Which ones are you guys using if any...?

 

You can use any strut bar that fits on TPI engines. I think our engines give enough space for those. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Ehhhhhhhhhh, I wouldn't be totally sure about the any one for TPI engines. I dunno I have heard of something getting in the way. Although this would be an awsome mod.

 

I believe the TBI ones clear because of the increased hight of the air cleaner assembly.

 

TPI ones are low over the engine; since the V8's are 90 degree blocks, and our 2.8/3.1/3.4's are 60 degree blocks, our engines are taller.

I don't think anyone's got a STB on a 2.8/3.1 82-92 Firebird/Camaro. I asked for verification a while ago, and nobody had an answer or a picture for me. So hey, you could be the first! And if it doesn't fit, just return it!

 

I thought you wre making one Tom?

 

Hehe, yeah, I was... I finished making the hydraulic bender, and completely forgot about the project! I bent a "template" tube by hand (6 feet of thin threaded rod)- I noticed that the clearance between our throttle bodies and the hood is VERY little, so a straight-across brace wouldn't work. I'll have to dig all my plans out soon and get back to the brace one of these days. That's why I'd love to know if someone sells a strut tower brace that fits!

 

TomP,

I have seen some TPI ones that have a flat plate with reenforments in the middle for clearing the throtle body. You might want to consider doing some thing along those lines to help clear the throtle body.

 

Yeah; I remember seeing that one; it's got the three holes in that center metal piece, right? I'll have to check that out; thanks!

 

Yeah, I belive it is made by Hotkins (SP?).

 

rather then going straight up and over what about going around the motor like so

maybe one piece going up front and another going around the the rear to make it a three point brace

I dont think it could be all that hard to make one yourself if you know how to weld or pay someone off to do it

 

I've asked various places such as Hotchkis, and BMR if they had STB's for our cars, and they don't. The problem was said earlier in another reply, our engines are too tall for a STB. My suggestion is something people don't often talk about. If we cannot get a STB, why not get a wonderbar? The wonderbar is also called a steering brace. It would strengthen the front end of the car and provide better steering, not to mention stability. Thunder racing sells one of these for a rather inexpensive price. But hey if someone knows of a STB that fits our V6's tell me

 

even with a wonderbar though I would guess that your strut towers would flex causing the camber to change and create less contact patch on the ground with the tires.

it should be that hard to make your own STB brace though
take a look at your car and mesure things out
I am sure that you can go and find someone to help you weld the parts together

 

The only hard part would be mesuring the the engine to hood clearence.


I thought the wonder bar was just to help keep the stearing box from comming lose or deflecting?

 

I am sure you could make a STB but if you cannot make one or are not able to find someone who can make one for you, you just have to use what is available. The wonderbar does provide stability to the steering box, but it does link both sides of the car. I assume it's the same concept as subframe connectors where when you connect multiple parts of the car together it provides a more rigid ride. I'd think the wonderbar works the same way making the front end more rigid. If someone would start making STB's for V6's I am sure we would all like to buy one, so maybe one of you guys can make some money out of your projects.

 

BitchinRS, I did it the hard way. I put the car up on wheel ramps, climbed under, and sat between the motor and radiator. (Good thing we have a small V6, eh?) I could fit two fingers between the thinnest part of the TB and the hood... it's a tight fit.

Rx7, my "test fit" steel rod does something like what you suggested. The bummer is it won't be quite as strong as a straight pipe, but I didn't think of tying it anywhere to make it a 3 point brace- I'll check it out. Thanks!

 

common place to tie it in at is at the firewall

just remember to brace the STB off the strut tops not the bar that is going between them. and also the piece that is comming off the top of the struts to link them together make sure it is as short as you can make it

though sure you already knew that stuff


but good luck and let us know how it turns out

trying to get a front/rear and lower for me soon