I have been reading over some older posts and have not found the answer I have been looking for. So would I notice any difference by having one or not?

 

The function of a strut tower brace is to control the deflection of the strut mounts under cornering loads. This reduces bump steer and typically allows high cornering speeds due to reduced camber loss and body flex. It probably also reduces the amount our unibody car creak (due to flexing).

Really though, i would be skeptical if you would notice any improvement on a stock '88 vehicle without some supporting upgrades. ie. poly or delrin control arm bushings, upgraded springs/shocks, and perhapses some more aggressive rubber.

if you happen to have some of the above mods, then it would be a worthwhile upgrade.

-Z

 

like said above, if your bushing are in good shape and not deflecting like mad, you will notice a difference

 

I KNOW i felt a difference. Wheather it be the placebo effect from spending $150, i know it helped.

 

I'd add spherical upper strut mounts.

JamesC

 

i dont think it was a placebo effect, i noticed a big differance and spent nothing. hmmm maybe i just wanted it too feel better... nah

 

I noticed a BIG difference in fast sweepers..... not many in daily driving, but they are there; from slightly scary to solid.
Blew my mind to realize that was flex.

 

I noticed it on mine! between STB, Wonderbar and SFC my car rode totally different -had I known, I would of done it years ago

 

those pictures should give you all the info to decide if is it woth to buy strut tower brace (and even other parts)
STB before

after:


in corners before:

after


best regards

 

part 2

Fender bar
before

after


SFC before

after

 

part 3

Stablilizator (anti-roll bar = sway bar)
before

after


best regards

 

Very nice posting of animations!

Seriously, even though they are exaggerated, everyone can see what an STB means to accomplish. Of course a 3 point offers more rigidity by tying the firewall into the strut towers.

 

Me personally i noticed a difference. But then again i did a bunch of upgrades at once. so it was a MAJOR change in handleing. I installed a BMR 3 point brace. as well as eibach springs panhard rod LCA's new shocks,struts, as well as all new front end parts. Car rides VERY stiff and definatley sticks to the corners at 70 plus MPH.

 

STB by ITSELF will help a lot.
Adding the other stuff mentioned, one at a time, or all at once, just makes things better.
STB first, then add on. A smile at every step!

 

I guess I should do the testing I was thinking about doing. I was going to test lateral g limits with my edelbrock bar as a 2pt, as a 3pt, and with it off. Anyone interested, or shouldn't I bother? Ive just got to find a big parking lot that is as flat as a pancake... Maybe I can after an autocross event.

 

Dooooeet. I need to see if I should spend the money on one or not. lol. At least now I know the TBI one will clear an LS2

 

I swapped out my Edelbrock 3-pt for a UMI 2-pt. I noticed ZERO loss in handling.

The Edelbrock piece was thin wall tubing vs the ticker wall tubing of the UMI. While I agree that a 3-pt SHOULD be stronger & noticeable, I think that short of a purpose built track car, you'll never notice any difference. Visually? I do sorta wish the UMI one was a 3-pt.

BTW....I got the UMI one for FREE, so it wasn't my wallet trying to justify the cost, by thinking it was just as strong. Had there been a loss, I woulda just put my Edelbrock one right back on.

 

UMI needs to make one for TBI...hint, hint

 

Stephen, I noticed you used or are using BOTH of the STB's I have been contemplating on getting.

They cleared your L98 fine right? Do you think they would give me a problem since I am using SLP runners?

 

Stephen, is the UMI STB bolt-in? No drilling required in the towers? It says on their site it won't fit with aftermatket intake runners, is your L98 runners/intake stock? I tried to check with UMI on if their STB would fit with my SLP runners and TPiS base, but they were not sure it would fit.

 

There are 2 PURELY OPTIONAL holes in the mounting b rackets for 2 more bolts to go in, but you would hafta drill holes for those 2 bolts, in the strut towers.

I still haven't bothered to put those 2 optional bolts in. So yea....STRAIGHT BOLT-IN.

I do have stock runners, base & plenum. Do yours set up higher than a stock TPI assembly?

 

What about poly motor mounts... I heard they raise the motor a little. Would that cause the UMI STB to not fit. I have the Edelbrock STB but I am just curious.

Mike

PS - I didn't have time to get the bar on my car before the autocross on Sunday so I'll try for the next on. That and it was raining so there were puddles everywhere.

 

so basically is edelbrock the only supplier for TBI STB's?

 

Did you have any clearance issues with the wonderbar around the fan mounts and steering coolant lines?

 

The Wonder Bar is a stock piece, so no....No mods needing to bolt it n.

Now an aftermarket one? Maybe. I dunno. Mine is a factory one.

 

After market here, a Global West piece. No problems with fitment. That said, some members have reported interference with after market versions. A search might provide the name of a manufacturer.

 

which brace would clear the mini ram?