I was looking to install a Wonderbar on my 91Z (since GM decided not to put one on). I was wondering what brand should i go with? I could go used OEM off ebay for around $20. Or I could go with Spohn, UMI, or other aftermarket brand, for between $55 and $90. Looking for some input as what would be the best option with direct bolt-on. Also Spohn has an adjustable wonderbar for $100. Why would I need an adjustable one? Is it worth it?

 

They are all the same.

 

To be honest, I am not sure how much they actually help. People swear by them. My brother has the factory one and I picked up a used UMI. The UMI is much bigger than the factory one....Almost double the size.

 

The factory one is perfectly adequate and much lighter than the aftermarket ones.

 

I am not looking for performance gains in handling, I am just looking to reinforce the front the way it should have been.



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Not really. The aftermarket one is hollow and I believe the factory one is solid. Do not think there is much of a weight difference, possibly a pound.

If no performance gains are needed then I would spend the money elsewhere. As I said, I do not think they assist much from what I can see. If you can come across one for very cheap then sure, but otherwise I would not be spending the $50+ on one.

 

wonder bar and strut tower brace well worth the money to stiffin up the the car sub frame connector too and you can feel it some say you can't but i did..!

 

The TDS wonderbar has an extra mounting hole on each end.

 

Some non factory ones dont work with dual fans, keep th at in mind too

 

I don't even know if GW still makes one but THAT one is certainly stouter and heavier than the stock one.

You shouldn't notice any difference in handling from adding one unless it's already too late. It's more a preventative measure to box the front frame rails and keep rail that the steering box mounts to from flexing or cracking.

 

I'm using the GW brace, which is very sturdy compared the OE stamped piece.



JamesC

 

Probably your best bet direct bolt-in would be a stock one. Have one on my '88 Firebird. Firmed up the steering and stability in the front. It probably was already too late, but I did notice a difference. Have a Spohn adjustable on my '91 Firebird. Picked it up from a TGO member because it was a good deal. Supposedly if your raising or lowering your vehicle you will usually go with an adjustable. '91 drives better too. This is addition to the 36mm/24mm swaybars on the '91 and 34mm/23mm on the '88 and Founders panhard bars, as well as LS1 aluminum driveshafts, on both. What I've added so far has been well worth my money. Good luck with your additions.

 

Raising or lowering your car does not effect the steering brace.

 

The "steering brace" strengthens the chassis, taking stress from the steering box area which is well known as a weak area on any third generation F-Body.
This is what I installed.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/afte...r-bar-1-a.html

 

Yeah, couldn't figure out the purpose of the adjustable one. Unless, if you frame rails are already f'd up, try to pull them a little more square? I don't know.




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This is what Sphon has to say about the adjustable bar = What the adjustment allows you to do is place pre-loaded tension on to the front sub frames. It makes for a very tight front end!=
http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...djustable.html

 

Thanks!

 

Yep, apparently it made enough of a noticeable difference for them to start selling them as a separate item. I'm skeptical of it, but would love to see test data to prove me wrong.

I'm still not so sure that the normal steering brace really helps handling to a noticeable amount. I do think it's an important part that every third gen should have to prevent damage though. I've been autocrossing my Camaro for the past 5 months now without one, but I'll have a wonder bar on for the next event. I'm curious to see if I'll be able to tell a difference.

 

It seems to me that GM recognized a problem so they added a steering brace to fix it. Why they did not include it on all the cars is up for debate.
I've added a lot of things to my car that are not absolutely necessary. Cowl hood, wing, corvette servo, wider tires, etc. so why not install a brace that may help the car.
As 87 Camaro Dude mentioned

 

I put a TDS wonderbar in my 92 RS. I chose the TDS bar because of the extra holes. Probably doesn't make a difference but it can't hurt. Probably doesn't matter what brand you go with but i wouldn't go without one. GM decided the IROC needed it, so i decided my RS needed it too.

Its a lot like subframe connectors, you don't have to have them but its better for the car if you do.

 

A steering brace (wonder bar) strengthens the chassis so the steering box does not tear itself from the chassis. The greatest stress is when you take slow steering lock turns such as in a parking lot. A wonder bar is cheap compared to repairing the chassis where the steering box tore itself off.

Because a wonder bar strengthens the chassis, it probably improves handling. But, as RonUSMC noted above, the main benefit is preventive.

I also agree with everyone else that the brand does not make much difference. However, I've seen some of the V8 owners complain about routing the radiator hose around the wonder bar. The 2 bolt hole one may give you an option to help with that problem.

I installed a sale priced UMI wonder bar at the same time I replaced my front sway bar with a 36 mm and the rear with a 23 mm. Serious improvement in handling and stability cranking through the corners. Wonder bar probably helped, but the bigger sway bars made the greatest difference.

Hope this helps.

 

Well, like I said, the car is a 91 with 18k miles. I have another 3rd gen, and it has felt the tolls of time. I was looking to preserve the car I have now. I know the bar will not enhance the performance, but I am looking to save the car for the future. So, from what I can see, any brand Wonderbar will work thanks for the responses


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I like the fit and finish of the Global West Wander Bar plus it's cheap.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gl...4/applications

 

I heard the same think about them working wonders thus called "Wonder Bars". I bought one from Hawks off EBay. The price was rite and it is nice. I will let you know how it installs.