BOTTLEDZ28

iTrader: (9)

If you guys have been following DSE lately, you'll notice that they just did some suspension upgrades to a customers 1987 red Iroc. Video of this is linked below. In that video DSE gives us a sneak peek at a new product they are working on for us thirdgen folks. They will be offering us a 2 or 3 point strut tower brace and as of the first week of June, it should be ready to go by July. I took a few screenshots of the youtube video to show everyone what it will look like. I contacted them about pricing but was told they do not have that at this time.

BOTTLEDZ28

iTrader: (9)

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Interesting. Thanks for sharing this.


Off topic, what is that small tube over the top of the alternator around the 1 minute mark?

Drew

iTrader: (58)

That's the anti-vaporlock kit for the carb. A bandaid GM came up with. There's info about it somewhere on the forum, IIRC it was a TSB fix.

GTA1990

iTrader: (1)

not many solid 3 point STB choices so me interested. Will it clear a TPI?

BOTTLEDZ28

iTrader: (9)

Yes, it will clear both the TPI and TBI engines assuming you are running OEM engine mounts.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Wow, I've never noticed/seen one of those before. Thanks Drew.


Good to know this fits both styles of efi.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

I'll be surprised if it fits underneath the hood of a base model Firebird. I could use a surprise like that though. I don't know of any current production 3-point brace that will fit underneath the hood of my car.

TEDSgrad

iTrader: (4)

Yeah, nothing in current production. I like DSE (strut mounts are the best), but many pieces are overpriced per cache value - pick and choose.


Always liked my Kenny Brown pieces from the 90's:

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

That's the anti-vaporlock kit for the carb. A bandaid GM came up with. There's info about it somewhere on the forum, IIRC it was a TSB fix.

Got a link to this. I'm a QJet user.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Not off hand... It was an electric fan blower and the hose to blow on the carb to keep it cool, or something goofy like that. The more appropriate fix was to put a pusher pump in the fuel tank.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...6702-what.html

Pics in this thread...

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...arbureted.html

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

Thanks. Looking at that picture, all I can say is, "WTF was GM thinking?"

Drew

iTrader: (58)

"EFI is coming!"

Abubaca

iTrader: (3)

Heidts has two pretty nice 3 point braces. One is adjustable. One is not. Not sure if they fit 'Birds though.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Nissan did something similar with what looked like a 12v fan you'd put on your dash, but they mounted t on the firewall pointed at the carb. Crude, and perhaps moderately effective.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

I wouldn't be too surprised if the thirdgen fan kit is closely related to the cooling kit for the Fiero... Can't remember if it blew on the coil, or the alternator, only that they had a silly electic blower in the trunk and a couple stainless tubes to direct the air onto something or other on the engine.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

No, it does not. I've tried the Heidts TPI and TBI 3-point on my Firebird.

Beater79TA

Has anyone compared the footprint of the factory caster/camber plate to the DSE one? With this mount using bolt holes drilled into the top of the strut tower, compatibility with non DSE caster/camber plates will need to be verified. It looks like it will clear with no problem though.

redmaroz

iTrader: (4)

My old bmr stb mounted the same way in front of the caster/camber plates. I had it with the stock plates with no issue.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

BMR won't clear Firebird hood either. Tried it and sent it back.

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

WHERE are the clearance issues on a Firebird/TransAm?
I will be changing to a Ram Air hood, but if it hits at the strut towers......

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

The center plate with BMR logo is taller than the hood. Can't even latch the hood.

Firebird and Trans Am are not the same hood profile on the underside. Firebird is worst case scenario of all 3rd gen hoods. The base model hood is never considered when people develop a strut tower brace because the tall TPI engine was never put in a car with a base-model Firebird hood. But people like me that do an LS swap want the TPI style strut tower brace.

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

Thank you. Next I am going to start a post asking about those hood and fender profiles. Maybe you have some good pictures???

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

You'll probably be good with the Trans Am or Formula hood. Worst case scenario is you return the part and are out shipping cost.

I got a full refund (including shipping) because I talked things through with them ahead of time so they were participants with me from the get-go. Same with Heidts. But that experiment has been done now and I don't think they'll have any incentive to do it twice.

brando278705

iTrader: (1)

Detroit speed is coming up with some pretty sweet products. I am excited for what the future holds here!

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

That three point strut tower brace in the picture looks like a fairly rudimentary piece, either C channel or rectangle tubing with some gussets or ovals for weight savings. It looks like it belongs in the same price range as the other 3 point braces already on the market. DSE parts aren't known to be inexpensive though so I will be curious to hear the final price.

Detroit Speed

Hey all, STB's will be available in the next week or so.

3 point will be $240 and the 2 point will be $135.

I will update you when they are ready to ship!

Detroit Speed

Subscribe here to know when you can get yours:
https://goo.gl/7SZjjw

86firebird350

I thought the old Edelbrock/QA1 3-point STB fit under the hood of the Firebirds? Do they not make that one anymore?

Detroit Speed

I was told not to activate these on the site until our press release, but you guys/girls deserve better. Don't forget the code "Shipping Discount" for free shipping.

https://goo.gl/oJTemM

redmaroz

iTrader: (4)

Very Cool

redmaroz

iTrader: (4)

Mine got here today. I've had a 3pt edlebrock and bmr on other 3rd gens, but this is the best I've seen so far. Plus their tag that is on it rocks lol

91RS5speed

Anyone know how much clearance these have? I had a Kenny Brown on mine years ago and it rubbed after putting poly mounts in.

maroman34

Will this clear a carburated sbc?? Kinda looks like it would hit my coolant fitting on top of the intake or coolant hose wouldnt clear it... any input on it is appreciated thanks

rgauder

iTrader: (1)

Does this clear the Trans Am hood?

Beater79TA

Unfortunately no. We did a test fit using our 88 GTA and it is just a bit too tall to clear. You might be able to cut the underhood bracing and make it clear but it won't be a simple bolt on like it is on a Camaro