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Just installed Edelbrock strut tower brace!

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Old 12-08-2000, 04:54 PM
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Car: 90 IROC
Engine: 406
Transmission: GMPP 93/4L60
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
Just installed Edelbrock strut tower brace!

What a difference, the car is so neutral now. I rebuilt my whole suspension last year. And the car would still wonder some. After installing the brace the car tracks straight. when I was Driving thru a hard long turn. I would have to saw at the wheel to keep it centered in the lane. Now Just point it where you want to go. It feels like I installed a faster ratio box too. The steering responce is that much better. you dont have to wait for the chassis to flex before it reacts.

I never realized just how much flex there is in the front end of these cars. GM should have installed a brace like this from the factory. If you are thinking of getting a strut tower brace do it! It will make a big difference in how your car handles.

I really like the way the Edelbrock brace ties in with the cowl too.

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Black 90 IROC, L98, A4, 323 gear. SuperRamed 406 in the works!
Old 12-08-2000, 05:35 PM
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That's interesting to hear. I poly'd my front end two years ago and just recently went to Koni adjustables and new center link. Still isn't where I want it. I might just have to get one.

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Mike

'90 IROC-Z, 5-speed, ZZ4, Trick Flows
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Old 12-09-2000, 06:00 PM
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I'm glad to hear that the brace makes that much of a difference. I bought one a while ago but haven't put it on yet. Now I can't wait!!
Old 12-09-2000, 11:53 PM
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Hey Mike-- Did u weld it in or was it something that just bolts right in?

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--Steve S-- 84 Trans Am 305 HO 5 speed, completely stock will soup up when i get some $$$$$$$$$$
Old 12-10-2000, 08:31 AM
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84TransAm

If his Edelbrock brace is like mine there are two bolts in each strut tower and two more in the cowl.


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88 IROC convertible
-=ICON Motorsports=-
Old 12-10-2000, 09:13 AM
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Car: 90 IROC
Engine: 406
Transmission: GMPP 93/4L60
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
Yeah...it just bolts in like chuck said. It was a pretty easy install. I didnt even have to remove the tires to get to the bolts under the towers. You can reach them by hand from under the fender. The Edelbrock brace triangulates the front end. The towers can flex upwards into the cowl. It tightends that up too. So when you are cornering it pushes the tire into the pavment instead of losing that grip by flexing up to the firewall. Thats my understanding of it.

When cornering hard you can feel the front outside tire really biteing the pavement!

zguy2882...Do it..you will have a big grin when you take the first hard corner after the install.

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Black 90 IROC, L98, A4, 323 gear. SuperRamed 406 in the works!
Old 12-11-2000, 05:25 PM
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Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: Blueprint 383
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
I was looking for a reply from someone that has a carbureted car with the dual snorkel air cleaner. Has anyone with these options used the new edelbrock p/n 5227? I was wondering if it was easy to install. I was looking at my engine bay last night and it looks like a tight fit. Thanks for your help,
Craig
Old 12-11-2000, 06:04 PM
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Craig look here: https://www.thirdgen.org/messgboard/...ML/000538.html

------------------
84 Camaro ZZ4 with HOT cam. 1.88 60' (12.98 @ 105MPH E.T.)
Other Mods: You name it and I have probably changed it.

91 Firebird 5.0L TBI

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[This message has been edited by CamaroMike (edited December 11, 2000).]
Old 12-12-2000, 10:55 AM
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Craig84Z, I installed the brace you mentioned and yes it is a tight fit. It required a little careful bending of the air cleaner assembly for clearance, it is still a relatively easy bolt-on(and worthwhile), but I was wishing I had the clearance of F/I when I was working on it. Also If you ever switch to fuel injection the holes may not match up for a different brace.

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82 T/A
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Old 12-12-2000, 04:38 PM
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Car: 1991 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 3.8
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Dana 60
I agree, I loved the feel of my car when I put that Edelbrock STB on there. And people are really surprised when they see a STB made for Carb/TBI cars. Looks good on the engine bay. 3 point brace.

