PP Strut Tower Brace kit + Cowl Extension + Lower K Brace Install Guide

[MPotter]

Some of the strut tower braces out there come without the firewall (cowl) support brace. If you are looking just for that brace, look for

p/n FR3Z16K038A

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[Houston Kid]

My base model had no strut tower brace, obliviously, but did have the plastic firewall cowl 1/2 of a brace. I'm not sure how much stiffness a 1/2 of a brace made of plastic could offer to the car, but I guess an engineer determined it added some value otherwise they would save the $ and delete it. Pic is the plastic factory 1/2 or maybe 3/4 of a brace.

 

[Norm Peterson]

I think this might have been discussed 3 or 4 years ago. Not sure any more.


Norm

 

[2016 GT/CS Laila]

It was added for the mount points on the battery cover. It has no functional bracing capabilities.

 

[Houston Kid]

It was added for the mount points on the battery cover. It has no functional bracing capabilities.

Well there you go. I knew it had to serve some purpose.

 

[Vato]

I already had a strut tower brace from Saleen. I just added the firewall/cowl brace. I will be testing it a track day soon. I hope the 10lb penalty is worth it. This is one part I wish I could've found in carbon fiber. After finding this thread, now I'm wondering if I want the Ford K member brace. I already have the BMR 4pt k member brace on order.

 

[Ron]

After finding this thread, now I'm wondering if I want the Ford K-member brace. I already have the BMR 4-point K-member brace on order.

I have a 2019 Mustang PP2 on order w/an ETA sometime this upcoming week. Anyway, I did some research cuz I could not understand the difference between the Ford & (in my case) Steeda K-members. The PP2 package includes the Ford brace which fits towards the front of the vehicle. The Steeda unit fits towards the back (transmission). In my case, I am also having the Steeda unit installed along w/the rear sub-frame support braces. I just prefer a firm chassis as it will enhance every other suspension improvement.

 

[udcvsean]

Does anybody need the parts listed in the OP of this thread? I have everything brand new and unopened, won’t be needing them anymore because I’m getting a replacement Mustang with performance pack.

I spent $350 for these parts delivered but will sell for $330 OBO. Please PM me if interested.

 

[Ron]

Maybe this question is for another thread. I read that the convertibles have extra bracing on the underside for stiffening up the chassis since they lack a roof. Would adding that have any benefits for fastbacks?

Yeah, they do have extra bracing. From a historical context, I don't know when the factories started adding bracing ... maybe the 1960s. I will step out on a limb & say that the bracing did not become a serious issue until the introduction of the unibody chassis. These brackets/braces were originally just bolt-in & around the immediate areas on concern ... dash (rattle) & center chassis (flex) primarily. Over the last (maybe) 20 years, a lot more thought/science has gone into the placement & effectiveness of these brackets/braces. And welded in for greater effect. From the beginning, I thought that Ford should have these installed on the Shelby models, then optioned out on the PP cars (tho the cost increase on the latter might be problematic). The extent of the benefits, while definite, would have to be quantified to determine the real performance return for the $$$ invested. If the consumer cost is an additional $1,500, & all you gain is a fraction of a G on a skid pad, it might be a tough sell. Then again, the sole reason for the SC2 tires on the PP2 Mustang was to put the car over 1.0G on the skid pad (1.06G to be exact). One last thought ... if anyone has a bud w/a ragtop (S550, of course), get their car & yours up in the air. There just might be a few bolt-in braces you could easily obtain & install on the coupe (assuming that the threaded holes are already in place). Yeah, I would do that.

 

[Ron]

I was under the car today doing some suspension work &, lo & behold, my car has the lower K-brace already factory installed. Alright! Less work, more money for porn ... I mean ... mods. Yeah, that's it.

I just found this site a couple of weeks ago so am doing a lot of reading of older material. Anyway, w/that said ... THANK YOU for a great out loud laugh.

 

[krishelnino]

I need the extension panel with bolt, and the parts required for lower cross-member. PM me if you still have those parts.

Thanks

 

[17Magnetic5.0]

I installed my three piece strut tower brace a month ago without wiper removal. If you’re installing the smaller sort of rectangular brace it’s gonna be a pain and it’s gonna take u way longer than removing the wiper but it can be done.

 

[BmacIL]

I wouldn't be scared about removing the wiper. Piece o cake.

 

[Nagare]

I wouldn't be scared about removing the wiper. Piece o cake.

I'd be scared NOT removing it because I tried and it flexes to a point but it is so much harder trying to get the piece in there properly and I definitely cut my hand a couple of times doing that before I quit and went to buy a tool that fit properly.

 

[17Magnetic5.0]

yeah lol definitely remove it I just did it to say I could do it

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