Aftermarket Product ReviewProvide questions and answers about aftermarket parts for the Third Generation F-Body.
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It appears to be a solid piece. I didn't notice any change in handling after installation. However, the front of my car is pretty solid, and I already had a wonderbar installed.
The kit includes six black allen bolts which rust out VERY quickly. Interestingly, the matching lock nuts do not rust. (I'm not sure if they are stainless, galvanized, or zinc plated.) I replaced the allen bolts yesterday with zinc plated 1/2 inch hex bolts. In my opinion, the hex bolts are much easier to work with (standard ratchets and wrenches vs allen keys) and the zinc won't rust.
The included allen bolts use a fine thread. If you wish to replace them and keep the original lock nuts, you'll need a replacement with the same threading. I would have preferred to use stainless bolts. But, Home Depot only had fine threaded zinc bolts, and at 16 cents a piece, I couldn't say no!
Also, my front end is tweaked from accidents, so the installation required the fabrication of a new (slightly longer) plate. It attaches the strut tower brace to the third point (the center of the car in front of the windshield). It's just a small piece of metal with four holes drilled in it.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thanks!
Bill
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Mods:
-Engine: 3 inch Flowmaster exhaust, JET chip, SLP Cold-Air Induction Package, SLP Throttle Body Flow Booster
-Chassis/Suspension: Spohn Sub-Frame Connectors, TDS Steering Brace (Wonderbar), TDS Greasable Front Sway Bar Bushing Kit (Poly-Graphite), TDS Greasable Rear Sway Bar Bushing Kit (Poly-Graphite), TDS 1LE Sway Bar End Link Kits (Nylon), BMR 3 Point Strut Tower Brace
-Drive Train: Auburn Racer's Differential
-Brakes: Ed Miller's GTA Wilwood brake kit (zinc washed)
I've had one of these in the shed for over a year now (partly laziness, partly because police are nazi's about car mods down here), but I'm curious, has anyone else had problems with the allen bolts rusting? I haven't heard of it before, most recommendations are that it's an all round quality kit.
BMR suspension is probably the best fitting that you can get especially when it comes to their torque arms. I have never had an issue with them and neither has anyone in my club. As far as bolts go I always replace with stainless or some other type of bolt that will not rust. I plan on ordering my own 3pt brace from BMR this week. Seems to be a better piece then the Edelbrock which I have to remove my headliner to install
Im going to get one in early January myself. Maybe we can try to get a group purchase going?
__________________ 90' Firebird Formula 350 - Dynomax 3" cat back, adj. fuel pressure reg., TDS Inner and BMR outer framerail SFC's, BMR 3pt. STB, Wonderbar, UMI Torque arm relocator. Battery in trunk, 1LE driveshaft, ram air, ASP crank pulley, 1.6 Roller Rockers, Ported SIamesed SLP Runners, base and plenum, air foil = 13.8 @ 99
88' Monte Carlo SS - Forged bottom end 355 8.3 compression. Full suspension/Brake upgrades, T56, 4:10's. Whipple blower and Ford 9", next. BBORR here we come!
ok my mistake not the headliner but the hood liner padding group purchase may not be necessary i can get them at cost thru summit wholesale. Ill try to get a price tomorrow
ok my mistake not the headliner but the hood liner padding group purchase may not be necessary i can get them at cost thru summit wholesale. Ill try to get a price tomorrow
Ok. Yeah man, get a price on those STBs wholesale. That would be awesome
i should know tomorrow. I can get some pretty good pricing on most stuff through a buddy of mine. Basically I get at cost plus actual shipping unless he can drop ship from a company then shipping is free.
He may be referring to the underhood insulation. If you mount the brace below the firewall lip rather than on top of it you'll gain some underhood clearance.
Yea, I am seriously considering ordering the following a BMR 3 point strut tower brace, the stock exhaust subrame connectors and the Steering brace. Whoever I decide to get, I will be ordering it sometime late next week. Rodney.
I have the BMR STB and am also impressed with its design. I like how it bolts down directly to the strut towers, no parts inbetween. Changes the look of the engine bay too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EGG
I've had one of these in the shed for over a year now (partly laziness, partly because police are nazi's about car mods down here), but I'm curious, has anyone else had problems with the allen bolts rusting? I haven't heard of it before, most recommendations are that it's an all round quality kit.
I bought a used BMR STB assembly and they were rusted. No biggie, if it really bothers you, just go buy new bolts at the hardware store. Or use anti-seize grease on the bolts before you install them, which almost always a good idea anyway.
I have a pic, but I don't know how to post them up on the message boards. If somebody wants to host it, send me a PM and I'll e-mail it to you.
I've had mine installed for about six years or so. Not only is it a quality piece, I love the way it makes the engine bay look. I think it is the best looking of the STBs on the market. I had the same issue with the bolts rusting also, so I just got some chrome ones.
Go on this webiste: http://tinypic.com/
Click BROWSE
Then RESIZE as MESSAGE BOARD
Then UPLOAD NOW
Then copy and paste the one that has [IMG] at the beginning.
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1988 Trans Am GTA Built 385 sbc
Built 700R4
Baer Track4 13" Front Brakes
YearOne 17" Snowflakes
Eibach Pro Kit
KYB GR2 Struts
UMI Suspension
. Yeah man, get a price on those STBs wholesale. That would be awesome 
