Export brace and EFI
- Thread starter roan65
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Tubo(2-bo)
Member
I'm using the MPG head Services one. The heim joints allow the cowl lip to flex when a load is put on the arms. When I R&R the engine to detail the underhood, I will first have some extra suppopt welded on to the cowl lip. The Ford usesd an angle bar to help suppor tthe origional export brace.
I think the flex problem will be found with any of the "for EFI" braces that use heim joints to facilitate engine removal.
I think the flex problem will be found with any of the "for EFI" braces that use heim joints to facilitate engine removal.
red65
Member
I have the Maier Racing brace, which is designed to work with EFI. It clears the intake no problem. The Maier unit is a solid weldment, unlike TCP's or others, so it's a bit more of a hassle to install (no adustability - you just have to get the brace to talk to the car, and vise-versa), but I think that may be worth something in terms of chassis rigidity.
I recently modified the Maier unit to allow clearance for a Paxton discharge tube - cutting wheel and a welder, and it still works great.
I recently modified the Maier unit to allow clearance for a Paxton discharge tube - cutting wheel and a welder, and it still works great.
How is the quality of the MPG unit? The flexing makes sense. It looks like where the heim joints connects on the firefall is higher then most. The TCP unit is lower.
The TCP unit has an angle piece that bolts under that lip. Then you drill 3 holes into the firewall and bolt it up that way as well. That might work great for the MPG unit.
red65, was it tough to get the car tweaked just right to get the brace to fit?
The TCP unit has an angle piece that bolts under that lip. Then you drill 3 holes into the firewall and bolt it up that way as well. That might work great for the MPG unit.
red65, was it tough to get the car tweaked just right to get the brace to fit?
I've seen Laurel Mountain selling this one on ebay. Didn't see it on their web site but should work with EFI. Not too bad price wise from other options I would guess.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...d=1,1&item=4606402090&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT
-Stephen
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...d=1,1&item=4606402090&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT
-Stephen
Tubo(2-bo)
Member
The Quality of the MPG is first rate. The only change that might make it better, would be to mount the firewall heim joints horizontally, insted of vertically.
The Laurel Mountain unit seems to be a good price, however dont you have to pull it out before the engine is pulled?? Admittedly you dont change engines that often, it does add another level of work to do & undo though.
The Laurel Mountain unit seems to be a good price, however dont you have to pull it out before the engine is pulled?? Admittedly you dont change engines that often, it does add another level of work to do & undo though.
4MuscleMachines
Member
Protowrxs said:
I saw that one also, it looks like a carbon copy of the Maier Racing unit but at half the price.
CochinoFilipino
Founding Member
I have that Maier or Laurel Mt. unit in my '68 parts car. It seems that the person who installed it had to notch the hood supports to clear the cross brace. It is going into the '67. If it doesn't clear, I will modify the brace before the hood.
red65
Member
roan65 said:
It was a combination of choosing how to jack the car (under the front crossmember), enlarging the mount holes a bit, and judicious application of force. Basically, you get it lined up enough to get the bolts all through, then tighten the bolts. Not a big deal but, I'm sure, more difficult than if it had been adjustable.
How can you guys tell if it's flexing? I think I like the MPG unit the best.
The price on Laurel Mountain ebay brace is pretty good! WAY better than what Maier unit price. That would be a pain to have to remove that to pull the motor or work on the engine for that matter.
Thanks for the info gents!
The price on Laurel Mountain ebay brace is pretty good! WAY better than what Maier unit price. That would be a pain to have to remove that to pull the motor or work on the engine for that matter.
Thanks for the info gents!
stangman16
Active Member
?
Are there any adjustable EFI export braces that work? I figured the TCP one was going to work for it... glad I didn't order one.
Are there any adjustable EFI export braces that work? I figured the TCP one was going to work for it... glad I didn't order one.
68rustang
Active Member
Tubo(2-bo)
Member
To demonstrate the flex, on an MPG brace. Take either side, and crank out to put a load on the brace, then crank a little more. See the cowl lip flex?? Yepper.
I like my MPG also, the cowl flex is just a little disconcerting.
I like my MPG also, the cowl flex is just a little disconcerting.
Tubo(2-bo)
Member
stangman16
Active Member
stangman16
Active Member
hehe, I would - but I'm going the EFI route as well. I'm disappointed that the TCP one does not work for you. I sure thought it would. How far off was it?
68rustang
Active Member
Stangman:
I have the Edlebrock performer upper and lower intake, and the TCP isn't even close to working! The brace on the firewall needs to be about 4-5 inches longer. Also the mounting points on the shock tower need to be to the rear rather then the sides. Can't even fab it to make it work without hacking it all up. best off to try something else.
I have the Edlebrock performer upper and lower intake, and the TCP isn't even close to working! The brace on the firewall needs to be about 4-5 inches longer. Also the mounting points on the shock tower need to be to the rear rather then the sides. Can't even fab it to make it work without hacking it all up. best off to try something else.
