Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Strut Braces?

One thing I really like about the Contour/Mystique is that the chassis is very stiff, allowing a very responsive and "nible" car. Would installing strut braces intensify this responsiveness? And how much would it cost me to do it? Would it require drilling holes in the car? I really wouldn't want to do that, since the breed of rust we get here in Michigan is particularly evil, and I wouldn't want to give it a way into my car.

I mean, these things must help at least a little, because everyone seems to have them. And I may as well join the club!

The front OMP bar is around $100. Yes you will have to drill 6 holes in the strut tower. I like mine, it seems to work, now I want to get a rear bar. I have heard the rear one makes the biggest difference.

IIRC, the front bar is more for show than go... according to those who race the CSVT, the front strut towers are close enough to the firewall area of the chassis that flex there is less prevalent than on other cars. The rear strut tower brace is going to have a more noticeable effect on chassis "stiffness". Stiffest way to go would be both front and rear, along with subframe braces(preferably welded in).
Hope that helps!

get the rear bar....you'll notice it right away

Hey, Shaun! Great webpage.

How much does a rear bar cost? And would I have to do any welding or drilling for that one?

Originally posted by Shifty:

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How much does a rear bar cost? And would I have to do any welding or drilling for that one?

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HPP sells a nice rear STB

No welding or drilling.

I personally made my own. I did require drilling.

I paid around $150 for mine and I got it from SHO shop. You can get them for less. It's one of those rare mods that does not cost all that much but really does do something.

Thanks for the comment on the page. I'm glad you liked it

I would upgrade the suspension components before stiffening the chasis. Over all you are going to see to much of a difference if your suspension is loose. Terry has argued more than once that they are all but useless on our cars in all but a pure race situation!

-Andy

Originally posted by Shifty:

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One thing I really like about the Contour/Mystique is that the chassis is very stiff, allowing a very responsive and "nible" car. Would installing strut braces intensify this responsiveness?

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If anything, get a rear bar. That boxes in the rear strut towers and makes the most noticeable improvement in chassis stiffness.

Chassis stiffness is the key to a predictable and sound handling car. As opposed to the suspension springs, there are no dampers controlling movement on the body. When you hit a bump if the body flexes instead of the suspension compressing (more evident on cars with upgraded suspensions) ..you can feel that... the car won't feel sure-footed.

I do put my money where my mouth is as well, possibly with the CEG's most radical rear STB setup.

Wow, thats a serious rear strut bar setup.