Strut tower brace and Intake?

[cdsilver02]

Anyone out there have both the Strut tower and any intake mod please let me know.

[mchedd]

cdsilver02 - Regarding the strut tower brace: I've heard that the brace really isn't necessary because the struts are so close to the firewall. I'm not sure how true this is though but the theory sounds logical. (Why spend money on something that's not needed)?

Anyone out there installed a tower brace?

Notice any improvements in handling?

[svt170]

Looks as though CDSILVER02 already has the strut brace, and is looking for an intake that will fit.
I have read good things about the front brace, but haven't heard much about the rear. Couldn't tell ya what will fit, but would like to know the same thing as MCCHEAD as your opinion on the set-up. I'll be doing both of these mod's myself, so am curious as to what people have to say.

[mchedd]

SVT170 - The Focus front tower subject came up during one of the SVTOA meetings and the fellow is was talkin to brought up the firewall subject. He's into racing alot more than me so I figure he knows what he's talkin about.

As for the rear brace... yeah I think that one is a good idea.

[DaveSVT03]

I have the Ford Racing strut tower brace and the Steeda Intake and they fit nicely together.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

[svt170]

Originally posted by mchedd
SVT170 - The Focus front tower subject came up during one of the SVTOA meetings and the fellow is was talkin to brought up the firewall subject. He's into racing alot more than me so I figure he knows what he's talkin about.

As for the rear brace... yeah I think that one is a good idea.


??Firewall subject??

[10clock]

the firewall a piece of steel, that walls us from fire, apparently it is brace enough for the front of the car,
i have a focus central strut tower brace, works great and there is a decent improvement in handling, the whole car goes around the corner the front stays planted, more so than usual

[cdsilver02]

The STB makes (in my opinion) a huge improvement in the handling of the car. I took mine out right after I installed and after proper warm up I dug into some pretty demanding curves and the entire car took it like a champion.

My question was asked because when I ordered the STB I asked the rep. at FC if it would fit the SVT. He answered my question with the question. "Do you have an after market air intake?" I don't however I assumed that both would not fit.

Thanks,

[svt170]

I just ordered the short shifter through the group buy we have going on. While I was there, I picked up the Steeda air intake, and the Steeda STB (among a few other things). Both being Steeda, I would think they will fit together. I made it a point to request that info before it was shipped. Can't wait.

[jprewitt]

I have added a Focus Sport Strut bar and noticed a positive improvement is handling. Then I put BFG KDW-2 on my Tantrums and had to add Ebauch sway bars to settle the car down but the results were great!
I started my COLD AIR intake setup by cutting the weather stripping off the back of the engine compartment and replacing it with a strip of porous material made from strips cut from a Shop Vac foam filter. This alone reduces the Engine compartment temp be 30 to 50 degrees depending on the weather. I dress the strip with Silicone spray to resist water ... (I live in Oregon)... and it does.
I Put a Focus Sport Cool Air Induction Kit in and further Isolated the intake area with some quilted thermal stuff. I then made an intake trumpet that is inserted into the lower front fascia that allows air to be piped in under the head light into the intake area and very effectively scrubs out any warm air. Additionally because the incoming air is under slight pressure and the air in the immediate area of the intake is in a slight vacuum refrigeration occurs. The result is an intake area that is colder then ambient See my Pics.

[Track Addict]

I have the Focus Sport strut tower brace and the Steeda short ram intake.
They fit with no problems.
I have noticed a nice improvement with both!:spinem:

[jdrawlings07]

Is the Steeda Tower Brace better than a Focus Sport one? I know the steeda one is one inch instead of 7/8", and does anybody know what steeda will charge for shipping on the brace or where to buy it cheaper?

[deactivated]

something that I was discussing with a person who put one of these on was, doesn't this thing mess up alignment?

[svt170]

jdrawlings07- I got my Steeda bar from CFM. They ship it wrapped in bubble wrap and a long box. Standard FedEx shipping rates, 3rd day.
Inteller- Good question... now you're making me wonder. I would guess all is fine, though. I have had mine installed for over 3,000 miles, and no hint of poor alignment. Just had the entire car aligned (new rear control arms per the TSB) and I wasn't told of any out-of-spec alignment probs with the front. Hmmmmm.

[deactivated]

I was talking about the front brace. Is that what you were referring to?

[svt170]

I was talking about the front brace. Is that what you were referring to?


Yup. :beer: