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Been reading a good deal about Strut Tower Braces lately. My Vert already has welded sub frame connectors. Is it necessary, and is one brand better than others?
i see them on Ebay, Summit, Jegs etc.
TIA.
I agree with buying strut mounts before buying a brace. That being said, I had already installed the strut mounts, and when I got around to adding a 3 pt. brace, it made a noticeable difference in the rattles/squeaks. Could I FEEL a difference? -No. But I'm sure it helped.
I too have a vert with welded subframe connectors. I had to remove my UMI STB to do some engine work. I have new but OEM strut mounts. I drove the car to test the work out before I put the brace back on. There was a noticeable difference. The car cornered much better and not as much body roll as without it. And just like Abubaca said, it reduced the noise from the front end. I can't say weather one brand out classes the other or 2 point vs. 3 point but what I can say is my UMI is well built and is strong. I would stay away from a bargin E-bay special.
Strut tower braces are one of those disputed areas on 3rd gens.
you can make the argument they are unnecessary for a 3rd gen. The major stress in the front suspension and steering all goes through the front frame boxes & the giant K-member.
that's why wonder bars work so well on our cars.
That being said, I run one.
makes engine work a bit harder as the brace has to be removed before you can change things like intakes ex ex.
The way I think of it-
worst case: it doesn't do anything and adds 8 lbs to my car.
Best case: keeps my frame from commiting suicide when running race tires on all 4 corners
I have a video installing the DSE brace if you are interested.
I have a T-Top car and I think they need all the help they can get. It might be a pain for engine work but a 3-point brace is far superior
if it will fit with your intake set-up. Admittedly I run front coil-overs as well which makes the 3 point even more necessary. I have also added
inner and outer frame connectors. Car is in progress so I have had limited miles but when pulling in my driveway it no longer sounds like the
windshield is going pop out lol.
