Anyone using a shock tower brace?

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Aug 23, 2002 | 11:57 AM

MWILLET

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 1999

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Anyone using a shock tower brace?

I had heard that C3 owners who had made suspension upgrades (especially stiffer sway bars) should also consider installing a "monte carlo" brace to keep the shock towers from cracking. IIRC, the theory was that that the flex that had been taken away from the frame would be transferred upwards, causing damage to other areas of the front end. My 80 has a 1 1/8" front sway bar, 5/8" rear sway bar, 460 lb front springs, 330 lb fiberglass rear spring and Bilsteins on all 4 corners.
Anyway, if you've got one, has it made a big difference? What did it cost? Where did you get it? Any difficulties installing it?
Thanks!

Aug 23, 2002 | 12:06 PM

PatsLs1vette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 9,622

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From: absecon nj

Re: Anyone using a shock tower brace? (MWILLET)

vette brake products sells them for like 80 dollars i think,i just removed my regular fan to electric fans so ill get one soon. click on number 28http://www.vettebrakes.com/2002cat/index2.htm

[Modified by pats406nitrovette, 11:09 AM 8/23/2002]

[Modified by pats406nitrovette, 11:09 AM 8/23/2002]

Aug 23, 2002 | 12:22 PM

flynhi

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 6,273

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From: Austin TX

Re: Anyone using a shock tower brace? (MWILLET)

My 71's suspension is similar to yours and I installed the VB shock spreader bar several years ago with very good results. The front end is noticeably stiffer.
Guldstrand also sells one, so it must be of benefit.

[Modified by flynhi, 12:56 PM 8/23/2002]

Aug 23, 2002 | 02:15 PM

redvetracr

Race Director

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 18,126

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From: WI

Re: Anyone using a shock tower brace? (MWILLET)

Also known as a "spreader bar" and yes you should have one. I believe Guldstrand has one for use with or without a "fan". What ever that is!!
...redvetracr

Aug 23, 2002 | 02:27 PM

Wrencher

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 4,101

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From: NorCal

Re: Anyone using a shock tower brace? (redvetracr)

My understanding is that the stock fan will clear it on a small block, but not a BB. After I do DeWitt's fan setup, I'll use one as well. At the historics, the '69 racers had 'em and it's a great place to mount remote filters, ala 427 Cobra...

Hans

Aug 23, 2002 | 02:28 PM

Tom73

Race Director

Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 15,132

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From: NM

Re: Anyone using a shock tower brace? (MWILLET)

Just a small technicality, "Shock Towers" are something that McPherson Strut equiped cars have. So a Vette, since it does not use mcpherson struts could not have a shock tower brace. That is something a rustang would have. Vette would have a "Spreader Bar" which stabalizes the front upper control arms by linking them together. :D :D

tom...

Aug 23, 2002 | 02:32 PM

daily_driver

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 2,280

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From: colorado springs CO

Re: Anyone using a shock tower brace? (Tom73)

i have dual flexalites so it made installation much easier...

YES you can tell a big difference with the spreader bar.... it is well worth the money...

Aug 23, 2002 | 03:25 PM

MWILLET

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 364

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Re: Anyone using a shock tower brace? (Tom73)

Quote:

I stand (well, sit) corrected. Poor choice of terms on my part. As penance, I'll spend Saturday in a 4.6 liter Mustang trying to keep up with V6 Camaros.