I have been going through the service manual and the parts site trying to figure out how to pull off installing the LS cross brace and keep four seats.

Check out the service manual illustrations carefully. This page for the convertible. Notice anything interesting....????

 

Yea, the cross brace is from the convertible......those clever dudes. Paint it red and you've got the rear seat delete.

 

Well looks like the brace that should be in all Boss cars...do you have a part number??

 

Well, I'll be. Great find. Not sure you need a cross brace with a rear seat back installed.

 

I see the LS gauge pod

 

The cross brace is supposed to be good for a 10% increase in torsional stiffness. The seat isn't going to be giving us that.

I've taken the seat out of by 2007 convertible. The seat back is a 3lb foam cushion wrapped in leather. I'm willing to bet that it's a lot lighter than the coupe's seat backs. I would be willing to sacrifice inside trunk access to get the brace.

It's possible the brace will also fit behind the coupe's seats too. I'll have to try and see.

 

I'm waiting to hear from the dealer. The part was just posted online a couple of days ago.

 

No it's not, at least it was never released for production. The brace is new and exclusive to the LS, at least for now...

 

So you think it is in all Bosses?

 

No, it's only in the LS, which is why I'm trying to figure out if I can install it and keep the seats.

 

That would be cool, nice detective work! I don't need trunk access from the inside but I do need my rear seats. I have a couple of cute kids to keep happy.

 

Nice find....It just keeps getting better.

 

There's got to be more than just the brace to convert to rear seat delete.

 

Yes, the part that covers the floor alone costs 800$. I'm hoping to keep the back seat in place.

 

i have a quote request thru my dealership for all 4 parts the only cost i have so far is the rear seat repacement panel for $713.45 he is checking on availability

 

That is beyond ridiculous to pay that much. For those of you that have an S197, you know the entire Mustang back seat weighs almost nothing. You can buy a rear seat delete kit for $225 and it saves you a PALTRY 16 lbs. This is probably about enough to offset the cross brace. If it is determined that the Laguna Seca bracing actually improves performance, this is the route I'll go. I've seen claims of up to 100 lbs savings and it is a scam. There is a little particle board, some foam and upholstery making up the back seats. You are adding back similar materials with a kit to finish it off. The S197 chassis is pretty stout to begin with. Hopefully we'll get some real data on how much difference this would really make in terms of performance.

http://www.rearseatdelete.com/mustangcoupe05.html

 

There's probably a couple of pounds worth of seatbelts that went away in the LS.

iirc, according to Ford's spec documents from last August, the LS weighs more than the standard Boss 3636 vs 3631

 

I would bet the rear seat delete in total including belts is a wash with the brace. The LS adds the trans cooling scoop, front splitter and gauges....not to mention the pedestal spoiler is probably slightly heavier. The R-Comp tires are probably a little lighter.

 

I still remember a comment made to a driver who complained about the car's weight -- "Do you want the weight lower by 50lbs? Go on a diet".

 

Good Find!

I think I'll just wait until my car is ready for a full cage, though