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 Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)

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ibmoses
Aficionado
ibmoses


Name : Bert
Location : North Alabama
Joined : 2008-02-03
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptySun Jun 08, 2008 3:33 pm

98riv wrote:
Try bending the mounting tabs so that you don't have to use as many washers.

With the bar just barely clearing the master cylinder I have hood bulge(see pic).

Not sure but it seems like the master cylinder in this car is a fuzz higher than normal?

Bert tavis
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deekster_caddy
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Name : Derek
Age : 52
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyMon Jun 09, 2008 1:26 pm

You need to even out your spacers. You shouldn't have to make it that high on one side. Lower it back down a little and try to have equal spacing on both sides. Mine has less than 1/8 clearance to the mas. cyl. and I have no hood bulge at all. No contact to the hood whatsoever.
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dreww
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dreww


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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Jun 17, 2008 1:10 am

I only put one washer on each bolt (could maybe have gotten away with none). I used a sander and sanded ALOT off the top of the master cylinder - especially where the STB crosses over. Like so much, I almost cut all the way into it. Maybe 1 to 2mm of plastic left.

I had to drill out the bolt holes on the STB. Put my dewalt to the test. happy
My rubber mallet came in handy too.
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lyonsperformance
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lyonsperformance


Name : Michael
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Strut tower brace   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Aug 05, 2008 8:19 am

Looking for a strut tower brace, checked ZZP, and Intense, will a tower brace for a GTP, fit a 96 Rivi? car handles well but stock suspension is a little on the soft side as you already know, i will be installing KYB shocks and struts, i would like to limit as much body roll as possible.
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1998 Riv
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1998 Riv


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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Aug 05, 2008 9:20 am

No stb made specifically for the Rivs. However, a late model Caddy STS stb is almost a direct bolt on. Lots of guys here use it. W-body will not fit.
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deekster_caddy
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Name : Derek
Age : 52
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Aug 05, 2008 4:49 pm

what year is your car? Put some info in your sig. please.
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Karma
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Karma


Name : Andrew
Age : 39
Location : Ontario, Canada
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyMon Aug 18, 2008 11:17 am

here are some pics of my custom strut tower brace. I thought I'd better post them instead of having them just sitting around on my computer. I'm begining to find that either the series I engine sits a bit higher than the 2, or maybe sits farther back in the engine bay. All the pics I saw of others(all series 2) and how they used the STS STB seemed to have way more room at their disposal, as well as Eric's custom one. So i figured I was better off making one from scratch:
Photobucket
The ends I had actually made almost 5 months ago, but then had no time to finish. I made rough blanks out of cardboard to figure the shape I wanted, made sure that the bolts were indeed square with the car(they are!), and then cut the shape from some steel plate I had around.
Photobucket
And below we can see the clearance of the break res.:
Photobucket
The thing is VERY stiff, the one ton press wouldent make the slight bends I needed so I used the ten ton. The angle needed was measured(something like 4 deg if i recall correctly), and then both ends were made to match. Dunno if it really makes a big difference, seems to roll less in the front... but its hard to tell with my rear shocks falling apart.(but not to worry, Ranchos are on order!)

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Jack the R
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Jack the R


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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyMon Aug 18, 2008 12:39 pm

You're gonna love those Ranchos wink Be sure to make an STB for the rear so it can handle them!
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Chicken
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Chicken


Name : Mark
Age : 57
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyMon Aug 18, 2008 1:14 pm

Anyone know if his 95 STB is compatible with the 96?
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Karma
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Karma


Name : Andrew
Age : 39
Location : Ontario, Canada
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyMon Aug 18, 2008 1:32 pm

I could check if there was a 96+ riv in the area... well there is, but i dunno what the "old dears" would think of , "hey, i just want to try something out on your engine..." from a stranger....

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Chicken
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Chicken


Name : Mark
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyMon Aug 18, 2008 2:12 pm

you still have the template?
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Chicken
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Chicken


Name : Mark
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyMon Aug 18, 2008 2:35 pm

...man this is crazy.....

