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

I would bend the tabs to get it to fit. It will also help you clear the reservoir.

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.

jimmyriv wrote:: Are the bolts at the top of the tower movable at all?

Not on my 98.

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

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! happy

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!! rolleyes

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.

_________________
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'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 ^^^ frown

'70 Ninety-Eight Holiday Coupe 455cid • 116k miles
^^^ SOLD ^^^ frown

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.

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.

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. scratch

Hopefully I get it soon.

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.

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!

Hey Jack, just logged in to my work emails, and replied about the bars. smile

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.

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.

Installed it this afternoon and took it through a few good turns. Feels great. What a great improvement for $30.

Thanks guys!

Cool, I think it's the best cheap mod for the Rivs.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Master Joined : 2007-01-16 Post Count : 8072 Merit : 105

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 :

tower - Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 2 2271467_48_full

tower - Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 2 2271467_48_full

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
tower - Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 2 Dsc_0110

tower - Write-Up: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace (STB) - Page 2 Dsc_0110

Master Joined : 2007-01-16 Post Count : 8072 Merit : 105

I haven't ordered one yet - maybe in the next few minutes wink

edit ----

Brace ordered!

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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