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FYI this was a Z28 specific brace, no-one seems to know what it does. Likewise there is another brace that goes from the lower fender to the passenger subframe. I think some other models got is as well (maybe later cars with the 350 TPI?) but for sure on the early models it was Z28 specific.
So if you have a Z28 and are going for originality make sure you get both.
At least with my car, the hood is always a bear to open. One side or the other always wants to rise and the opposite side just doesn't move as much, causing a twisting motion - and I have to kind of pull upwards harder on the lower side to 'even' things out so that it lifts level and symmetrically. And I do not have this brace, but I do have the holes for it. And although my car is a 1992 RS, I have an older (maybe 85?) hood because I wanted the louver hood instead of the plain Jane RS hood. I'm assuming the louvered hood was an IROC or Z-28 feature.
So ... I guess what I'm getting at is ... does anyone think that this brace has anything to do with keeping the hood from do this 'twisting' motion like mine always does? There are only 4 bolts that hold the hood to the hinge, and it is a large heavy piece of metal. Maybe I should be hunting or fabbing this brace to help my hood open easier? I did just recently install brand new (although that rarely means anything these days) hood struts, and they do hold the hood just fine after I get it up, but they did not improve the opening process at all.
At least with my car, the hood is always a bear to open. One side or the other always wants to rise and the opposite side just doesn't move as much, causing a twisting motion - and I have to kind of pull upwards harder on the lower side to 'even' things out so that it lifts level and symmetrically. And I do not have this brace, but I do have the holes for it. And although my car is a 1992 RS, I have an older (maybe 85?) hood because I wanted the louver hood instead of the plain Jane RS hood. I'm assuming the louvered hood was an IROC or Z-28 feature.
So ... I guess what I'm getting at is ... does anyone think that this brace has anything to do with keeping the hood from do this 'twisting' motion like mine always does? There are only 4 bolts that hold the hood to the hinge, and it is a large heavy piece of metal. Maybe I should be hunting or fabbing this brace to help my hood open easier? I did just recently install brand new (although that rarely means anything these days) hood struts, and they do hold the hood just fine after I get it up, but they did not improve the opening process at all.
lubricate your hinges and change your struts. that will help dramatically
I wonder if that brace is needed on the passenger side due to the antenna catching air causing vibration. The brace would strengthen and silence that area.
I wonder if that brace is needed on the passenger side due to the antenna catching air causing vibration. The brace would strengthen and silence that area.
I wouldn’t think so, all the antennae options were available across different models, but regardless of the antenna installed the Z28’s (and Firebird counterparts) got the brace 🤷♂️
My theory on this brace (or at least the one at the top of the fender) is that it provide some needed support because the PS wheelwell doesn't make as much contact with the firewall as the DS. Check out the pics below of my '84 TA. The DS wheelwell kind of dies into the firewall providing some support almost halfway up the firewall. In the PS photo you can see the back of the wheelwell doesn't die into the firewall like the DS. The bottom edge meets up at the very bottom of the firewall. This whole PS area isn't as structurally sound as the DS.
Very cool to see the caprice style police/taxi HD alternator setup. Another thing I'd like to do to mine
Thanks, but meanwhile I sold this alternator to a buddy who needed this upgrade and couldn't find the brace anywhere. I upgraded to a Mechaman alternator with 240 amps along with I/O gauge wires from innovative wiring. This is a direct fit with no additional parts and a VERY high quality piece. I am literally unable to move the needle on the voltmeter just a bit with this alternator, no matter how much load I put on it.
I can't imagine those braces are doing much of anything...
At least the top one. With the long slot to allow it to bolt up because of tolerances and the use of 10mm bolts doesn't seem much of use to me. I can' imagine there being that much flex in that area that a small brace could help with.
I know for sure that 90-92 firebird with 305 TPI and 350 TPI got both braces as well. Here are two pics of my 92 with 305 TPI.
Not quite. My 91 Formula, 350TPI, had neither brace from the factory. The seam sealer on the cowl was still intact blocking the hole when I installed the cowl brace 20+ years ago. No sign of the lower brace ever being their either, not sure how it would fit as crowded as that area is. I've seen plenty with and others without either brace.
There's a blurb in Camaro : The Third Generation that mentions the brace is to compensate for the weakness of the firewall on that side of the car. In the early years, most of the additional braces are listed as "Z28" parts, and they were often used on lesser models in later years.
Having driven the car(s) with/without the brace in place, the difference is negligible. It might cure a noise or vibration, or reinforce a weak area of the car that might flex in extreme conditions. Most people would never notice any difference.
