as summer begins to draw to a close, i am beginning to think of appearance things to do to my car as the CT fall and winter draws near. one thing i would like to do is add and STB (strut tower brace). i really like the one from hotchkiss, but their website says it is specificaly for TPI cars. my question is what is the difference? will clearance be an issue? (i wouldn't think so). what would make them TPI specific?

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1990 Firebird 3.1
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- Auto Trans, TA Body Kit
- Home Made C.A.I.
- ASP Underdrive Pulleys
- MSD 8.5mm Superconducter Wires (custom-cut)
- MSD GM Blaster Coil (8226)
- AC Delco Cap & Rotor
- Bosh Platinum +4 plugs
- Mobil 1 Synthetic Fluids
- 2.5" Hooker Aero-Chamber Cat-back (27121)
- 2.5" Hooker Elite Stainless Extension Tips (31503)
- GTS Blackouts (stickers removed - #GT034)
- TB Bypass

KILLS = Dodge Daytona, 2000 Toyota 4 Runner 4WD,
1999ish Ford Explorer XLT, "older" Jeep Cherokee, 68ish Mustang (died completely when the light went green )

LOSSES = 300zx (took me in 2nd)

"The racing dice added 5hp...I SWEAR!"

 

They say it will not fit, but we need someone to buy one, try it and if it does not work send it back for a refund...

 

hrmmm....i think it would be worth a shot for the hell of it. i remember about a year ago that i looking into this and someone made one (forget the brand) for the TBI-TPI and they said theirs would fit. i rememer it was an uhgly **** brown color....hehe. hey, maybe worth a shot....i let you know if i go for it....anyone else know?

 

I dont think fitting tpi STB will be a problem.. if worse comes to worse, send it back. BTW.. i think TPI is actually taller then mpfi (intake wise) so you should actually have extra room.

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1989 Firebird. Modded.
700r4-->t5 w/ram clutch
Cold air, 1.6 rockers, 21lb injectors, 3" y-pipe, random tech cat, 3" ipipe, flowmaster 80 series 3" in 3" out hand made stainless tips, Lakewood LCA's, Msd 6a, Msd coil, Wonder Bar, 180* stat,
Coming Soon: T/a hood, Painted,Spohn Panhard Bar, 4thgen Front Seats, Cam!, Msd 8.5 wires, Posi (ACCEL IS CRAP)
"I'd rather run last in a full out race, than to NOT have run at all"
See my car Here!
In Memory of #3 Dale Earnhardt

 

BUY IT AND LET US KNOW...

 

There's very little clearance between our throttle bodies and the top of the hood- and that's a hood with the insulation removed! Damn, that reminds me, I never went back to that "weld my own STB project"- I finished the tubing bender, and forgot all about it.

Anyway, I've seen some STB's that utilize a flat plate in the center, with holes drilled in the plate. I always thought it was for "show", but apparently it's to fix the clearance problem- a thin piece of metal is easier to fit between the hood and throttle body.

The guys are right; buy it & let us know. Summit Racing would probably take it back without any hassle. I've heard rumors that the V8 STB will fit, but have never seen proof.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)