Strut Tower Brace
 

Now that I got my brake light issue resolved, it's time to move back to the suspension. As the title states, I'm looking at a strut tower brace. I see them range from $50 ebay special to over $250 for a hotchkis. Is there really any advantage form one to the other? I mean the whole proncipal is to reduce flex in the front end by bracing the strut towers, correct? Is it really worth paying for a fancy looking hotchkis one or would the standard metal bar bolted between the towers accomplish the same thing? (just not look as fancy). There are even adjustable ones that run around $140. Advise?

my advice is go with the SLP one which was an actual option and stay away from the ebay specials. they all pretty much do the same thing

^ Agreed. Or at the least a BMR or UMI one as they both are good as well and aren't too expensive. I believe Hawks Third Gen sells them too.

Alright. I just ordered an SLP one from summit. Along with new upper/lower balljoints and ca bushings.

if they all pretty much do the same thing, why recommend one over another?

That my friend is a good question:icon_roflmao:

P.S: Sorry nj you walked into that one:p

Quality of the material and actual design of the brace. I believe the SLP one is the only that'll fit the SS models (for whatever reason). BMR, UMI, and Spohn are probably your best out there for the money on the aftermarket. Cheapo ebay is you get what you pay for. Edelbrock makes a 3 point one that connects the cowl to the towers (making a triangle) and while this may seem like a great idea, it's been known to break windshields. It's like tires, they all do the same thing, but some are better than others in design, fit, and function.

You could have saved yourself a lot of money and picked up a 2x4 at the lumber yard, cut it to the right length, wedge it between the top mounting bolts on the strut towers, and sheet metal screw it to the tower. After all, all 2x4's do pretty much the same thing! ;)

You mean kinda like this? :p

Attachment 46517

Good joints, MK. I bought a hotchkiss from a forum member and its the triangle type, didn't think about it possibly affecting the windshield, but I got a great deal on it. I couldn't figure out how to actually mount it to the cowl, though, so I just mounted it to the towers and left it near the cowl unmounted:

Attachment 46518

Sorry about the blur.

You could probably make yourself your own STB if you had the skills and a good welder and access to strong, light steel.

As far as the 3 point one goes, that is only what I've heard. I've seen some photos of it cracking the windshield, but for all I know they installed it wrong. I'm sure if they're installed properly they wouldn't have a problem or else why would they make them?

I could see how the 3-point brace could crack a windshield if the car is hit just right in a crash, where it otherwise might not crack it.
AboveTheLogic, nice pic. But that's the "above the hood" version, so you'd be better off using treated lumber instead of that clear pine.

That's what I was thinking, during an impact.

That wood setup was for when I changed my oil pump, had to lift the engine a bit.

I'm returning the brace and going to lowes tomorrow. Pressure treated is better, right? I will paint it red so at least it matches.

So what is the deal with so many choices, as in BMR.
Several choices for a 2000 SS, one short in height and one tall in height?

I have always stayed with one company when replacing sus components..I really don't think it matters what you go with, really. They all do what they're supposed to do. I use BMR. I installed sub frame connectors that weld in as well as the stb. The combo is much nicer imho.

I chose the short height one from DOM tubing. Fit perfect.
Just wished it was black rather than speckled gray.

I'm planning to go with Spohn for just about everything but he doesn't make a PHB Relocation Kit, so I'll have to go BMR for that.

I have all BMR and its great stuff. Never been disappointed. Car handles excellent. I've replaced everything on the car with BMR. Very happy. I'm finishing the suspensions on both my other cars the same way. Find a brand you like, stick w it.

I just started on my 96 z28. I bought a $60 brace from ebay the brand was fodders it was red and was easy to install. I noticed an immediate improvement on my convertible. I was so happy I am also going to get the fodders panhard bar, lower control arms, and bolt in sub frame braces