Hood Struts for AUS S550

[Frostee]

I'm keen to hear people's thoughts about hood struts for our cars here in Australia.

From all I've seen it suggests to me that there is modification required on all of the kits to make them fit RHD.

The only solutions I've seen is what HybridGT has done so beautifully with a Redline kit (where he modifies the brackets through some filing), and the Steeda offering from Mustang Motorsport (their description of "engineered" suggests similar modification).

So what are your thoughts on hood strut solutions for us?

Also, does anyone see how this apparently most sensible mod to get rid of the prop rod, cause any issues with insurance considerations for example?

Sponsored

 

[Yeah Nah]

Hey Frostee, I have fitted the Steeda and they fit well, a half hour fit and very easy. They say to drill a hole in the battery cover to fit the fender bracket. Therefore if you need to take the battery cover or replace your battery you would have to remove the passenger side strut and then remove the cover. What a joke, pain in the arse. I modified the battery cover and cut a half inch slot from the edge to the fender bolt, instead of the hole. Now I can take the cover off with no issues. I can post a pic later tomorrow if you like.

Anyway, if you want them, buy them. It's a great cosmetic improvement, something that should have been standard for Australia.

 

[Frostee]

Hey Frostee, I have fitted the Steeda and they fit well, a half hour fit and very easy. They say to drill a hole in the battery cover to fit the fender bracket. Therefore if you need to take the battery cover or replace your battery you would have to remove the passenger side strut and then remove the cover. What a joke, pain in the arse. I modified the battery cover and cut a half inch slot from the edge to the fender bolt, instead of the hole. Now I can take the cover off with no issues. I can post a pic later tomorrow if you like.

Anyway, if you want them, buy them. It's a great cosmetic improvement, something that should have been standard for Australia.

Thanks mate, that's really good to hear.

I have done a fair bit of research and I like the Steeda's mainly for the larger surface area they have for the bracket that to my mind distributes the hood weight well, and avoids stress that could bend the hood.

I am familiar with what you're saying about the hole that is suggested to be drilled in the battery cover, and that's when it got all too difficult for me. Your solution sounds very practical - I suggest you do post some pics here when you have time, as I know it will be helpful for others.

Did you purchase yours locally or import?

Thank you so much for the advice. We're both in Melbourne, so we can always catch-up if that's ok with you when I get my car.

 

[davidhes]

Installed the Ford Racing struts today. I preferred the OEM look they offered. Didn't have to modify anything to fit them to our car.

 

[phil545]

yep got the ford racing no issues, i also cut a slot in my battery cover so i can slide it off without having to undo the strut

 

[Unkle Ed]

Do the Ford Racing Struts feel solid enough? No issues with the nut bracket bending/fatiguing? I'm leaning more towards the Redline or Steeda Struts as the Nut Bracket for the base looks more solid but would prefer the Ford Racing ones for the OEM look.

 

[phil545]

The passenger side did spin a little a bit and I couldn't lock it as tight as the drivers side but its tight enough and fine now.

 

[davidhes]

The passenger side did spin a little a bit and I couldn't lock it as tight as the drivers side but its tight enough and fine now.

Did you make sure to put the right one in the right side? The one with the 2 pins goes in the passenger side. Mine didn't spin at all.

 

[car]

Installed the Ford Racing struts today. I preferred the OEM look they offered. Didn't have to modify anything to fit them to our car.

Like the colour - are you happy with Ruby Red(mine is as well del 6/08)

 

[derand]

Hey Frostee, I have fitted the Steeda and they fit well, a half hour fit and very easy. They say to drill a hole in the battery cover to fit the fender bracket. Therefore if you need to take the battery cover or replace your battery you would have to remove the passenger side strut and then remove the cover. What a joke, pain in the arse. I modified the battery cover and cut a half inch slot from the edge to the fender bolt, instead of the hole. Now I can take the cover off with no issues. I can post a pic later tomorrow if you like.

Anyway, if you want them, buy them. It's a great cosmetic improvement, something that should have been standard for Australia.[/QI

I did the same in march.

 

[davidhes]

Like the colour - are you happy with Ruby Red(mine is as well del 6/08)

Loving the colour mate. It's most impressive in the sun.

 

[derand]

Do the Ford Racing Struts feel solid enough? No issues with the nut bracket bending/fatiguing? I'm leaning more towards the Redline or Steeda Struts as the Nut Bracket for the base looks more solid but would prefer the Ford Racing ones for the OEM look.

Did the Redline's first but then went with the ford performance and Redline brackets Ford didn't have the brackets then for the GT350.

 

[car]

Loving the colour mate. It's most impressive in the sun.

lets see some pics:cheers:

 

[XRFutura]

I have the redline strut kit, There was no need to modify the kit at all. The install was relatively painless, the installation of the brackets in the engine bay was a bit fiddly, but the whole install only took half an hour to install.

 

[russ16]

Same as XR Futura - Redline hood struts did not need filing and installation was simple. It was easier if you exposed more thread than they suggested.

Sponsored