What's this thing called? The red bar that goes over the motor. What's it for?

 

Nevermind. I searched harder on google and saw it's a strut tower brace. Checked the prices and holy @$#@. Is it worth the cash to get one? I read it makes the chassis stiffer.

 

I put one on mine and felt a small difference in handling. you can fine other ones way cheaper then the one in the pic. not as fancy but does the same job

 

The one in the pic is Hotchkis shock tower brace. They are one of the more premium and cost some $$. You can usually find cheaper one's for $90 or so that are still good. They help stiffen the front end a bit but work best in combination with SFC.

 

Shock Tower Brace, 4th Gens have no struts... Easiest first suspension mod -- you will notice the benefits in quick lane changes and U-turns primarily if you do those maneuvers before and after install is the best way to feel the improvements. I have them on both my Camaros and recommend them.

Better sways and shocks will give a much better improvement, however. Subframe connectors are also worth doing, esp. on a convertible!

 

As long as you're setting the record straight, 4th gen's have no subframe. It's a full unibody construction with an engine/suspension cradle.

 

Should we rename SFC to uni-body connectors then? Lol.

 

Ah yes, THERE are the subframes :

Pontiac Firebird Suspension Upgrades Subframe Connector Bracket Photo 17

Pontiac Firebird Suspension Upgrades Subframe Connector Photo 18

 

Time for subframe 101 then. THIS (picture below) is a subframe. It's a separate section that bolts to the bottom of the front unibody, and is the firewall forward frame section of the car. It's plain to see why subframe connectors benefit this (cantilevered) type of setup, to help tie the back body to the separate front frame piece. 1st and 2nd gen's have this, 3rd and 4th gen's do not. Using the term "subframe connector" is a familiarized carryover. A frame stiffener is what it is, since 3rd and 4th gen's don't have a subframe.
Oh, and Liberty, kindly watch the MORONIC, inflammatory, inappropriate graphics.

 

k member could be defined as a subframe.