Strut Tower Mount Question
#1
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Car: 92 RS
Engine: 3.1 V6
Transmission: T5
Strut Tower Mount Question
Does anyone know why the aftermarket mounts all have one larger slotted mounting bolt hole than the other two? My original ones had all three slotted holes the same size. The one in the picture below is an aftermarket one I put on 8 years ago and I had to make a thick plate to cover the larger slot (on the right in the picture) so the nut wouldn't bend the washers down into the slot. I just ordered a new set of KYB's from Rock Auto and the picture showed all three slotted holes the same size. When they arrived today, the third hole is larger like other aftermarket ones and the ones I am replacing.
#2
Joined: Mar 2001
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Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
They don't. Yours was hogged out by hand, as can easily be seen by the master craftsmanship.
It's ruined. Bolt will never stay tight now.
It's ruined. Bolt will never stay tight now.
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T.L. (02-21-2024)
#4
Joined: Mar 2001
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Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
#5
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From: SW Missouri
Car: 1989 Trans Am
Engine: sp357
Transmission: T-5
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
#6
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,115
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Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
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Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
I have beautiful stock plates that came off my car in 1999 but nobody seemed to want them so I stopped advertising a while ago.
#7
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Joined: Feb 2019
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From: SW Missouri
Car: 1989 Trans Am
Engine: sp357
Transmission: T-5
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
I don't know, I've never looked for stock replacement. They're not stable enough. Upgraded caster/camber plates make the top 3 list of things you can do to make your 3rd gen handle better.
I have beautiful stock plates that came off my car in 1999 but nobody seemed to want them so I stopped advertising a while ago.
I have beautiful stock plates that came off my car in 1999 but nobody seemed to want them so I stopped advertising a while ago.
I don't disagree. OP is looking for stock style plates for whatever reason though.
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#9
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Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Colorado USA
Car: '83 Firebird (T/A Clone)
Engine: 350 carbed with L-69 components
Transmission: 700R-4 w/2000 RPM stall converter
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt/3.73 ..
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
I don't have personal experience (yet), but LSx Matt bought some OEM-style replacements (don't know where he got 'em) and they were so bad that he put the originals back on...
#10
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 8,383
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From: Sophia, NC
Car: 2016 Camaro SS + ???
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
I don't know that I'd want that on my car. I know I'm not answering the question, but that just doesn't look like a good idea. Can't see that third bolt offering much help.
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T.L. (02-22-2024)
#11
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Cincinnati, OH
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
Any reason why OP doesn't want a decent set of aftermarket ones? They aren't overly expensive and these pop up used from time to time.
#12
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Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,558
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From: Colorado USA
Car: '83 Firebird (T/A Clone)
Engine: 350 carbed with L-69 components
Transmission: 700R-4 w/2000 RPM stall converter
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt/3.73 ..
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
#13
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,387
Likes: 433
From: Cincinnati, OH
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
You can't go wrong with any of the reputable aftermarket ones. Sohn, BMR, UMI, Detroit Speed, and Founders all make nice units for these cars. QA1 makes a set if you swap to front coil overs. This is a simple aftermarket solution and the only thing you have to be aware of are the cheapo ebay brands. Been there, failed that.
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T.L. (02-22-2024)
#15
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From: SW Missouri
Car: 1989 Trans Am
Engine: sp357
Transmission: T-5
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
Early third gen retainers are a little different. This way they can sell one part for all years.
JamesC covered it in this thread. Pictures at post #7.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...elp-quick.html
JamesC covered it in this thread. Pictures at post #7.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...elp-quick.html
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DynoDave43 (02-22-2024)
#16
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Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Colorado USA
Car: '83 Firebird (T/A Clone)
Engine: 350 carbed with L-69 components
Transmission: 700R-4 w/2000 RPM stall converter
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt/3.73 ..
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
ShiftyCapone, You've just given me option-anxiety...
#17
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,387
Likes: 433
From: Cincinnati, OH
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
#18
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,558
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From: Colorado USA
Car: '83 Firebird (T/A Clone)
Engine: 350 carbed with L-69 components
Transmission: 700R-4 w/2000 RPM stall converter
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt/3.73 ..
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
Stock suspension (added Z-28 springs & sway-bars), new ball joints and LCA bushings, tie-rod ends, Wonderrbar, and Koni yellow struts...
#19
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,674
Likes: 817
From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
#20
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 721
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From: SW Missouri
Car: 1989 Trans Am
Engine: sp357
Transmission: T-5
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
Can't really say. They seem fine, but I only had them installed for about 50 miles before I started pulling the car apart to redo the suspension and drive line last year and haven't gotten the car back together yet.
I think the Founders are the same exact product for a little cheaper IIRC.
I think the Founders are the same exact product for a little cheaper IIRC.
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DynoDave43 (02-23-2024)
#21
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Car: 92 RS
Engine: 3.1 V6
Transmission: T5
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
Thanks all for the thoughts. My guess has been that the larger slot is to allow them to be used on various applications. The ones I am replacing have never slipped since I use a larger thick plate I made instead of washers under that one bolt. I notice that the kit now uses thicker washers than the old ones from 6 years ago.
#22
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,115
Likes: 1,957
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
This is one of those things where Founders makes a really good product at a really good price.
The larger diameter of the top hat the more trouble you're going to have with it running into the brake master cylinder and limiting camber adjustment.
The larger diameter of the top hat the more trouble you're going to have with it running into the brake master cylinder and limiting camber adjustment.
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T.L. (02-23-2024)
#23
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,387
Likes: 433
From: Cincinnati, OH
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
I agree with this. However, if you are using the stock brake master cylinder and reservoir you are probably ok clearance wise. If you decide to run an aftermarket master (Baer or Wilwood), you'll need to do a little fab and weld work on the side of the strut cap, otherwise, you'll have limited alignment capabilities.
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T.L. (02-23-2024), WildCard600 (02-23-2024)
#24
Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 268
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Car: ‘87 Base Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
Last edited by KITT87; 02-23-2024 at 01:14 PM.
#25
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 682
From: Colorado USA
Car: '83 Firebird (T/A Clone)
Engine: 350 carbed with L-69 components
Transmission: 700R-4 w/2000 RPM stall converter
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt/3.73 ..
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
#26
Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 268
Likes: 60
Car: ‘87 Base Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
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T.L. (02-23-2024)
#27
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,674
Likes: 817
From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
Can't really say. They seem fine, but I only had them installed for about 50 miles before I started pulling the car apart to redo the suspension and drive line last year and haven't gotten the car back together yet.
I think the Founders are the same exact product for a little cheaper IIRC.
I think the Founders are the same exact product for a little cheaper IIRC.
FOUNDERS
- Replaceable super high strength heat treated stainless steel teflon-lined spherical bearings for noise free performance.
- CNC laser cut main plate is made using 5/16″ high strength P&O steel (IE: seperate pieces of plate that are welded together?...DD)
J&M
- Replaceable high strength chrome moly bearing for noise free performance
- 52100 heat treated steel/hard chrome plated ball
- Bearing race is heat treated 4340 chrome moly steel
- Bearing liner is a stronger sintered bronze wire net impregnated with PTFE powder, same as modern ball joints.
- Forged one piece bearing mount made from 4340 chrome-moly
#28
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 682
From: Colorado USA
Car: '83 Firebird (T/A Clone)
Engine: 350 carbed with L-69 components
Transmission: 700R-4 w/2000 RPM stall converter
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt/3.73 ..
Re: Strut Tower Mount Question
'Just ordered the J&Ms...
#29
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,115
Likes: 1,957
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
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KITT87 (02-24-2024)
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