Front Brace?

OK, so here is my question. How important is the front end bottom brace? Most people know I had the 03 motor, cams, chip, etc. put into my car. I also had them put the long tube headers on the car. The problem is, with the LT's on, they couldn't put that funky brace on the bottom again (wouldn't fit with the LT's). I'm noticing a bit of creaking now that I didn't before. Should I look into having the brace modified in some way and have it reinstalled? I'm already going to have some frame connectors welded in in a couple of weeks (still haven't decided on which ones to get). Since I have a vert, it should make a world of difference. Do you guys think this will take care of stiffining the chasis up, or should I try and get that front brace on again??

Dave,

You should really have your K-member brace in there. I believe MM makes a nice 4 point that will clear long tubes.
Go with Global West single tube full length subframe connectors with the seat supports. You don't need anything more than that and you will be completely satisfied and will notice a difference in how your car performs I promise.

Hey, did you see this? Nice.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ford-Mustang-Sa...4629258081QQcategoryZ6236QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks Marcus. Ken, at Modular Depot (always in 5.0 mag) is the one that did the work on my car. He said it wasn't really needed, but I think I want to put something back on there. I've got the MM CC plates (still have to put on the car) and I believe they sent a catalog along with my order. I'll look for that brace. Any ground clearance problems with the GW sf connectors? I don't want to be "draggin arse" all over town.

On a side note, it finally got nice here. I can't believe how much more fun the car is to drive with the added horsepower/gears! I is running better and better the more I drive it (probably getting broken in). I don't know how you guys get 400+ hp to the ground. Mine is only 300 (n/a) at the wheels with 4.10's and it breaks loose pretty easy through 3rd. Still looks totally stock unless you get under the car and see the LT's. Of course, it doesn't sound stock anymore...

It's nice to get back into your car again, huh? What tires are you running?
No clearance issues with the global west. I had MM CC plates on my S351 and the GW subs (singles) and you know how low that car was ( coil overs ) It will make even a greater difference on a vert.
I know, it's kinda like you don't really need 5 lug nuts to hold your wheel on. You could get around with 3 or 4 lugs but??? YA know what I'm saying.

I'm running Michellin Pilot Sports, 245's front and 275's rear. I know what you are saying about the K-Mem brace and frame connectors. I'm quite sure it will make all the difference, especially since I have no roof for support! That's OK though, I love droppin the top and cruising around in the sun. Wouldn't trade it for a coupe...

I hear ya.


Gotta love those verts. YOu need more meat in the rear. You can get a BFG 285 on the 8.5 rears with no problems. The pilots run narrow and the BFGs run wide so it would be like a 295 in a different brand of tire.
The subs will be the cheapest but best improvement you could make on your vert. remember, it's the only violet car with those options out there. It's an investment.

If by investment you mean I keep investing in it, you're absolutely right!! I'd have to sell the car for 25-27K to get out of it what I've got in it at this point, and I'M NOT DONE! I really don't look at it as an investment. It takes the place of some other worse habbits I could have...

good god, please don't even start on the investing thing! i'm with you on selling the car for what people would say . man, i'm on my third motor and finally it's right(thank god) after 3 years of detonation and tuners with no ideas . glad to see your happy with your car and i'm with you on the droptop, my buddies always say you should have got a coupe, and i'm like that's you, not me, i like my car just like it is. when i tell people what i have invested in the car from buying it, to putting everything i've done to it since i bought it, they are like #@#$!!!!!!! it's all good, i'm waiting on the ups man now, more investments, or as my wife says money going down the drain.

....that's why you should own a coupe and a vert, to keep everyone happy!!

Damn,


Robert has an answer for everything.

You shouldn't have clearance problems with any subframes, your rear swaybar hangs lower then them

It really isn't, unless you car is hardcore racing at a track

Yea, yea, I hear ya. If I could, I'd own a "few" of each. However, with the spousal unit and four money mongers, I can only deal with one money pit! You never know what the future holds though. Hopefully, I won't have to hawk the one I have to pay for college for one of the rug rats...

if i had your inventory, believe me i wouldn't complain, and wouldn't hear any complaints!!!!! whatcha think about that? there wouldn't be anything they could say other than the color issue. i gotta give you the . nice "CAR LOT" you have going there.

Thanks I appericate the compliment. I'm working on my own "dealership" Need to get all my toys before the wedding in October and the patter of little feet begin to arrive.....

huh

oh no, i see some saleens going on e-bay for sale in my crystal ball . just tell her like i told mine, the saleen came before you, so it's got priority, lol. good luck with all.

I'm sorry, let me rephrase my statement......I'm working on my "car museum" not dealership. My apologizes as I was going along with the whole "car lot" statement from an ealier post........

In regards to your statement...... Yes, three of the four were before, so they take priority. However, the fourth one is her daily driver and she loves it so I doubt she would make herself sell her own car