Ford Racing Strut Tower Brace (RHD Car)

Just installed the Ford Racing Strut Tower Brace across the weekend. :cheers:

https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-20201-M

For the install you will need to grind the Drivers side (RHD) underside edge of the tower brace so it doesn't bind against the factory installed cowl extension.

With the part being made specifically for LHD cars there is clear difference between the cutout on one side of the strut brace than the other to obviously accommodate for the cowl extension design on LHD cars.

I can't see any logical reason why they couldn't have designed it to fit both LHD and RHD applications and they may do it in the future but the only way to install it was to grind a section out and repaint. Here's some pics;

Looks smart. I like it. You have done a clean job on the grinding.

Overall was it easy to install?

Looks good. Does the kit come with the Cowl Extension piece that is already fitted?

Yeah Nah said:

Looks smart. I like it. You have done a clean job on the grinding.

Overall was it easy to install?

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Just finishes off the engine bay nicely doesn't it. The install itself is very easy given its just a couple of bolts. You don't need to remove the cowl extension or the plastic covers since its already in place so this saves you a lot of time.

AussieGreg said:

Looks good. Does the kit come with the Cowl Extension piece that is already fitted?

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The kit does come with the cowl extension however you don't need to use it if you go down the grinding route.

They say in the manual that the cowl extension is the same as OEM, however when you look at it, it does look slightly different. The other thing to note with the cowl extension itself, given its for a LHD car you would need to drill some new holes to accommodate for the plastic covers that sit on top of the extension itself. Too much hassle with no real advantage as far as i can see.

Did you paint over the cut so it won't rust?

FrozenPea said:

Did you paint over the cut so it won't rust?

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Yep absolutely. You can probably see on the pics there is a bit of blob but you cant actually see it unless you go in for a extreme close up as its more underneath than anything and its just slightly built up on the edge:eyebulge: