Which strut tower brace you recommend?

Will3212

New Member
May 7, 2011
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I'm about to place an order for this Ford Racing Mustang Strut Tower Brace (05-12 GT) at AmericanMuscle - Free Shipping!
It's the Ford Racing strut tower brace. I have a 12' mustang gt stick with 18 inch rims, everything is stock this will be my first mod. I want to improve my handling. I want to be able to corner better and when I'm making a tight turn on the highway I want to minimize roll. I have a few questions, what do you think of that strut tower brace? Is there a better one out there? also, who should I have install it for me? should i take it to my local car shop or to the Ford dealer? If I put it in myself or have my mechanic do it will I void warranty?
 
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Installing the brace is a matter of removing 4 extremely accessible bolts and then replacing them. Even the most mechanically inept person (probably me) can do it in about 3 minutes.

Don't worry about taking it anywhere and no, it won't void your warranty.
 
Your wheel size has nothing to do with it. It's to keep the chassis from twisting in the front. Honestly, unless you race the car or are putting down the CRAZY power numbers that torque the car on take-off, you won't ever notice a difference from adding it lol.
 
You will notice zero handling increase from a strut bar. BMR makes nice pieces although.

You want handling, go with sway bars. If you want extreme handling, new springs.

alright I don't know much about modding cars, I'll listen and just go with new springs and new sway bars. Do I actually have a sway bar right now in the front and back? I have a stock 2012 gt. What do you think about these ford racing lowering springs?
Ford Racing Mustang P-Springs (05-12 GT) at AmericanMuscle - Free Shipping!
 
I did not mean to sway you in a different direction on your decision I was just giving my input. A strut bar is just a quick little mod I would do later, I think it is more cosmetic - with a chance of performance. That is why I got mine, from BMR (their red matches my car perfectly, also comes in black)

ANYWAY, those springs would probably be wonderful, 1" front and 1" rear is not a huge drop, and in many peoples eyes it is just perfect. I think FRPP, Ford Racing Performance Parts, does a lot of work with Eibach, not exactly sure those springs you pictured ARE Eibach, but its a good chance. If so, they are great springs. I have had Eibach in all my vehicles and loved them. I think my Eibachs are like 1.2" front and 1.4" rear or 1" front and 1.2" rear. So they are pretty close.

Not trying to be bossy or a prick, but here is something to consider. Springs means taking apart the front end and the rear of the car. Which means the strut mounts, pieces directly under the 4 bolts you see under the hood on each side of the car, (right above air box and below battery) will be taken apart. To me they are kind of like a disposable camera, use it once and its done. GT500 strut mounts are like $70, and work wonderfully.

Since, the front end is apart, you will need an alignment. As you may know, alignments are pretty rough on your wheels(stab metal between the rim and tire, makes tiny little dents, grrr)...I get them done the least I can.

SO, I would suggest, doing shocks and struts. I know, seems like a hassle, but you would then have the complete package. No need for sway bars then, I think you would be content with that. Sway bars could be a fun little addition later.

Springs $200, shocks and struts $500-$700, strut mounts $70.

If I had to do it all over again, I would really consider this:

Eibach Pro-System Plus Kit

All components are designed to work with each other, a beautiful thing.
 
These suspension changes may very well void your warranty. I would talk to my dealer and determine what would and would not affect the warranty. Ford Racing Parts, if installed by the dealer, do not affect the warranty and the parts themselves have a warranty.
I would not get in a hurry modifying the car. It is pretty good as it is.
Plan carefully and consider whether what you are doing really makes much change and if it does void the warranty.
 
You will notice zero handling increase from a strut bar. BMR makes nice pieces although.

You want handling, go with sway bars. If you want extreme handling, new springs.

I agree with this first part...but ONLY if you do not plan on tracking your car. Ie., road course, taking turn after turn at high-to-extremely high speeds. Mustang track cars have them equipped for a reason. :)

In my opinion, base handling upgrades that every street performance-minded individual should get first are ADJUSTABLE shocks/struts and then - maybe - springs. My Tokicos will almost always be my best bang-for-the-buck mod (on top of my one-piece aluminum driveshaft): I can set them soft for some extra rear traction (weight transfer) for drag racing, can set them extra soft so I don't piss off my wife during road trips because she can't sleep, set them relatively firm for when I hit the road course and need the extra stiffness, or set them medium for when I go solo on some mountainous back roads.

Hope this helps. :)
 
I'm debating between that one and this one Stack Racing Chrome Mustang Strut Tower Brace (05-12 GT/V6) at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!
This one is mounted through 8 screws instead of 4 like the one in my first post. (4 screws on each side as oppose to 2 screws on each side) does this make it better, which one should I go with? also, do I really need it being that I have just 18' inch stock rims?

The only things you have to worry about concerning the 8 nuts for that brace are just making sure that when you remove them - and you have to remove all 4 to mount one side - is that when you bolt the strut tower back down that you match the camber setting on the opposite strut tower. Although the shift in camber might be subtle to the eye, it could mean the difference between more wear on one front tire than the other.
 
Why is there so much misconception about vehicle warranties? If you change the suspension on your car, it will not "void your warranty." You may want to be more specific with your statements, or learn more about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

Magnuson

There are many options, from mild to wild that you can do to increase the handling of your Mustang depending on whether you are targeting the street/touring, strip, or road racing course. Some of the suggestions above are good starts. Keep in mind your ultimate goals with the car and you may save yourself some money in the long run. Ford Racing makes some great suspension packs... and the prices are reasonable.