------------------
Eric Natzke
91 Firebird 305 TBI

ASCD Ram Air Hood-3" custom exaust-Flowmaster 80 Series-No Cat-Edelbrock TES Headers (coated)-March Pulleys-TBI Spacer-K&N Open ELement-TransGo Shift Kit-B&M Supercooler 28,000 GVW-Hypertech Thermomaster-160 Stat-3:42 GM Gears-Auburn Posi Unit-Edlebrock Strut Tower Brace-MSD Superconducters-MSD Cap & Rotor-MSD Blaster Coil-Rapidfire Plugs-265/50/R15 Tires-Emmison's all Gone
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Old 12-12-2000, 05:27 PM
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Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
I just phoned Edelbrock and spoke to Mike, a techie, who said that pn 5227 would not fit a carbed car, the AC bracket was the problem.

JamesC

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Old 12-12-2000, 10:34 PM
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Car: 89 IROC-Z
Engine: 383
Transmission: 700R4
Does anyone know if Edelbrock makes a STB that will clear a Super Ram setup?

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Riccioli Performance Motorworks

--RPM Racing--

-Currently building first ever engine. 383 with Super Ram plenum and runners, Edelbrock lower intake, Bosch 24# injectors, either AFR or Trick Flow heads, MSD ignition.
-Will be installing Baer Brakes
-Will be installing full Spohn suspension in rear
-Art Carr 700R4 trans??
Old 12-13-2000, 12:46 PM
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Car: 90 IROC
Engine: 406
Transmission: GMPP 93/4L60
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
Paul....I was wondering the same thing when I installed it. After reading your post I Measured the stock plenum and my superRam plenum. It looks like there will be about a 1/4" clearance with the tower to tower bar adjusted all the way down. The TPI brace I have has roughly 3/4" up/down adjustabilty in the bar that crosses the plenum. So...the the Edelbrock brace for the stock plenumed TPI cars should work.

The SuperRam plenum is roughly the same height as stock. It would be nice to hear from someone who has it in the car though.



------------------
Black 90 IROC, L98, A4, 323 gear. SuperRamed 406 in the works!
Old 12-13-2000, 03:10 PM
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Car: 1991 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 3.8
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Dana 60
PN-5227 wouldn't fit on a carbed engine? Hmm, thats weird. In Jegs they have it labeled for TBI/Carb. LoL, guess they better change that soon before someone gets one for there carbed cars. Well that is kick *** though. For once TBI actually works good with something!

------------------
Eric Natzke
91 Firebird 305 TBI

ASCD Ram Air Hood-3" custom exaust-Flowmaster 80 Series-No Cat-Edelbrock TES Headers (coated)-March Pulleys-TBI Spacer-K&N Open ELement-TransGo Shift Kit-B&M Supercooler 28,000 GVW-Hypertech Thermomaster-160 Stat-3:42 GM Gears-Auburn Posi Unit-Edlebrock Strut Tower Brace-MSD Superconducters-MSD Cap & Rotor-MSD Blaster Coil-Rapidfire Plugs-265/50/R15 Tires-Emmison's all Gone
http://members.aol.com/j007golden/91firebird.html
For info on certain parts or mods go to the site below
http://members.aol.com/j007golden/modeval.html
Old 12-13-2000, 03:47 PM
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What happens to the three point tower brace if your in a bad collision. I've always wondered if the part attached to the firewall would enter the passenger compartment in an accident.
Old 12-13-2000, 04:39 PM
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Nice thought Chris! JEEEEZZZZZZZ!

------------------
84 Camaro ZZ4 with HOT cam. 1.88 60' (12.98 @ 105MPH E.T.)
Other Mods: You name it and I have probably changed it.

91 Firebird 5.0L TBI

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LIVE AND DIE BY THE ALMIGHTY BOWTIE!
Old 12-14-2000, 09:14 AM
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I think I would feel more comfortable if I heard a few people say yeah, I was in an accident with one and lived to tell about it. Since know one is responding, it kinda makes you wonder. I would have no problem with the 2 point tower brace. I just wouldnt feel comfortable with the 3 point. The same goes for the aftermarket fiberglass hoods. I would think that would reduce the crumple zone by a bit. Keep in mind, I use my TA as a daily driver.
Old 12-14-2000, 10:38 AM
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IMHO if you were in an frontal accident that threatened to put the brace into the pass. compartment I think the engine block would have already killed you by then. dont mean this to sound inflamitory but I think there are alot of other things that could hurt you by going through the firewall before the brace.
Old 12-14-2000, 02:25 PM
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Car: 90 IROC
Engine: 406
Transmission: GMPP 93/4L60
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
Good point..I wouldnt worry about it though...The braces that run to the cowl would bend before they went into the firewall. They would never reach that far,At least on the one I have. You probably have a better chance winning the Million Dollar lottery Than getting killed by a 3 point brace.

