Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 92 1LE B4C
Engine: 350
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
I bought the Spohn Wonderbar and I am really disappointed. I have the dual cooling fan set up and there is no way that I can make it fit. Spohn has told me that I have to grind down the cooling fan bosses but that isn't even enough.
The only way I would be able to make it fit is to cut the bar off of the tabs and reweld the bar to the bottom side of them rather than have the taps welded to the center of the tube like they made it.
I have emailed them and so far their support has been terrible. They told me to shave the cooling fan bosses and wont respond further.
If you are looking into doing this, spend your money somewhere else. If you buy the spohn you will have to cut it up and re engineer the piece to make it work. You would be better off buying some steel stock and making your own for $15.
The only way I would be able to make it fit is to cut the bar off of the tabs and reweld the bar to the bottom side of them rather than have the taps welded to the center of the tube like they made it.
I have emailed them and so far their support has been terrible. They told me to shave the cooling fan bosses and wont respond further.
If you are looking into doing this, spend your money somewhere else. If you buy the spohn you will have to cut it up and re engineer the piece to make it work. You would be better off buying some steel stock and making your own for $15.
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
I've had three of the TDS wonder bars. Not sure who actually makes them or if its an actual TDS design. However they work, they are your best bet. No modifications have been necessary to make them work on any cars I've installed them on.
I only bring this up as an alternative for you if you can't make your Spohn unit work.
I only bring this up as an alternative for you if you can't make your Spohn unit work.
#4
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
i just got the spohn wonder bar also. extremely dissapointed with it. i was under the impression that it was a simple bolt on part just like the factory one that came on the z28 with 245/50 tires. boy was i mistaken. totally not worth it just like b4ccamaro said, go buy your own stock and fab your own.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 92 1LE B4C
Engine: 350
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
I've had three of the TDS wonder bars. Not sure who actually makes them or if its an actual TDS design. However they work, they are your best bet. No modifications have been necessary to make them work on any cars I've installed them on.
I only bring this up as an alternative for you if you can't make your Spohn unit work.
I only bring this up as an alternative for you if you can't make your Spohn unit work.
#7
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
Just to put everyone's mind at ease, the TDS version works with both dual and single electric fan based cars. The redesigned version now works on 1982 Firebirds and Camaros. Supposedly earlier versions did not. The only known compatibility issue with this version is with the 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am. Apparently it doesn't work with those cars. I can't speak to the reason for that but evidently there is something different about the Turbo TA in regard to that area of the car.
I've tested the TDS part on the following vehicles:
1985 Trans Am (LB9, A4) -Single fan
1987 Trans Am (LB9, A4) -Dual fan
1987 Trans Am (LG4, A4) -Single fan
1992 Firebird Formula (LB9, M5) -Dual fan
All the vehicles excluding the 1992 Firebird were using the old version of the TDS Wonderbar which only had two bolt holes using the steering support brackets. The new version has a third bolt hole which attaches directly to the frame. It is a bit harder to install but appears to be a better design.
I've tested the TDS part on the following vehicles:
1985 Trans Am (LB9, A4) -Single fan
1987 Trans Am (LB9, A4) -Dual fan
1987 Trans Am (LG4, A4) -Single fan
1992 Firebird Formula (LB9, M5) -Dual fan
All the vehicles excluding the 1992 Firebird were using the old version of the TDS Wonderbar which only had two bolt holes using the steering support brackets. The new version has a third bolt hole which attaches directly to the frame. It is a bit harder to install but appears to be a better design.
Last edited by 87WS6; 06-13-2010 at 05:22 PM.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
iTrader: (25)
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Manteca,California. Nor Cal.
Posts: 7,260
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: SOLD IT. Mopar guy only now.
Engine: gone
Transmission: gone
Axle/Gears: gone
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
i had to shave down my single fan stock setup to put a sphon wonderbar on i wasnt really worried about it. on the other hand it clears the dual fan ls-1 fan setup i now have on it with no problems!
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 92 1LE B4C
Engine: 350
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
I wasn't that fortunate with the stock duals. How well do those ls dual fans work anyway? is it worth the swap?
#10
Supreme Member
iTrader: (25)
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Manteca,California. Nor Cal.
