89Trooper

I would like to get a Strut Tower Brace for my '89 Mustang LX with a carbureted engine.

This is the brace that I would like to get.

It's a show car, so not only do I want the brace for it's functionality, I also want it for cosmetic reasons.

Here are some thumbnails of the car and the engine:

Attachment 34386 Attachment 34387

Should I get the brace in Black Powdercoat, in Triple-Plated Chrome, or should I not install a brace at all?
If you add to the thread, let me know WHY you chose what you did so I can consider your thought process...

There is a lot of both black and chrome/polished items in the engine bay, so I think both would look good.

In case it matters in the decision making, click here to see what the caster/camber plates now look like.

Thanks for your participation in the poll!

Evil_Capri

Black Powdercoat, and nice ride!

As far as 'why' . . . . I like black better than chrome. If your CC plates are black I think the black strut brace would look better.

droptop91

I agree with Evil_Capri. If the CC plates are black, get the black and vice versa. If all the looks of the parts match, it will be more pleasing to the eye. The looks will not make the brace function any differently. As anyone here will tell you the brace makes a big difference in the way the car handles.

89Trooper

I voted for the way I was leaning to begin with... but please still give opinions either way.

Thanks again for the votes, and compliments!

Blue Notch

I'd do the black, cause you don't want to much "shiney" in one place. I tried to imagine it in my head, and it just seemed to appeal to me more.

hi5.0

Voted for black powdercoat - IMO, need some contrast in there, and it'll draw more attention on the engine's chromed parts.

Redbaron93

Ok, I'll agree with you on the black, but why get rid of the plates you already have?

89Trooper

They were getting corroded and I just didn't like them any more. Plus, they had marks on them from different setting and from adjusting.

This time, I put several layers of masking tape on the surface where the washers tighten down. Then, when I had the camber dialed in, I removed one nut and washer at a time, removed the tape, and then torqued it down.

I'll take a picture of how the new one look in the car - much better!

OKCMustangGT

Voted Black. Since the plates are now black I think it would make it blend better.

89Trooper

Well, at least nobody thinks that I SHOULDN'T get a brace!

cntchds

My car doesn't have the brace, or a strut back... I'll tell you for **** sure that my dad's truck handles better right now. Get a brace!

89Trooper

I know the car will benefit from a brace, but I just want to make sure it won't take away from the look of the engine bay at a car show.

I'm also getting a K-Member brace... with the two installed, I should feel a big difference.

cntchds

I think a car generally looks better when it looks like it can be used, even if it won't be. Put that black brace on and it will make everything else pop out.

89Trooper

Thanks! I'll post pics when I get it installed.

foxhtn

I chose the chrome because I thought it would match the chrome breather cover. Either way, that's one gorgeous looking fox.

89Trooper

It didn't fit.

The bar hit the spark plugs before it was seated fully on the strut towers. Must have been because of the taller MSD distributor.

Oh well, I put it on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...190030476&rd=1

Phorty

Darn, I wish that was an EFI brace because I'd buy if from you.

LEO_06GT

Wow that's twice now. First the a-arm support on the 06 now this. Good thing everything worked out with the Turbo though.

89Trooper

Yeah - who knew I already had an A-Arm support from the factory! Well, I passed that good deal on to Karman. He already has it installed!

I'll get the majority of my money back for this brace.