e-man

Okay. I've seen quite a few of you have this under your hoods. What is that bar that is bolted across the top of the engine? I assume it's some sort of stabilizer bar, but what function does it serve? Does it reduce body cowl?

e-man

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Eman,

It's called a strut tower brace. It reduces body flex (not sure what cowl is?).

Most noticable for me going over uneven road conditions, railroad tracks, etc.

e-man

Thanks, Dave. Cowl shake is a term most often used with convertibles. I believe it's the tendency of a convertible to twist because of its lack of a top (so I think we're talking about the same concept). About how much does a strut tower brace cost installed? Do quite a few people have them?

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

OK, cool. I've heard of cowl on musclecars (as in cowl induction hood), but thought it just meant the top of the hood.

STBs go from under $100 (I think for some of the lower end ones) to 300 - 400. check our CL vendor www.l-tunedparts.com for the TRD ($220 for example) and Tom's ones on their webpage.

If you have a GS300 there are issues with clearing the engine on many models except the UGO and one other. Same for the GS430 to some extent on the engine cover. GS400 you're home free.

Install is pretty easy and can be done DIY. Sometimes you might need to put the car up on a jack to reduce pressure on the strut to get the bar on.

Please try the advanced search feature on the GS forum and just put in 'strut tower brace' or 'stb' and you'll get all sorts of info. Many brands... trd, toms, rmm, rvm, ugo, etc.