Found a Strut Tower Brace on my porch today when I came home from work so I thought I'd toss it on the car.

07-09 GT500 new take off strut tower brace.

First interesting thing I found out is that it will fit on the car in either direction!

Problems did occur though, with the curve of the brace to the front it had lots of engine clearance but was hard up against the hood insulator with the hood closed, with it on with the curve to the back it touched the top of the intake along two of the intake reinforcing ribs.

So, what to do...

If I left it where it rubbed the insulator it would rub the paint off the brace and make a mark across the insulator and possibly eventually damage the hood. This was not an option.

The solution was to clearance the ribs on top of the intake.

All tolled, including clearancing the intake ribs it took about 30 minutes to get it on.

Plan to eventually paint it to match the body color.

Tools needed, 3/8 ratchet, 13mm socket, half round file.

Follow along with the pics.

The 07-09 GT500 STB


The clearance issue


The fix tool


The clearanced intake rib


The finished install

 

I know my strut bar only modestly improves handling, so I'm glad you found a very cost effective alternative.