I have a 1991 Z28 that I purchased years ago with only a few thousand miles on it, and it does not have a “Wonderbar” (where did that name come from?), or lower structure brace (as GM calls it). Their service manual shows and states that I should have this brace with the options I have that came from the factory.

In my 1991 GM service manual, on page 3C-1, it states “Vehicles with 16-inch wheels also have a lower structure brace attached to the frame side rails with the same bolts that secure the stabilizer shaft”. On page 3C-6 there is a line drawing, and it states that it is applicable to Z28 with P245/50ZR tires. I presume “Wonderbar” and “lower structure brace” are one in the same.

I have the aluminum 16” wheels - RPO code N96 [Wheel, 16x8 (Cast Aluminum)], so it came from the factory that way.

My question is, since I have a Z28 with the 16" wheels, should I have this brace (Wonderbar)? Or, if you have a Z28 and it came from the factory with the 16” wheels, do you have this brace installed?

The only explanation I can think of is that it was removed when the previous owner had it.

[This message has been edited by Stuart Moss (edited March 10, 2001).]

 

I can't really shed any light on your quandry, though I believe all IROCs came stock with the wonderbar. Since your car is missing the brace (for whatever the reason), I'd recommend purchasing either the GM version or the beefier, powder-coated Global West version.

By the way, my experience with GM is that they're frequently confused about their own products.

JamesC

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hey i have a "wonderbar" for sale. email me with your concerns. and it does help immensely. it really tightens the front end.
Jarrad

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1990 IROC-Z L98/G92 350 TPI- 700R4
Too much to list!!
5,507 IROC's; 2,415 5.7L IROC's Produced in 1990
Dare to be DIFFERENT,
DAILY DRIVER: 1991 S10 2.5L/5SPD WITH CAMARO RIMS
MUSTANGS...ONLY 4 LUGS....HAHA THAT IS HILARIOUS.

 

My 92 Z did not have one , I think that only the IROCs got them. I got my wonder bar from Hudiburg Chevrolet for $32.55. Part # S14079634.

 

Yah, they came on 85-90 IROCs only. Not 91-92 Z28's.

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West Coast GM Shootout 2001!
1991 Camaro Z28
5.7L 5-Speed (originally 305)
13.25 @ 107.18 MPH
Southern California
Member: SoCal 3rd Gen F-Bodies
Webmaster: SoCal F-Bodies
-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

I think Kevin is correct. I called one of the local Chevy dealers just last week to order a wonderbar for my 1991 RS and told the parts guy I had a 1991 Z28. He indicated the part # I gave him showed 1985-1990 and he did not show a part # for 1990-92. BTW, the part # I gave him was 14079634 ($33.70). Does anybody know if the 1985-90 wonderbar will fit a '91 Camaro?
Thanks

 

Kevin's right on the money, they only came one the IROC-Z. Yes, it'll bolt up to any third-gen F-body. I helped a friend bolt one onto his '91 Z28 this winter. You don't need new bolts or anything, just slide it in between the sway bar and the subframe rails where the sway bar is bolted in...

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Greg Westphal
'87 IROC 305TPI/A4

 

Thanks everyone for the very good information!

Looks like my '91 Camaro factory service manual is wrong (again). Every once and a while I find something that is not correct as detailed in the manual - not often, but often enough just to keep me wary.

Thanks again.

 

Yes, wonderbars will fit on ANY 82-92 thirdgen f-body. But they only came on IROCs.

 

Good info! Does anyone think the Global West wonderbar is worth the extra $10-12 + shipping costs over the factory brace?
Thanks

 

If I were choosing, I'd buy the Global West version simply because it's much beefier, and for the silly fools like me, it's powder coated. Personally, yes, the extra cost would be worth it. Not that it makes any difference, but I've sold several wonderbars but purchased the Global version.

JamesC

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Does anyone know where to buy the Global West wonderbar? I went to their website Globalwest.com, but it's under construction.

 

Try http://globalwest.net


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Greg Westphal
'87 IROC 305TPI/A4

 

is it that "TS-14" part?

 

yes