Posts: 7,260
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: SOLD IT. Mopar guy only now.
Engine: gone
Transmission: gone
Axle/Gears: gone
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
for me it was i was getting hot and single fan couldnt keep up. went to the duals and all good. took me a couple hours to install them. including trimming down the fan to fit, trimming down the upper radiator mount to clear, and to wire it up
#11
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
I didn't have the stock dual fans to start with, either. My car was running hot on hot days, so i re-attached the air dam (shaven a bit, car sits too low) and it was still running borderline hot. I swapped to the dual fan (simple, simple swap if you have a donor car) and now it doesn't go 190+. To me it was a no brainer (since i had them at my disposal) It's only going to help.
#12
Supreme Member
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Prince George, BC, Canada
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7L Supercharged
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" 3.70
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
I ran into the same problem you have and Spohn is right, you need to shave the cooling fan bosses down and it will fit.
#13
Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 90' Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
I recently installed BMR's wonderbar(steering brace) and I had to grind off much of the dual fan mounting bosses also. Once I did that it bolted up. They said you could reuse the stock bolts, and I managed to get them back in there, but if you can spare it, get longer bolts guys.
As for it bracing the steering... it still "clunks" when you turn the wheel lock to lock, but not quite as bad. Overall, I am/was dissapointed.
As for it bracing the steering... it still "clunks" when you turn the wheel lock to lock, but not quite as bad. Overall, I am/was dissapointed.
#14
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Valdosta, GA
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Engine: L98(5.7 L TPI)
Transmission: 700r4(A4)
Axle/Gears: G80 RPO, 3:23s, Auburn Racer's Diff
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
get the TDS version. money well spent!
#15
Banned
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 135
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1985 Camaro Sport Coupe
Engine: 2.8 - Bored/Stroked, Pacesetters
Transmission: 5 spd Manual
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
i just got the spohn wonder bar also. extremely dissapointed with it. i was under the impression that it was a simple bolt on part just like the factory one that came on the z28 with 245/50 tires. boy was i mistaken. totally not worth it just like b4ccamaro said, go buy your own stock and fab your own.
I totally agree! Plug and Play my ***. I had to grind and pry to get the bitch to line up. Although, it's totally worth it now!!!
#16
Supreme Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 4,771
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: 1987 Black IROC-Z (SOLD)
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
Ah, the Wonder bar....You buy it and then Wonder what it does?? Really nothing for performance or handling. It is just a support piece that GM added to correct a design flaw with the new wide tires. Also adding this part now on 20yr old car is not going to do anything.
#21
Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
Some fun facts about the brace mentioned above:
82-86 Brace, F/End Lwr Structure
87-88 Brace, Lwr Structure
89-90 Brace, Lwr Structure (Tray & Cann)
90 Brace, Lwr Structure (Tray and Canister)
All have the same part number: 14083989
My 85 shop manual calls the piece a Brace, Frt, C/Member-RH. No mention is made of a LH. And according to Spohn, IIRC, not all cars have them.
GM, gotta love'em.
JamesC
82-86 Brace, F/End Lwr Structure
87-88 Brace, Lwr Structure
89-90 Brace, Lwr Structure (Tray & Cann)
90 Brace, Lwr Structure (Tray and Canister)
All have the same part number: 14083989
My 85 shop manual calls the piece a Brace, Frt, C/Member-RH. No mention is made of a LH. And according to Spohn, IIRC, not all cars have them.
GM, gotta love'em.
JamesC
#22
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 92 1LE B4C
Engine: 350
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
Ill admit there wasn't much to be had by installing it, but there is a steering difference for sure. I could feel it in the response the car had.
I found the stock one and put it on. I sent my spohn one back. I can't wait to see what kind of a refund I will get for it.
I found the stock one and put it on. I sent my spohn one back. I can't wait to see what kind of a refund I will get for it.
#24
Supreme Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Ventura County, California
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2002 GS300 Sport Design
Engine: 3.0L 2JZGE
Transmission: 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
Quit messing around with these other companies just go ahead and purchase fom UMI Performance. I bought mine esay bolt on less then 3 minutes to be exact no complications whats so ever. Also I have dual fans just to put it out there.
