Strut braces for TPIs - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

chevylover5 · 05-23-2007, 08:34 AM

I have a 92 Z28 and I was debating on making a front strut tower brace. Im told that it stiffens the front and stops the popping noise when pulling into driveways.

My question is...
Is it worth buying one or making one?

I hear that with TPI its rough fitting it over the plenum. I was just going to make my own, have my dad weld it up and then just make a braket and bushing and bolt it up. My dads been a welder for like 30 years so he knows his stuff and im not worried about that. But, I was just wondering if its worth it to even try to make or buy one. thanks guys/gals

-chevylover5

karr95 · 05-23-2007, 09:11 AM

I put one on my car. I can't say that there is a huge difference but I'm sure it can't hurt. The front end on the 3rd gens is pretty long so any help in stiffening up the chassis is probably a good thing.

If you check out my engine picture you can see my STB.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ice=&cardist=0

BigAls87Z28 · 05-23-2007, 12:17 PM

STB and a Wonderbar do good things to stiffen the front end.

JSPERFORMANCE · 05-26-2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

STB and a Wonderbar do good things to stiffen the front end.

For what they are selling for powdercoated it is not worth trying to re-invent the wheel in this area.

Teds89IROC · 06-04-2007, 07:19 PM

I have the edelbrock one on the iroc, it definitelty can't hurt. As for fitment, it fits fine over the plenum on the camaros. The problem was with the firebirds clearing the hood. I had to also bang up some of the extended lip underneath the hood to give another 1/4" for two of the bolt heads, no big deal.

Teds89IROC · 06-04-2007, 07:24 PM

very old pic:

deadtrend1 · 06-05-2007, 04:56 PM

I can't count how many times I had to pull mine off the 96 since its always in the way of me doing stuff

Batman · 06-06-2007, 10:42 AM

STB is a good idea, but the wonderbar is more important IMO. I'd do both if you can afford it but the frame is very weak around the steering box so the Wonderbar has more bang for the buck. Also for what they cost (normally around $100-$150, powdercoated) it isn't worth all the fabbing you will need to do. I highly recommend UMI, Spohn and BMR, anything from them you should be very happy with.