skogz16
12-02-2010, 03:46 PM
I may be beating an old dog but does anyone know of a strut tower brace? I found one that says it fits G6s and 08 Malibus.... contacted the company, no response yet as to if this is true but i asked for pictures of a Malibu with their brace on it. Is there anything out there at this time? Or even one for the rear?
If there isnt, Is there any crazy science behind it? I can do any fab work, but i really dont know the engineering behind it. I know that in order for it the brace to be strong it should be some sort of extrusion with inner bracing for strength. The tower brackets are easy work though.
Let me know if anyone can thing ok something, if not i am going to fab one up
chevyguy8893
12-02-2010, 05:52 PM
I would think that it would fit, but there may be clearance issues that are unknown. The only way to find out would be to try. The only clearance issue I can think of that might happen is the top of the bar hitting the hood in the center. 08' may be a classic which is the old body style still in 08'. I found a page that someone put a STB from a malibu ss onto their G6. http://www.g6ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1288
I don't think there is much into the design of the brace. I know the GM STB's are hollow tubing. I think some may be solid though.
dpopeck
12-03-2010, 09:31 AM
I'm surprised no one's chimed in on whether they think a strut tower brace would make a noticeable improvement in the Malibu's handling.
On other forums, stuff like this usually engenders spirited debates.
Starship
12-03-2010, 09:51 AM
That's probably because not many are into autocrossing and such. Care to share what your position is?
DrivenDaily
12-03-2010, 04:18 PM
I'll bite.
The 'Bu would be a better performer if it had one. The stiffer you make the frame, or uni-body, the better the suspension can perform its duty. The better it does that, the better the handling gets.
Seems pretty simple. So where's the argument? Facts speak for themselves.
Take a look at the Mini Cooper, now made by BMW. They weld the body in so many places that it outperforms their 3-series because it's tighter and stiffer, and their 3-series is no slouch!
chevyguy8893
12-03-2010, 04:47 PM
I never figured there was much to argue about either. I do think it would add improvement, I may not be much or it may be a lot. I would like to know if it does help though. They don't handle bad as is IMO.
Ohio_Malibu_LTZ
12-03-2010, 05:13 PM
I would be willing to bet that it's better to have it then to be stock. The only question is "how" much better.
Silver LTZ
12-03-2010, 05:23 PM
I'm surprised no one's chimed in on whether they think a strut tower brace would make a noticeable improvement in the Malibu's handling.
On other forums, stuff like this usually engenders spirited debates.
You won't feel a thing. I have one on my Camaro and didn't even notice anything with that. Unless the car is made horribly and is loose, you are not gonna feel it at all. 99% of people who add them to their car do it for looks.