| Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) | |
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+74Yardley joshuadalegrimes matt270avian Randy T. al_roethlisberger artlock llamalor2112 Mattwa drdivo nothincame2mind Riviera Randy ZEP rk0ehn gmann3001 charlieRobinson RivieraParadise flyingjunebugs bigdave RidzRiv BlownRiv crlombardi69 Derek J. Chris Davis VJD2 Abaddon 98inSFl duckstu 97 park ave DEMonte1997 LARRY70GS L67 nigelf Ash eagleblanks13 97rivsc ewolfe0050 EASHER Rickw 96RIVMANN SuperRiv07 Steve98 Chicken Karma lyonsperformance dreww 98riv 98RIV7777 rascal5478 ibmoses albertj robotennis61 Kustom Kreationz robertwolf86 rivparadise Joey98riv BillBoost37 oldsman105 deekster_caddy TonySmooth89 ender467 Buapo Jack the R 54_nailhead jimmyriv SpaceBar turtleman racinfan T Riley 99Rivman Mr.Riviera 1998 Riv AA jax95riv Jason 78 posters |
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Jason Aficionado
Name : Jason Age : 41 Location : Comox, BC, Canada Joined : 2007-01-23 Post Count : 1378 Merit : 66
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Sun May 20, 2007 11:02 am | |
| I would bend the tabs to get it to fit. It will also help you clear the reservoir. | |
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1998 Riv Expert
Name : Dave Age : 64 Location : In The AZ Oven Joined : 2007-01-17 Post Count : 4502 Merit : 44
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Sun May 20, 2007 2:28 pm | |
| - SpaceBar wrote:
- 98riviera98 wrote:
- well good luck mine bolted right up in less than 5 minutes but i do have a 98
You didn't even need washers? I would assume he either used washers, or his bar is hitting the brake fluid res. MIne was a perfect fit other than the need for a few washers to gain res. clearance. The improvement from the STB is the main reason I may just decide to sell my Addco sway bars. Some extra work seems to be needed on the pre-98 Rivs, including either elongating the holes, rebending the tabs, or a combination. | |
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1998 Riv Expert
Name : Dave Age : 64 Location : In The AZ Oven Joined : 2007-01-17 Post Count : 4502 Merit : 44
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Sun May 20, 2007 2:29 pm | |
| - jimmyriv wrote:
- Are the bolts at the top of the tower movable at all?
Not on my 98. | |
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turtleman Expert
Name : Codith Age : 37 Location : Villa Park, IL Joined : 2007-02-08 Post Count : 3671 Merit : 140
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Mon May 21, 2007 10:18 pm | |
| ya i was able to get mine in. I ended up cutting the bar like jack did and then welded a washer to the top and bottom of the bar to retain rigidity. As jack mentioned, I would have liked to have some more threads in the nut but its held in well so mission accomplished.
Results: improved sharp cornering and high speed turns plus it looks nice and stock | |
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jax95riv Aficionado
Name : Jack Age : 62 Location : Oklahoma City Joined : 2007-01-14 Post Count : 1062 Merit : 6
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Mon May 21, 2007 11:00 pm | |
| You would think that the strut mount location would be the same on all the models. Why would pre 98 bolt locations be different? BTW, glad it worked out for you Codith! | |
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T Riley Guru
Name : Travis Age : 34 Location : Minnesconsin Joined : 2007-02-08 Post Count : 5127 Merit : 10
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Tue May 22, 2007 12:29 am | |
| - SpaceBar wrote:
- 98riviera98 wrote:
- well good luck mine bolted right up in less than 5 minutes but i do have a 98
You didn't even need washers? haha so u caught me it ACTUALLY took me ABOUT 5 1/2 minutes i needed 8 washers!! | |
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AA Administrator
Name : Aaron Age : 47 Location : C-bus, Ohio Joined : 2007-01-13 Post Count : 18452 Merit : 252
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Fri May 25, 2007 6:10 pm | |
| quote: "You would think that the strut mount location would be the same on all the models. Why would pre 98 bolt locations be different?"
The strut type used changed in '97 and '98, along with some other suspension parts. '98 uses bots, where earlier uses nuts. Might explain the different hole locations. _________________ '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^^^ SOLD ^^^ '70 Ninety-Eight Holiday Coupe 455cid • 116k miles^^^ SOLD ^^^ | |
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SpaceBar Aficionado
Name : Patrick Age : 38 Location : Quincy, MA Joined : 2007-04-08 Post Count : 1199 Merit : 3
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Fri May 25, 2007 6:37 pm | |
| I ordered mine from GMpartdirect.com yesterday. I went to the buick dealership and they said there are only 2 caddy dealerships in the country that show it in stock. | |
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1998 Riv Expert
Name : Dave Age : 64 Location : In The AZ Oven Joined : 2007-01-17 Post Count : 4502 Merit : 44
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Sat May 26, 2007 12:33 am | |
| You'll probably have to wait a couple weeks or so from gmpartsdirect too. I tried them and Fred Bean, neither carried stock, both had them on order. | |
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SpaceBar Aficionado
Name : Patrick Age : 38 Location : Quincy, MA Joined : 2007-04-08 Post Count : 1199 Merit : 3
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Sat May 26, 2007 8:24 am | |
| - 1998 Riv wrote:
- You'll probably have to wait a couple weeks or so from gmpartsdirect too. I tried them and Fred Bean, neither carried stock, both had them on order.
