On Jul 5, 6:30 pm, Dan > wrote:
> On Jul 5, 8:42 am, (Itsfrom Click) wrote:
>
> > Thanks for the comments. I'm perplexed too: maybe it's the expectation
> > that there wouldn't be any cowl shake after all the hype. And, seems
> > worse with the top up than down, unlike other cars I've had. "Course,
> > although the suspension is stil mild, it's probably tighter than the V6.
>
> > Yes, my past cars had tower-to-cowl braces: doesn't look like a
> > bolt-in is possible with this body. I see braces from $60 to
> > $200......guess it won't hurt to put one on - and I'll have something to
> > lean on when detailing the engine!
>
> > BTW.......used to have one of those Continental 4 door
> > converts......beautiful car. Sort of scary when you put the top down
> > and opened all the doors and saw how little structure there was to it.
> > But never a shake, wiggle or rattle. But it weighed 5500 pounds!
>
> Just one more word from me, 'cause I didn't make the case as strong as
> I wanted to . If all you are going to do is one mod, do the subframe
> connectors. They *will* help. They are more of a pain because they
> have to be welded (and you want the welded ones, not the bolt-ons) but
> it's worth the extra effort. SFC's significantly improve the stiffness
> of the car.
>
> Then later, when you have some money for bling, get the STB .
>
> Dan
> P49Y83+

I did both the STB and SFC (both MM) within two weeks of each other on
my 2003 GT vert...

The STB tightened up the front end, made the cowl shake less
noticeable and basically gave the car a much more solid feel.
In fact, I could feel the difference just backing out the driveway.
Truthfully, I was quite surprised because many people claim the STB is
a waste, but on a vert I can say it makes a tremendous difference.
Maybe it's the MM that makes the difference because it mounts to the
firewall in 2 places and is one hell of a solid piece which requires
MANY bolts to install.

I've seen other STB with one wimpy connection on the firewall, in the
middle, and I doubt they will do as much.

As for the SFC, I got MM full lengths and they seem to effect the rear
of the car more.
You don't feel that sloppy feeling on turns anymore, but the
difference is more subtle than the STB which was a real surprise to
me.

For cowl shake test, just suction cup your radar detector/GPS to the
middle of the windshield and watch it dance away.
With the STB it is much less, still there, but better.
I can't say if this holds true for S197 though.

For SFC test jack your car up and notice the space between the doors
and the frame change.
All gone with the SFC installed.

Enjoy!
Steve