Strut Tower Brace with C/C Plates?

[Bizzyb0nes]

Will a STB work with the MM or J&M Plates? Trying to decide if I'm gonna get the gt500 mounts and use the BMR bolts I have, or go for a set of C/C Plates...first option is way cheaper lol

 

[Sam Strano]

Yes. STB's generally (though can't speak for every type that might be around--just the ones I sell/use) bolt to the studs of the upper mount/plates which don't move. The there is a second part underneath the tower that allows for the adjustment.

I have installed MM and Steeda HD mounts with a variety of STB's ranging from Steeda, to the OEM Bullitt and Shelby braces as well as UMI's and an Edelbrock (two versions now available).

 

[Bizzyb0nes]

thanks sam...I have the American Muscle brace...bolts up like every other one I've seen thus far...I noticed a pretty decent difference, so I dont want to lose it...just weighing my options.

 

[ArizonaGT]

Take a look at the J&M CC plates if you're still in the market. They have an integrated upper strut mount that replaces the plastic factory one.

They don't have a caster adjustment like the MM plates, but they're also 90$ less expensive.

 

[sqidds]

The S197 doesn’t gain anything from a strut tower brace unless it is triangulated and attaches to the firewall as well. And the firewall would need to be beefed up a ton to help.

I have done a lot of testing on a frame rack and the strut towers have next to ZERO flex. On the other hand the strut towers in relation to the fire wall move a TON. The front uni-body will sag 24mm under its own weight when you support the car with jackstands under where the K-member meets the “tub”. I couldn’t believe it the first time I saw it and when I say saw I mean I SAW it sag. Then I measured the sag at the K-member where it goes under the motor and got 24mm, which may as well be a mile.

And as a rule of thumb I look at what the race guys are doing before I make a mod. If they think you don’t need it there is a good chance you don’t. The FR500C doesn’t have one.

 

[Bizzyb0nes]

I would have to beg to differ...I put one on a while back..fairly noticeable...nothing night and day...but worth the $