I work for one of the largest machine shops in the country....I should see if I can make one here....
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Steve98
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 3:42 pm

I installed this brace over the weekend. I have a 98, so the holes matched up with the bolts. I had major clearance issues, though, and had to use 8 washers all around. I've got a slight bulge in my hood now, which I don't like. I love how much better my Riv drives, though. It corners better and just feels more solid in general. This is a great mod and I agree that the brace should have been stock. I want to brace the rear strut towers, too.
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ibmoses
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ibmoses


Name : Bert
Location : North Alabama
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 4:45 pm

Thats the same problem I had with the wifes 99. Big stacks of washers, slight hood bulge and still just barely clearing the master cylinder. no

Bert tavis


Steve98 wrote:
I installed this brace over the weekend. I have a 98, so the holes matched up with the bolts. I had major clearance issues, though, and had to use 8 washers all around. I've got a slight bulge in my hood now, which I don't like. I love how much better my Riv drives, though. It corners better and just feels more solid in general. This is a great mod and I agree that the brace should have been stock. I want to brace the rear strut towers, too.
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deekster_caddy
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 4:57 pm

Interesting. I wonder why some have clearance issues and some do not...
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AA
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AA


Name : Aaron
Age : 46
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 5:02 pm

I think it's the bars more than anything. Make sure those bars are straight...

Mine was bent when it arrived. Even a slight curve will throw off the alignment.

_________________
'05 GTO 6.0L • 6-spd • 95k miles • 0-60: 4.8s • 16.9 avg MPG • Nelson Ledges Lap: 1:26

'95 Celica GT 2.2L • 5-spd • 165k miles • 0-60: yes

'98 SC Riviera • 281k miles • 298 HP/370 TQ • 0-60: 5.79s • ET: 13.97 @ 99.28 • 4087 lb • 20.1 avg MPG • Nelson Ledges Lap: 1:30
3.4" pulley • AL104 plugs • 180º t-stat • FWI w/K&N • 1.9:1 rockers • OR pushrods • LS6 valve springs • SLP headers • ZZP fuel rails
KYB GR2 struts • MaxAir shocks • Addco sway bars • UMI bushings • GM STB • Enkei 18" EV5s w/ Dunlop DZ101s • F-body calipers
EBC bluestuff/Hawk HP plus • SS lines • Brembo slotted discs • DHP tuned • Aeroforce • Hidden Hitch

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'70 Ninety-Eight Holiday Coupe 455cid • 116k miles
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Karma
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Karma


Name : Andrew
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 5:19 pm

I'd offer to make custom ones, but it sure wouldn't be cheaper than getting the STS one...

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Jack the R
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Jack the R


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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 8:06 pm

Karma wrote:
I'd offer to make custom ones, but it sure wouldn't be cheaper than getting the STS one...

I wouldn't mind having better ones with no clearance issues.

I've got other $ priorities at the moment though, but I bet I'm not the only potential buyer.
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SuperRiv07
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 8:27 pm

I want one? I really dont want to buy this caddilac one and it dont work and I strecth it to work and while doing that i weaken it
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T Riley
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Name : Travis
Age : 33
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 8:30 pm

SuperRiv07 wrote:
I want one? I really dont want to buy this caddilac one and it dont work and I strecth it to work and while doing that i weaken it

mine worked perfect not to brag or nothin cool
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SuperRiv07
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 8:32 pm

yeah but I read all the pages and they seemed to work on 98's with no problem but seem not to line up on earlier models and I have a 96
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T Riley
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 8:33 pm

SuperRiv07 wrote:
yeah but I read all the pages and they seemed to work on 98's with no problem but seem not to line up on earlier models and I have a 96

modify it...... thats what ewolf did..... he basically custom made one!
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SuperRiv07
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 8:34 pm

Yeah I dont have anything to do that with and I dont have a garage to work in at the moment? What kind do you use in the rear?
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Karma
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 8:35 pm

ewolf did custom make one, did he not? It was similar to the one I custom made, but mine had a bit more material in around the strut tower...

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T Riley
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Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB)   Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 9 EmptyTue Oct 07, 2008 8:37 pm

SuperRiv07 wrote:
Yeah I dont have anything to do that with and I dont have a garage to work in at the moment? What kind do you use in the rear?


i have a sub box so i chose NOT to make a rear one smile
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