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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 84
CEG\'er
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OP
CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 84 |
I went to my local performance shop today looking for a front strut brace for my '96. The guy behind the counter didn't have any specific listings for a contour so he called another place and they only list one and it's $200.00  . My questions are Is the contour brace the same as something else? Focus? cougar?...????? And to anyone who has one (preferable my fellow Canadians), What brand name? how much did you pay? and where did you get it? Thanks. 
96 Teal Contour
Zetec ATX
96K's
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,621
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,621 |
Here comes the best source for your Canadian front strut tower brace: http://www.ctamotorsports.com/pick Contour, then click on "suspension" and u get a sparco one for like for 179 CAD Enjoy
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,621
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: May 2003
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17,248
CEG road warrior
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CEG road warrior
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17,248 |
Originally posted by RGSOUNDF:
or:
http://www.ompwins.com/strut.htm
$99 shipped! 
Hector
2003 Rally Red Mitsubishi Evolution VIII
257HP/259TQ
2005 Lapis Blue Mazda 6s
RET: 00 Cabernet Red Ford Contour Zetec ATX SUPERCHARGED
160HP/141TQ
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,632
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Sep 2002
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You may want to search these forums regarding the actual performace gained with a front strut tower brace.
The consensus seems to be that is most for looks and offers minimal performance gain.
As long as you understand that going in, you will not be disappointed.
"Cobb - It's not just for corn anymore!"
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,621
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: May 2003
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"Minimum performance gain" - sorry, guyz, but I don't get it...
1) What performance we are talking about here? I believe the term used is slighty incorrect - it's not performance gain, but a handling gain...
2) Now, to limit the undesired movement of the struts, especially on a front wheel car - why would it be "looks" only? When we say "looks" I am thinking about rear wings and side skirts, but I really can't compare 'em with with a strut brace.... correct me if I am wrong
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,301
Addicted CEG\'er
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Addicted CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,301 |
Originally posted by RGSOUNDF:
"Minimum performance gain" - sorry, guyz, but I don't get it...
1) What performance we are talking about here? I believe the term used is slighty incorrect - it's not performance gain, but a handling gain...
2) Now, to limit the undesired movement of the struts, especially on a front wheel car - why would it be "looks" only? When we say "looks" I am thinking about rear wings and side skirts, but I really can't compare 'em with with a strut brace.... correct me if I am wrong
Because the strut towers are so close to the firewall, they dont move much to begin with. With a front bar, you are stiffening a part of the car that is already stiff, therefore no real improvement. The rear bar is where the money should be spent, if you really want a strut bar.
-Ken V.
1998.5 SE Praire Tan Zetec ATX
psycho_bass@hotmail.com
Roush springs Roush rear sway bar BAT struts 17" Millie Miglia HT3 and a ton of subtle asthetic mods
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2003
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I installed a strut brace , because my windshield cracks from the top and bottom. No more cracks. As one increases the load on the front suspension(lowering/stiffer springs), this may change the original design specs for the surrounding area(mounts/related parts). It appears to be prudent to increase the loadablity of the surrounding area. A strut brace is an easy & cheap correction. I will say there is less noise comming from the dash and other usual places(little squeeks/rattles)when I drive on the straights and in the curves. As for feel - I believe I feel a differance.
2012 Lotus Evora
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95 Mystique MTX - GONE 395,000 Kms
--------- Both Zetecs
'97 Contour Mtx - stock - GONE
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,621
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Originally posted by CRZYDRVR:
Because the strut towers are so close to the firewall
what's "firewall" - applied to a car?
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,731
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Nov 2002
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Originally posted by RGSOUNDF:
Originally posted by CRZYDRVR:
Because the strut towers are so close to the firewall
what's "firewall" - applied to a car?
The wall between the engine compartment and the cabin.
Black 98.5 SVT
"Kellie"
First rule of italian driving: What is behind you, DOESN'T matter
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