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I am thinking of adding a STB on my vert. Which one fits best? I am thinking of getting the SLP one and having the bottom machined to allow for the irregular shape of the strut tower where it bolts up. I do not want to use washers to raise it up over the extra sheet metal on the strut towers. Anyone done this?
-------------------- Lance 2002 35th SS Vert C068 Posts: 72 | From: Texas but currently in Calgary, Alberta | Registered: Apr 2002
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I just installed on SLP STB last week on a 2002 SS. The fit is very good. I do like your idea of machining the bottom to fit better, as that was my only complaint.
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I've the Hotchkis unit. Nice looking piece, and easy to do oil changes around witout moving it.
The "sturdyness" of your STB will only be as good as the sheer strength of the GM bolts. You're not really looking to increase chasis stiffness too much, just to prevent strut tower flex to maintain correct wheel geometry, while preventing too much weight being added to the front.
Remember, these cars are already front heavy, and will already understeer like mad in stock trim (especially if you're sporting drag radials out back ).
I took off my STB until the recent sub-frame installation which brought my handling closer to nutral.
It can be a useful tool, but don't get carried away looking for the EXTRA beefy one or a 3-point-you'll-never-uninstall-it design. Too much understeer can really ruin a RWD platform. You can't turn when you want, and you'll have to baby it around corners.
A fair bit of understeer is good for most people, the hardcore racing guys with HONEST EXPERIENCE look for a more nutral setting, but its not fun as a daily driver, thats why I slapped on my STB and tightened my LCA bolts a little more after the Sub frame connector installation (just to get a little more understeer to be consistant).
Throttle steerings fun from time to time, but I doubt I'd be as entertained on a wet highway corner.
Get which ever one looks the best and installs the easiest. They all function nearlly the same. (except for 3-point braces which I could NEVER deal with doing a 4 hour removal/installation any time work is to be done by me or my mechanic!)
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I installed a heavy duty tunnel brace and a chromoly STB, both from BMR fabrication, at the same time. I found a definate decrease in cowl shake. I don't know if it was the tunnel brace or the STB or a little of both but I was happy either way. The chromoly STB is really light too so I only added about 5lbs to the front of the car. Plus it looks cool Posts: 13 | From: Folsom | Registered: Nov 2001
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