Is a strut tower brace really worth it? What are the pro's and con's of having one? I was also curious about subframe connectors. I have heard from some that it is a common misconception that installing these subframes will reduce raddle because it will actually inscrease the raddling of the car. I'm just looking to do some CHEAP and easy mods to help out my car. All suggestions are appreciated.

 

well the SFCs made the car feel better going over bumps and such. Its was worth it. the STB, well Im glad its in there, the car felt better during some hard cornering, but it might have been all in my head. some people say the 3point one that attaches near the windshield could crack the glass, others say it doesnt. I have no idea as i just have the standard one that goes across the shocks.

 

It really all depends on what your looking for. If you want straight line performance, go with the SFCs for sure. IMO the STB won't help at all for that.

If your looking at autocroos racing, go with both.

 

I noticed a hugh difference with SFC's, more so than with my 3 point STB. I do have a Conv., so I figure that's why I noticed a hugh difference with the SFC's. Some people that have the 3 point's, have mentioned they cracked the windshield because the 3rd point is atttached at the cowl. Since I don't autocross, I've never had a problem with that. You don't have to autocross to see the advantages of one though.

 

From what i've heard from a few suspension experts, a STB is pretty worthless.

 

I thought I had more body roll in turns when I had mine pulled for a few days. Wan't huge, but it was noticeable. I noticed less roll when I reinstalled it.

 

SFC are the better mod of the two. In my opinion, the first suspension mod that should be done to any Fbody.

 

I think they're both worthwhile mods.

 

ok.....it's rattle not raddle


the sfc made the car feel completely different for my everyday driving. i have alot of bridges in my area, and they have the little dips for each section, after the install the feeling of those dips was completly different. the car felt so much more solid.

i seemed to notice a bit more of a "rough" ride after the install. i think it was becuase the suspension is a bit worn, and since the bumps were not absorbed by the flex of the body, it was left up to the suspension. i like the feel, i drive a sports car not a caddy. the car in general feels more solid and stable.

the stb probably wont make a huge difference. but it looks good, definatly can't hurt, and gives a great holding place while you work on your engine

 

I have a convertible.It was terrible for cowl shake and rattling really bad with top up,not as bad with top down.
I put in bmr weld in subframe connectors and bought bmr stb brace.I have used kenny brown double diamond subfame in my 99 and 97ta. I cheaped out with the bmr stuff.

I don't feel the bmr subframes helped much.It might be cause its a vert not sure.

I plan on possibly removing them..not necessarily and easy task and going to kenny brown ones again.And might even sell of my bmr stb for the hotchkis one.I had hotchkis on my other cars also.

I think the bmr stuff is ok but there is better stuff out there but of course it costs more.

 

I am having that exact same rattling problem from the passenger side when the top is up and it is driving me insane. Have you found out what it is exactly and have you gotten it to stop??

 

I have a 3 point stb and I could tell the difference when going over like speed bumps or stuff like that, I think its worth it.

 

I'd definately go for the subframes. I didn't feel the night and day difference that some do, but the car just felt more solid. Also, if you drive the car hard, like it's made for, over time the bending and flexing can cause problems (doors not lining up properly, etc). If you get them, get em off ebay. I bought my pair for $65. They are the exact same as BMR tubulars, but the tubing is a bit bigger. Got them shipped and welding in for right around $100.

 

Actually, if you're autocrossing, you'd better check the rules first because you probably won't like what happens when you put sfc's on the car.

 

^^This^^