Alot of cars have braces that connect with the firewall from the factory.



------------------
Black 90 IROC, L98, A4, 323 gear. SuperRamed 406 in the works!
Old 12-14-2000, 05:46 PM
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Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: Blueprint 383
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Thanks CamaroMike.
I think I'm going to wait for Spohn's stb.
Craig
Old 12-14-2000, 06:04 PM
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No Problem Craig.

------------------
84 Camaro ZZ4 with HOT cam. 1.88 60' (12.98 @ 105MPH E.T.)
Other Mods: You name it and I have probably changed it.

91 Firebird 5.0L TBI

ASE Certified Auto Tech
LIVE AND DIE BY THE ALMIGHTY BOWTIE!
Old 12-15-2000, 05:52 PM
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you guys make it tough to decide which one to get

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  • 1986 IROC 18k miles red on red t-tops 305TPI
[*}1996 TransAM conv(SOLD)[*]1977 Camaro lt(SOLD)[*]1973 camaro RS (TRADED)[*]1973 camaro LT (TRADED)[*]1995 camaro rs v-6
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Old 12-15-2000, 07:02 PM
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Car: 1986 Iroc Camaro
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Th700R4 Jr. Raptor
is this the 3-way strut tower brace? or is it that suave looking red one which is just between the strut tower braces?

I liked the look of the red one (as if i didn't make it clear) but if you use the triangulated one, and it works better), im sold!

Old 12-18-2000, 07:45 PM
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Car: 89RSconvtZZ4TPI
Engine: ZZ4TPI
Transmission: 700R4 TRIPP TRANNY
Your stock steel hood serves no purpose in front end crash protection. It is designed to fold in a front end crash, and not enter the passenger compartment via the windshield. Notice along the "frame rails" of the hood they are notched, or bent. This allows the hood to "scissors" in a front end crash. There are also hooks in the fenders I believe, that keeps the hood from travelling back towards the windshield in a crash.

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Rob P
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Old 12-18-2000, 09:45 PM
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Car: 90 IROC
Engine: 406
Transmission: GMPP 93/4L60
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
Christos...The one I installed is the three point brace for TPI cars. From what ive read the three point braces are supposed to be more effective. The towers can also flex towards the fire wall. And if there are no bolts attaching the pieces(Welded)its better still.



------------------
Black 90 IROC, L98, A4, 323 gear. SuperRamed 406 in the works!
Old 12-20-2000, 11:25 AM
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Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: 645hp/656 ft lb Blown 383
Transmission: 700-R4 3,000 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.55 moser 12-bolt
I have a Superam and a 3 point. It is really tight, but would fit w/ a little hitting under a lot of load. The only reasson I took it off, it that it hits my hood, and I didn't want to scratch up the SR. I think the Hotchkis is a better choice. It fit when I test fit it. I may be getting one off those. -Justin

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Justin 87 GTA--organizer: "NY2K" Gathering. Blk/Gld w/Superam, 355cid Trickflows, forged pistons 9.5:1. Auto 2,600 stall, 3.45 9 bolt disc, Best time & mph 13.567 @ 101.900 w/ a poor 60ft. Best mph: 104.3 *This car is 100% NYS emissions legal, w/ all emissions controls!* "If you want to have a fast car, hang out w/ those who do!"
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Old 12-20-2000, 06:36 PM
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Car: 90 IROC
Engine: 406
Transmission: GMPP 93/4L60
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
Justin...That doesnt sound to promising. I wonder if the Camaros have a little more hood clearance? The middle brace is adjustable.

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Black 90 IROC, L98, A4, 323 gear. SuperRamed 406 in the works!
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