless you plan on pulling a G or more
on a daily basis while turning.

Seriously? I have a 4x4 stance and I hate it! Thats why the next thing on my list is Eibach's.

I always hear that the front doesnt do anything really but the back does.

Our cars do not need bracing unless you are full out race car. Which 99% of the cars on here aren't. So don't believe the hype just because the company says it good doesn't mean it does anything. Talk to companies that actually know what there doing. That's why i've never liked forums because humans are so f'n gullible.

i have the front and the rears are coming in soon. also i have a sub frame connectors. just as chassis stiffening. but i do autocrosses and i run a road coarse 3 or 4 times a yr