Im about to order one from UMI. Im looking for more front end rigidity. I have a stock TPI 5.7L in my '89 IROC. So, its not really twisting up the frame. Im wanting to get less flex when I pull in/out of parking lots, driveways..taking turns etc..Sooooo, Im just not sure which will give me more of what Im looking for. Eventually, I will have both..AND rear subframe connectors. Im just wondering which to start with..Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
THANKS

 

I should be more specific.. Right now Im trying to decide on weather to start with a FRONT sub frame connector, the kind that bolts in under the sway bar, connecting the left and right sides. Or, to start with a strut tower brace. The rear subframe connectors will be later down the road.

 

Do the SFC's first, then the steering box brace (aka the Wonderbar). Follow those with after market strut mounts with spherical bearings, then lastly the STB.

JamesC

 

What you are referring to is called a Wonderbar. This will help to stiffen the front of the car & also prevent frame cracks near the steering box. This is in my opinion far more useful than a strut tower brace.

For improved feel & less body flex, the subframe connectors that go front to rear will make a huge improvement it the feel of the car. The Wonderbar is good to have, but you will not feel much difference in the car.

 

i would have bought the strut mounts, but for 218.00 i have to wait. the wonder bar is a great start also. i bought competition engineering sfc because there alot bigger than the umi ones, but im also pushing almost triple hp than stock

 

Subframes made the single biggest difference in my 2002 Camaro of any modification.

I had the wonderbar on my old 1989 and it helped slightly.

Strut Tower Brace had no noticeable change.

 

Subframe connectors is my vote.

 

Subframe connectors will make the biggest difference.

Wonderbar will make a small difference. Having said that, I would do the wonderbar first simply because it's $50-60 and easy enough to install in your driveway. Subframe connectors are gonna run you about $200 plus install costs.

Strut tower brace would be the last thing I'd do only after everything else (SFC, struts/shocks, springs, LCA, PHB, Del-A-Lum, etc)

 

between a stb and the wonderbar, definitely the latter. although subframe connectors would be well worth the wait to save up for first. should have been factory on these cars, especially if you have t-tops.

 

Hey, good afternoon.

We have these on our IROC test car: http://www.umiperformance.com/catalo...roducts_id=127

It helps it do what you mention, feel rigid when maneuvering. They make a huge difference when jacking up the car so you can imagine how they help with handling in-general.

Here is our wonderbar: http://www.umiperformance.com/catalo...roducts_id=125

As mentioned above, it helps a bit with steering feel but mainly it keeps the mounting pad from cracking under the steering box. We consider it a good addition as well.

Let me know if you have any questions.

ramey

 

I too have the front to back sub frame connectors welded under my 83. This would be my first perchase.

 

SFC's for sure. Best bang for the buck.

 

SFC's and a wonderbar. Skip the strut tower bar, they are purely looks on these cars and unnecessary. My car is actually starting to crack the sheetmetal at the upper rear of the side windows from running without SFC's from all the flex.
I have yet to see anyone say they installed a STB and state it made any noticable difference.

 

Given the forces exerted on the strut towers during cornering, especially hard cornering, I'm surprised at your comment. Would you care to elaborate?

JamesC

 

You should have a 'wonderbar' already, shouldn't you? I thought they were standard on the IROCs/Z28s... could be wrong, but my 1991 Z28 came with one. I am going to swap my TDS wonderbar in though, since it is sturdier. I noticed the difference IMMEDIATELY when I put it into my RS V6. Dittos with the SFCs. If you don't have a wonderbar already, do that at the same time as you do the SFCs... after all, it is $50-60 from TDS, or about $10-20 from a junkyard. It is 15 minutes to bolt it in yourself...

 

And I noticed no difference with the STB...Wonderbar, night and day difference; SFCs, night and day difference; STB, sure looks cool(particularly after I chromed it!)...