Strut Tower Brace Differences

[ARAMP1]

What are the differences in the Ecoboost, GT, Mach1 and GT350 strut tower braces? From searching, it appears that the GT350 is aluminum. But when looking at the aftermarket (such as Steeda and others), there are two different part numbers (Part Number: 555 5733 vs Part Number: 555 5731 for Steeda). So, what's the difference?

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[paulm1]

not sure re: the steeda part number differences but the factory brace is a 3 piece system. And none of what you get from steeda or ford performance includes all 3 pieces.

 

[ARAMP1]

It appears the factory is just one piece of stamped steel.

Thought it appears that the GT350 is three pieces welded together.

 

[MattMPA]

I'm sure someone knows more than me, but I think the GT350 version is aluminum. The GT350 "kit" with the three pieces is on my hit-list, along with jacking rails. I'd suspect the other Ford pieces are the same, except the badging.

Steeda says the 555 5733 only fits GT350. I can't imagine what the difference is.

I suppose what makes me not jump at the strut brace quicker, is reading reports about studs breaking off during installation. I'm sure they are the exception to the rule...but with my luck...

 

[tj@steeda]

I would have to confirm with product development - but they are all designed for specific applications. If we could have carried them over to each vehicle - we would have but believe all of them had to be designed differently to accommodate different fitments.

I will provide details as soon as I receive them.

TJ

 

[NightmareMoon]

The GT350(R?) one is a bit lighter than the brace on the PP1 cars.

 

[ARAMP1]

The GT350(R?) one is a bit lighter than the brace on the PP1 cars.

Right, but why are there two different part numbers for seemingly similar aftermarket braces? I assume the GT350 has different fitment issues from the standard GT/Ecoboost. What is it? Why won't they interchange?

 

[paulm1]

It appears the factory is just one piece of stamped steel.

Thought it appears that the GT350 is three pieces welded together.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1756459295...eMewetPTZu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

3 pieces

 

[NightmareMoon]

Right, but why are there two different part numbers for seemingly similar aftermarket braces? I assume the GT350 has different fitment issues from the standard GT/Ecoboost. What is it? Why won't they interchange?

They do interchange. Ford selectrd different parts for different cars because the strut tower brace is functional but also highly *visible*.

If you just want a functional part, anything rigid that connects the strut towers will work the tower bolts are in the same locations for all S550s.. If you want a lightweight and sexy looking part, well those oz will cost you a couple bucks.

 

[ARAMP1]

If you want a lightweight and sexy looking part, well those oz will cost you a couple bucks.

It appears the GT/EcoBoost version will cost the extra bucks. Back to the original question...what's the difference?

 

[tj@steeda]

What are the differences in the Ecoboost, GT, Mach1 and GT350 strut tower braces? From searching, it appears that the GT350 is aluminum. But when looking at the aftermarket (such as Steeda and others), there are two different part numbers (Part Number: 555 5733 vs Part Number: 555 5731 for Steeda). So, what's the difference?

I went to the source, our head of manufacturing:

The braces themselves are the exact same. The spacers that come in the kit are different.

Hope that helps in your purchase decision - please let me know if I can help assist further.

Thank you,

TJ

 

[ARAMP1]

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks for the follow up!

 

[Cobra Jet]

I was going to say the differences with the actual singular bar may be the height of the upper intakes on certain S550's. If that is a factor in strut bar design, either spacers as mentioned or a revised arch of the bar's center would be the necessary to clear the slight variances.

Where the single center bar bolts to the tops of the strut towers, that appears to be the same mounting points.

--

The "3-pieces" mentioned in this thread is not in reference to the actual main strut bar that spans the towers.

The reference is to the fact that PP equipped GT & EB, Bullitt, Mach 1, PP2 GT, and the GT350's have (3) unique factory pieces that makes the strut bar (over the strut towers) work properly once installed.

This thread shows and gives all the info needed to properly add a strut bar to an S550 that was not a PP OR other model noted above:
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...extension-lower-k-brace-install-guide.100800/

 

[MAGS1]

I did the FP kit and it’s a 2 piece from FP. You have to buy the extension piece referenced in the thread that CJ posted separately. Here’s the FP kit and the kit installed. I did purchase the extension and installed it just didn’t take any pics of it

 

[ice445]

I did the FP kit and it’s a 2 piece from FP. You have to buy the extension piece referenced in the thread that CJ posted separately. Here’s the FP kit and the kit installed. I did purchase the extension and installed it just didn’t take any pics of it

This is the way. The firewall brace honestly does more than the tower brace, but when all of them are together it's a noticeable change in turn in and front end dynamics.

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