Wish it said that on the site. Hopefully I get it soon. | |
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1998 Riv Expert
Name : Dave Age : 64 Location : In The AZ Oven Joined : 2007-01-17 Post Count : 4502 Merit : 44
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Sat May 26, 2007 4:18 pm | |
| If you look up your order on their site, it will show you that they are a non-stock, no-return item. Likely means a couple weeks. I think I had mine in about 10 days. | |
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jax95riv Aficionado
Name : Jack Age : 62 Location : Oklahoma City Joined : 2007-01-14 Post Count : 1062 Merit : 6
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Sat May 26, 2007 4:52 pm | |
| - SpaceBar wrote:
- I ordered mine from GMpartdirect.com yesterday. I went to the buick dealership and they said there are only 2 caddy dealerships in the country that show it in stock.
That's because all the Rivi guys are buying them up! | |
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1998 Riv Expert
Name : Dave Age : 64 Location : In The AZ Oven Joined : 2007-01-17 Post Count : 4502 Merit : 44
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Sat May 26, 2007 5:00 pm | |
| Hey Jack, just logged in to my work emails, and replied about the bars. | |
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SpaceBar Aficionado
Name : Patrick Age : 38 Location : Quincy, MA Joined : 2007-04-08 Post Count : 1199 Merit : 3
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Sat May 26, 2007 11:43 pm | |
| - 1998 Riv wrote:
- If you look up your order on their site, it will show you that they are a non-stock, no-return item. Likely means a couple weeks. I think I had mine in about 10 days.
Ah I didn't notice that. Thanks. Hopefully I'll get mine in that time too. | |
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SpaceBar Aficionado
Name : Patrick Age : 38 Location : Quincy, MA Joined : 2007-04-08 Post Count : 1199 Merit : 3
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Thu Jun 14, 2007 1:38 pm | |
| Got it in the mail today. Fedex must have dropped it and bent one of the tabs a bit but it shouldn't be hard to get it back. Going to install it in a little while. | |
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SpaceBar Aficionado
Name : Patrick Age : 38 Location : Quincy, MA Joined : 2007-04-08 Post Count : 1199 Merit : 3
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Thu Jun 14, 2007 8:35 pm | |
| Installed it this afternoon and took it through a few good turns. Feels great. What a great improvement for $30.
Thanks guys! | |
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1998 Riv Expert
Name : Dave Age : 64 Location : In The AZ Oven Joined : 2007-01-17 Post Count : 4502 Merit : 44
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Thu Jun 14, 2007 11:32 pm | |
| Cool, I think it's the best cheap mod for the Rivs. | |
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54_nailhead Enthusiast
Name : Luke Age : 48 Location : Waconia, MN Joined : 2007-06-15 Post Count : 126 Merit : 3
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Tue Jul 03, 2007 6:17 pm | |
| I have a question for the guys that have installed their STB already. Have you noticed that your cars make more rattling or squeaking noises after the brace was installed? | |
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SpaceBar Aficionado
Name : Patrick Age : 38 Location : Quincy, MA Joined : 2007-04-08 Post Count : 1199 Merit : 3
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:53 pm | |
| - 54_nailhead wrote:
- I have a question for the guys that have installed their STB already. Have you noticed that your cars make more rattling or squeaking noises after the brace was installed?
Mine makes much LESS noises now. | |
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54_nailhead Enthusiast
Name : Luke Age : 48 Location : Waconia, MN Joined : 2007-06-15 Post Count : 126 Merit : 3
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:11 pm | |
| That's good to hear. I have one ordered, but was talking to a friend that had one from SLP on a Trans Am he used to have and he claimed that the car made more squeaking noise after installing the brace. I can't wait to get the brace and get it installed on my car and see how much difference they make. | |
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SpaceBar Aficionado
Name : Patrick Age : 38 Location : Quincy, MA Joined : 2007-04-08 Post Count : 1199 Merit : 3
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:13 pm | |
| My car used to make a creaking noise when I went over speedbumps and thats completely gone. The doors also don't make much noise at all when I close it now compared to before.
The difference is amazing too. Well worth it. | |
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Jack the R Master
Joined : 2007-01-16 Post Count : 8074 Merit : 105
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:58 pm | |
| Couple questions - Do you guys think there would be any benefit to welding a second crossbar in behind the first? Is there enough room on the end pieces to do it? Is everyone else getting this much hood gap : | |
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Mr.Riviera Expert
Name : Matthew Age : 38 Location : Florida Joined : 2007-01-17 Post Count : 4394 Merit : 101
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:15 pm | |
| i have no hood gap :/ and i dont think a seconary bar would help. have you tried moving the rubber pieces at the top and bottom of the bay? they can hold the hood up some too. _________________ 1996 with 254k miles, L32 4" FWI -> ported N* -> Ported Gen V w/3.0" Pulley, Stage 3 Phenolic I/C, ZZP FMHE, 1.84 RR, Headers and 3" pipe to mufflers, F-body brakes, and lowered on Eibachs. -RIP AMG C400 White on black. Stage 2 w/E30 - 11.9@117 -daily | |
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Jack the R Master
Joined : 2007-01-16 Post Count : 8074 Merit : 105
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:38 am | |
| I haven't ordered one yet - maybe in the next few minutes edit ---- Brace ordered! | |
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SpaceBar Aficionado
Name : Patrick Age : 38 Location : Quincy, MA Joined : 2007-04-08 Post Count : 1199 Merit : 3
| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) Fri Aug 17, 2007 9:57 am | |
| - Jack the R wrote:
- Couple questions -
Do you guys think there would be any benefit to welding a second crossbar in behind the first? Is there enough room on the end pieces to do it?
Is everyone else getting this much hood gap :
I don't have any hood gap either. | |
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| Subject: Re: Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) | |
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| Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) | |
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