Ford vs Chevy Build-up - Page 44

FED 387 · 05-07-2015, 12:05 PM

by trying to install the front tower brace if the car is sitting on the ground you will find that the holes on the brace will be off maybe as much as 1/2 the diameter of the bolt--- when you raise the car the towers will tend to sag outward and you can then easily install the brace as the holes will be perfectly aligned to the bolt and just drop down into position--- when you let the car down the flex you have been experiencing will have gone away due to the tower brace doing its job--- you might get those 2* camber back you are looking for-- plus it will stiffen the chassis/front end --FED 387

HandOverFist · 05-07-2015, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FED 387

by trying to install the front tower brace if the car is sitting on the ground you will find that the holes on the brace will be off maybe as much as 1/2 the diameter of the bolt--- when you raise the car the towers will tend to sag outward and you can then easily install the brace as the holes will be perfectly aligned to the bolt and just drop down into position--- when you let the car down the flex you have been experiencing will have gone away due to the tower brace doing its job--- you might get those 2* camber back you are looking for-- plus it will stiffen the chassis/front end --FED 387

I would be willing to install one if I knew the camber was going to be a player in et/mph for this car in a significant way.

SSDiv6 · 05-07-2015, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

I would be willing to install one if I knew the camber was going to be a player in et/mph for this car in a significant way.

With the amount of flex during launch and the better handling at the top end, it will help.
Believe me, I am building a Comp Eliminator Super Modified Mustang and know very well how much the body flexes.

7423 · 05-07-2015, 08:03 PM

Rich, your mid to high 12 second, 3500lbs pony going 103ish will never need the brace. My 94 had an OE brace. I took it off and saved the 15lbs and never felt a difference. Run 30psi or more in the skinnies and 26lbs or more in the rear radials. It will ride like a mouse with slippers. Stop very well also.

HandOverFist · 05-08-2015, 01:23 AM

Thanks guys for the input.

Charlie - I would like to see a picture of one of those OE braces as I have never seen one on a car.

Cleaned up a little in the engine bay...still some wiring to be dealt with at some point. Looks like we are still on for the Saturday Combo race at Bowling Green. I'll be running the Camaro and will make a pass in the Mustang to verify it's safety before turning it over to Kenny for the remainder of the evening.

We decided to just run the Mustang Saturday evening in the fun races so I can attempt to dial in a tune it likes. Once sorted out I'll bring it back for some Combo action. Kenny will be driving this one at the Hot Rod Reunion in June.

black88coupe · 05-08-2015, 08:42 AM

Looks good.

7423 · 05-08-2015, 09:34 AM

try this link Rich
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Strut-Tower-...2adc84&vxp=mtr

HandOverFist · 05-08-2015, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7423

try this link Rich
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Strut-Tower-...2adc84&vxp=mtr

Thanks Charlie - Guess that pretty much answers the question of it's legality on the car. Were they also available on the '79-'93 year models?

7423 · 05-08-2015, 04:57 PM

Never have seen an OE brace on a Fox body, possible on a Cobra. PartsBob could verify that.....................
Are you running mufflers or an X pipe? Either or both would be a cheap increase in bottom torque for you, something those motors have very little of.

FED 387 · 05-08-2015, 07:15 PM

nothing I can find in the NHRA rule book mentions shock strut braces either way---- only thing mentioned is that the suspension must remain OEM this has nothing to do with suspension it is a "body strengthening support"!!!--- check with NHRA get a definite ruling -- it is not a performance enhancing modification it is a safety or steering issue you are dealing with here--- If it were me I'd put one one show up at the track and if they did not like it pull it off otherwise plead your case and run the damn thing FED 387

05-07-2015, 12:05 PM	#431
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,422 Likes: 531 Liked 333 Times in 180 Posts	Re: Ford vs Chevy Build-up by trying to install the front tower brace if the car is sitting on the ground you will find that the holes on the brace will be off maybe as much as 1/2 the diameter of the bolt--- when you raise the car the towers will tend to sag outward and you can then easily install the brace as the holes will be perfectly aligned to the bolt and just drop down into position--- when you let the car down the flex you have been experiencing will have gone away due to the tower brace doing its job--- you might get those 2* camber back you are looking for-- plus it will stiffen the chassis/front end --FED 387

05-07-2015, 08:03 PM	#434
7423 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 639 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Ford vs Chevy Build-up Rich, your mid to high 12 second, 3500lbs pony going 103ish will never need the brace. My 94 had an OE brace. I took it off and saved the 15lbs and never felt a difference. Run 30psi or more in the skinnies and 26lbs or more in the rear radials. It will ride like a mouse with slippers. Stop very well also.

05-08-2015, 01:23 AM	#435
HandOverFist VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL Posts: 1,651 Likes: 8 Liked 33 Times in 16 Posts	Re: Ford vs Chevy Build-up Thanks guys for the input. Charlie - I would like to see a picture of one of those OE braces as I have never seen one on a car. Cleaned up a little in the engine bay...still some wiring to be dealt with at some point. Looks like we are still on for the Saturday Combo race at Bowling Green. I'll be running the Camaro and will make a pass in the Mustang to verify it's safety before turning it over to Kenny for the remainder of the evening. We decided to just run the Mustang Saturday evening in the fun races so I can attempt to dial in a tune it likes. Once sorted out I'll bring it back for some Combo action. Kenny will be driving this one at the Hot Rod Reunion in June. __________________ Rich Taylor I/SA - 321

05-08-2015, 08:42 AM	#436
black88coupe Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 352 Likes: 18 Liked 19 Times in 12 Posts	Re: Ford vs Chevy Build-up Looks good. __________________ Mitch Beri- The Motor City 1985 GT- “Stock-ish” 5.0 motor, AOD/ trans brake. 12.68 @ 101.31mph. https://www.facebook.com/groups/FOXBODYFLEAMARKET/

05-08-2015, 09:34 AM	#437
7423 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 639 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Ford vs Chevy Build-up try this link Rich http://www.ebay.com/itm/Strut-Tower-...2adc84&vxp=mtr

05-08-2015, 04:57 PM	#439
7423 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 639 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Ford vs Chevy Build-up Never have seen an OE brace on a Fox body, possible on a Cobra. PartsBob could verify that..................... Are you running mufflers or an X pipe? Either or both would be a cheap increase in bottom torque for you, something those motors have very little of.

05-08-2015, 07:15 PM	#440
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,422 Likes: 531 Liked 333 Times in 180 Posts	Re: Ford vs Chevy Build-up nothing I can find in the NHRA rule book mentions shock strut braces either way---- only thing mentioned is that the suspension must remain OEM this has nothing to do with suspension it is a "body strengthening support"!!!--- check with NHRA get a definite ruling -- it is not a performance enhancing modification it is a safety or steering issue you are dealing with here--- If it were me I'd put one one show up at the track and if they did not like it pull it off otherwise plead your case and run the damn thing FED 387