GT Strut tower brace fit

[MrFast]

I am looking to purchase an OEM style GT strut tower brace for my 06 GT. I am finding original GT braces for sale on ebay for 2011 to 2014, but nothing for 2006. Will an OEM 2011 to 2014 brace fit on my stock 2006 GT? (I have no intake mods)

 

[Samos3]

The OEM Boss 302 type brace will bolt on, but the hood pad touches it and puts a little pressure on the hood. When you completely close the hood, the rear of the hood rises slightly.

I don't have info on the '11 -'14 GT braces.

 

[MrFast]

Thanks Samos3.

Still looking to get an answer to this. While some aftermarket strut braces will work from 2005 to 2014 GT, I don't see a answer if a 2011-2014 will fit on a 2006 GT.

 

[cavero]

I don't remember there being a Ford STB for the 05-09, I know it wasn't an option for my 06. Ford was all about how much better the structural rigidity was on the S197's than the SN95's so they didn't think it needed it.

That said, it's been a looooong time since I thought about it

 

[cavero]

BTW I have the boss STB on my 06 which fits fine but I have an aftermarket hood.

 

[Samos3]

BTW I have the boss STB on my 06 which fits fine but I have an aftermarket hood.

Yep, they bolt right on and clear the manifold just fine, but they don't clear the stock hood.

 

[Samos3]

This is the Ford Racing strut brace.

2005-2014 MUSTANG GT STRUT TOWER BRACE

2005-2014 MUSTANG GT STRUT TOWER BRACE|Ford Performance Parts

performanceparts.ford.com

 

[Miker]

View attachment 89319 View attachment 89320 View attachment 89321 Found the unfindable. I think this came as part of a handling kit that Ford sold back in the day. Also sold as a STB for the V6. Same as the Bullitt brace but black. Clears the plenum cover easily. Does push on the hood insulation but the hood closes fine.

I went to a lot of trouble to get this. If I had it to do over I would not. Mine being a very early 2005 did not come with the K-member brace that the later models came with. I was very impressed when I added the OEM Ford k member brace. Got it from Jegs for under 40 shipped. When I finally got the STB shown above I really was unimpressed with any seat of the pants feel it gave. Is a nice piece though I guess.

 

[JC SSP]

I currently have the Boss 302 on my 05' GT and had it on my 06' GT Convertible (gone but not forgotten). No fitment issues at all...

FYI Sometimes you feel the difference in a mod and sometimes you don't. There are some on this forum that do not believe in the benefits of aftermarket braces adding rigidity to the S197 platform. I am not one of them, I strongly believe in aftermarket braces, and I have them on all my cars (Mustang, Audi, Taurus, Durango, Jetta, etc.)

 

[MrFast]

Thanks folks! I finally understand there are limitations with the hood clearance (I didn't think of that), plus the apparent fact that 2006 GT Premium did NOT have the strut tower brace as standard OEM equipment like the 2011 to 2014 does. No wonder I could not find used ones on ebay! I was just hoping to "dress up" the engine bay with this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/266486389318
But, chances are it would not clear the hood or the bolt pattern would not line up.

 

[GlassTop09]

If I'm reading the OP's request correctly, I think this is the 1:

11-14 MUSTANG GT STRUT TOWER BRACE | eBay

GT STRUT TOWER BRACE. Labor and costs associated with part installation are not included in the warranty, parts only. Any interchange information supplied is for use as a guide and is not definite. We accept credit card and cash for Local Pickup orders.

www.ebay.com

From looking at this, I tend to believe this will fit over an OEM 05-10 4.6L 3V IM w\o any dress up covers......but can't verify this due to not actually owning 1.

Hope this helps.

 

[Legend Lime Vert]

It will not fit. I tried the stock STB from my 2014 GT and it will not clear the intake on my 06 GT.

 

[MrFast]

Thank you for the definitive answer! Love this forum.

 

[Mustang Terlingua]

The STB was stock on my '08 Bullitt. It has a stock hood & intake. Look for a used Bullitt STB in the wrecking yard or Ebay.

 

[WJBertrand]

Thanks folks! I finally understand there are limitations with the hood clearance (I didn't think of that), plus the apparent fact that 2006 GT Premium did NOT have the strut tower brace as standard OEM equipment like the 2011 to 2014 does. No wonder I could not find used ones on ebay! I was just hoping to "dress up" the engine bay with this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/266486389318
But, chances are it would not clear the hood or the bolt pattern would not line up.

Not all 2011-2014 GTs came with the strut brace, just the ones with the Brembo brakes and track pac options.

 

[Shotokan1509]

Confirming Boss does fit with some hood rubbing, the regular GT 2011-2014 does not (not tall enough for intake). Another I fit checked was the 08-09 GT500 KR brace, does NOT clear the GT hood.