firewrks

It looks like I have a choice (what will fit) between an Edlebrock 3point Strut Tower Brace and a Hotchkis 2 point Strut tower brace for a 1987 carb'd 305 Firebird.

Which is better?
Is a 3 point better than a 2 point or does it matter?

I would have searched on this but the search function is disabled.

Tom84L69

From a purely logical standpoint,I say a 3 point is better than a 2 point because it should add more rigidity to the chassis.

Dewey316

i have the eldelbrock for the carb'd application and love it.

firewrks

Is there any hole drilling required for the front point of the edelbrock?

Z28DJP1987

You will have the PRO & CON forever between the two. Its your choice, mine was the Hotchkis one which I like.

MdFormula350

either one is good to have, a 3 point most likely would be a tad better.. but also could get in the way alittle more..

uk89camaro

Is the Hotchkiss part available for a carbed/TBI motor? As far as I'm aware it's only the Edlebrock 5227 that's available for our cars.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Ive GOT THE EDELBROCK (tpi brace)ON MY 84Z(CARBED).MY CAR HAS THE FATORY FIBERGLASS HOOD.WHICH HAS ONLY BRACING AROUND THE EDGES.LEAVING MORE ROOM BETWEEN THE HOOD/AIR CLEANER.ALLOWING BRACE TO CLEAR.THATS WHY THE EDELBROCK CARB BRACE IS BENT.TO AROUND THE FRONT OF A/C IN STEAD OF OVER.WITH STEEL HOOD IT WOULD NOT CLEAR.I PLAN ON ADDING EITHER TPI or SUPERAM LATER ON.THATs WHY I WENT WITH THIS BRACE.

SMURFN' Z28

iTrader: (2)

well, i think you have to drill holes for both those strut tower braces. you just have to drill 2 more on the edelbrock for the 3rd point. I personally think the edelbrock is the way to go. It costs less than the hotchkis one and logically seems to me that it would do a better job...... you decide.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

I AGREE.............

kane91z

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33591

i just bought on of these direct from Hotchkis 100$ not bad - i was going to go with the edelbrock - but im dressing up the new engine thats going in tomarrow and felt this would look nicer...

uk89camaro

edelbrock

firewrks

uk89camaro: what type of drill and bit did you use for the holes?

Wishmaster's87IROC

iTrader: (4)

BMR baby! Maybe cheaper....dont know if they make for carb but you can check.

uk89camaro

Normal electric drill on a very slow speed, I can't remember the size of the bit (just measure the end against the bolts), but it was a new metal bit.

I must have measured and repositioned about a dozen times, before I actually drilled the holes.

I was absolutely amazed at the results after driving it for the first time. Understeer had all but diappeared, now very much more confident in going around corners.

89blackGTA

Hey guys. How much of a pain are the braces when you have to change your plugs and wires? That is my only concern.

Hey wish, how much was the BMR and were did you get it?
Thanks
Brian

uk89camaro

No more than normal, do them from underneath.

trace

which 3-point brace would you recommend for a 92 RS TBI? (and where is the best place to buy it online?)

and some questions about installation...
i'm about to replace my tires, and thought this would be a good time to add a STB and get an alignment? also when you install an STB, might it be a good idea to jack the car up a bit behind the front wheels to take out some sag from high miles?

and for the hardcore DIYers:
i'm pretty good with steel fabrication, and have done suspension stuff before - how many of you have made your own STBs and/or wonder bars?

ArrioZ28

uk89camaro,
What was the Edelbrock part number for your 3 point STB? I have looked at several online performance parts sales and none seem to match what you have installed. I have also seen other third gen photos with an STB just like yours, but I'm not having much luck finding the right illustation/part number. I also have the dual snorkle air cleaner and would realy like a 3 point STB that fit as well as yours
Thanks.

uk89camaro

EB-5227

MikeC.86Roc

iTrader: (10)

I honestly believe that you would not be able to feel any difference between the two.. Take a look at where the extra point mounts for the Edelbrock brace and notice that it is not a very rigid area. I guess either way you go, It's just a matter of personal preference.

uk89camaro

The triangulation is going to make some difference, but the lateral strut support is of course the most important.

If I could have sourced a nice looking single bar I would have used that instead for ease of installation.

Sickness91Z28

iTrader: (1)

I wanted to get an Edelbrock 3 point.....but....my SS hood won't close with it on....

drsmithson

i'm looking at doing the ultimate tbi mods to my car this summer and was just wondering if the edelbrock stb (EDL-5227) would work with the tbi spacer out, a regular (not drop) air filter base, and an open element filter. as far as i can tell from the pic it should work, but i dont want to buy it and have it not work. thanks!

doc

Dewey316

yes it will.

i have a 14x3 open element on my TBI. and it fits perfectly.

drsmithson

sweet! thanks dewey!

doc

Tibey

I bought one (Edelbrock Strut Tower Brace for TBI/carb.) but in the rush to get it I didn't check that it wouldn't fit on cars with the A/C on the driver's side... does any one want to buy it? $120 takes it!