Tony.
Tony.
#26
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 92 1LE B4C
Engine: 350
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
Well spohn actually gave me a full refund, minus a buck actually. So I can't say I won't use them again but I will definitely do some more research before I buy. Thanks guys for all the input.
#27
Supreme Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Ventura County, California
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2002 GS300 Sport Design
Engine: 3.0L 2JZGE
Transmission: 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
You cant go bad with UMI though. I love there parts im saving up to get there adjustable pan hard rod and also the relocating one that goes on top as well.
Tony.
Tony.
#29
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
thats cool that spohn gave you most of your money back. i still will go with umi from now on.
#30
Senior Member
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
Have the same problem with my dual fan TPI setup and the spohn $h1t. For me it's not an option to return it as shipping costs would be to expensive. The workaround they mention to shave off the fan bosses is also nonsense as the fan bolts can never be installed with the bar in the way.
The only potential solution might be too fabricate some distant pieces to lower the bar a bit. Still have to see if this will work.
The only potential solution might be too fabricate some distant pieces to lower the bar a bit. Still have to see if this will work.
#31
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 4,669
Received 810 Likes
on
615 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
The '89 Indy Pace Car T/A with 3.8L turbo used spacers under the front sway bar for engine clearance, IIRC.
#32
Senior Member
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
A 1/2" flange and longer bolts should do the job. Will keep you updated
#35
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Valdosta, GA
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Engine: L98(5.7 L TPI)
Transmission: 700r4(A4)
Axle/Gears: G80 RPO, 3:23s, Auburn Racer's Diff
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
I can't speak about the UMI one, but I reccomend the top-down solutions model.
#36
Senior Member
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
Today I tried the blocks and can say they worked like a charm. Thickness is 12mm although I still shaved the very bottom part of the fan boss just to ensure the fans don't hit the bar. See below
Had to change the bolt length also
Had to change the bolt length also
#41
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 1,154
Received 85 Likes
on
68 Posts
Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 3.27 Posi
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
The top-down solutions 'wonder bar' is my go-to. It's the first thing I ordered for our second Formula. Fits dual fans no problem.
#43
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 4,669
Received 810 Likes
on
615 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
I'll bet he's seeing the shadow from the flash off the edge of that bracket, and thinks it s big crack.
#44
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern, CA
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
9 Posts
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
I'm not trying to steal this thread but anything is possible with this car, so if he sees something we don't I would like to know.
#45
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
on a side note: the top down solutions. is a close copy of the GM bar. and fits all years 82/92.
so if your looking to save a pound and a half. it would be a way to go..
red
black
and
yellow Zink
I have a new UMI bar (red) ill be placing up for sale. as I'm going with the top down unit to save wt.
so if your looking to save a pound and a half. it would be a way to go..
red
black
and
yellow Zink
I have a new UMI bar (red) ill be placing up for sale. as I'm going with the top down unit to save wt.
Last edited by articwhiteZ; 03-18-2017 at 03:12 AM.
#46
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern, CA
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
9 Posts
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
Besides Ive seen your engine. You might need a little extra weight to keep that car "on" the track......
Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; 03-19-2017 at 02:24 AM.
#47
Supreme Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Pasadena, TX
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
Man I feel good about my junkyard score. $20 and if fit pretty good. Just need a coat of fresh paint.
On a side note why would Spohn continue to make a crap design? They are well aware of the issue and could remedy it pretty quickly, yet they would rather make us do unnecessary work.
On a side note why would Spohn continue to make a crap design? They are well aware of the issue and could remedy it pretty quickly, yet they would rather make us do unnecessary work.
#49
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern, CA
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
9 Posts
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
" OK K MEMBER OR FRONT CRADLE " ?
How about a little photo shop or "paint" application with an arrow on it because I don't see it. Any body else see it.
How about a little photo shop or "paint" application with an arrow on it because I don't see it. Any body else see it.
Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; 03-21-2017 at 11:21 PM.
#50
Banned
Re: Spohn Wonderbar disappointment.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
darwinprice
Organized Drag Racing and Autocross
17
10-11-2015 11:51 PM
luvofjah
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
13
09-26-2015 08:28 PM