metroplex

If you have a FRPP GT, V6, or Bullitt brace, would you mind measuring the clearance between the topmost intake manifold runner and the brace? I am curious to see what the OEM considers "safe" for some of their low-clearance braces, namely the FRPP S197 GT brace (the one that won't work with the OEM plenum/intake cover). Thanks in advance, and Happy Holidays!

FYI, I removed my plenum cover and it is hanging on my bedroom wall. It's actually kind of cool. Someone suggested I do this because they felt the plenum cover would just get dirty/damaged over time sitting on the engine, while it'd look kind of decorative hanging on the wall.

Dougxox

had my plenum cover on my car, a daily driver for over 2 years, still looks great!

shaun_beauchamp

There is plenty of room (I know not a quantitave number) under the brace. The issue is when the motor torques over under acceleration. If you run an S/C or turbo, the pressure sensor on the fuel rail may make contact with the FRPP brace under load. This is fixed with motor mounts.

metroplex

There's a lot of room even with the FRPP GT brace?

m05fastbackGT

Charlie, I don't know if your aware of this or not, but the Bullitt brace is OEM installed on the Bullitt straight from the factory, and does have an OEM part number M-20201-F

Just bear in mind, that for those who don't have an 08 or 09 Bullitt. They get the stamped FRPP logo, instead of the serialized Bullitt plate with build number. Other than that, they are both the same brace.

In the meantime, if you want further details. Check with 05stangkc, as he's one of the moderators and is also parts manager for Clevenger Ford, who sells all OEM parts. Including the Bullitt brace.

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=462301


As for the measurements, I measured from the center of the intake plenum cover to the bottom of the brace, and came up with 3/8's of an inch of clearance.

futuresvt

My plenum cover has been hanging on my garage wall above the dartboard since the car came home...

Awesome!

metroplex

I looked at some pics of the Shelby GT engine compartment and it appears the FRPP brace is very close to the intake manifold. Does anyone know the exact clearance?

m05fastbackGT

I don't know the exact clearance, but If I were to guess. I'd assume it would be between 3/8" to 1/2" from the intake manifold, as the engine is known to move around up to 1/4" thanks to the OEM fluid motor mounts.

What I do know, is that it will not fit over an intake plenum cover, and that it's also more expensive over the OEM Bullitt brace.

As I mentioned before Charlie, 05stangkc (KC) carries the Bullitt braces, and I'm sure he would offer to sell you one at his discounted prices.

Ford4me

I bought a black powder coated brace from BOI that clears the intake cover. They also have chrome. Looks good to me and was around $85.

partsbill

I have the OEM Bullitt brace ford part# 8R3Z-16A200-A, it's the same brace as the FRPP brace
part# M-20201-F, only difference was price when I bought mine, the OEM number was cheaper,
plenty of clearance between the cover and brace (between 1/2" - 5/8") on my car, no issues with rubbing on cover, if you install it on a 05/06 with the OEM hood pad you will get some rubbing, the 07 hood pad has indentations to allow for the brace.

metroplex

Only Job 2 2007's will have the correct hoodliner.

partsbill

updated hood pad is from 01/25/2007

metroplex

Correct, not for Job 1 2007 Mustangs. Many 2007s were made in 2006.

So add the cost of the Bullitt brace ($130+) and the cost of the hoodliner ($56) and you might as well buy a BMR or look at something less expensive.

I don't care about clearing the plenum cover anymore since it is hanging on my wall. I bought the cover when they were $44 new from the dealership. The computer says the plenum cover now retails for $160!!

I can get about 1/4" of clearance between 1 intake runner and the GT500 strut tower brace. I can't slip in another washer on the rear stud.

m05fastbackGT

Charlie, although the Bullitt brace is $130.00. One thing you can be sure, is you'll have far more than 1/4" clearance from the intake runners. That alone is worth the additional cost for an OEM brace, which is designed to fit your stock GT hood properly.

Perhaps it's just me, but I would not feel very comfortable if I had any doubts as to whether 1/4" of clearance from the intake manifold would be safe enough.

metroplex

My plan was to ditch the brace altogether if it didn't work. If Ford can make the GT500 brace and sell it for $30, I don't see why there's a $100+ markup for all of the other braces on the market. It's just a mandrel bent tube welded to some flats.

m05fastbackGT

I just hope that 1/4" of clearance is enough, and if it is. You should be ok with reversing the GT500 brace

metroplex

Same here. I did a lot of research and it looks like the brace would just prevent movement/flexing of the strut mounts. It's not really mounted in a place that can brace the strut towers/chassis.

m05fastbackGT

Just as long as the center of the brace, isn't too close to any of the intake runners to risk causing damage