Author Topic: Monte Carlo Bar or TCP Brace (Read 1558 times)

hivewax · « **on:** July, 28, 2009, 04:57:54 AM »

i really like the TCP engine brace setup, but it's expensive. it can be detached pretty easy to get access to the engine, which is nice, but i would have to remove the existing export brace. should i just keep it simple with the Monte Carlo bar?? i would have to get the curved one as the MSD e-curve distributor sits higher than stock.

AzPete · « **Reply #1 on:** July, 28, 2009, 05:27:26 AM »

It really depends on how often you need to remove the engine. I went with the normal curved bar as I hope to not need an engine removal each week......... I do find the bar is nice to use as a brace when reaching for things.

Fast68back · « **Reply #2 on:** July, 28, 2009, 05:29:09 AM »

I had a TCP brace and to be honest, it looks really small in person. The setup I used, Maier racing's braces just seemed so much beefier. There are several vendors for the TCP type setup, I believe Shaun at Street or Track has a version. He did just send out an e-mail about 10% off too.....

I'd ditch the tall dizzy and put one of these in....

http://www.streetortrack.com/Street-or-Track-Quick-Release-Shock-Tower-Brace-pr-23524.html

hivewax · « **Reply #3 on:** July, 28, 2009, 05:40:14 AM »

i think the MSD e-curve i have would hit the Street or Track bar.

EDIT: i'm not ditching this new dizzy, unless there's something better.

silverblueBP · « **Reply #4 on:** July, 28, 2009, 06:05:04 AM »

If you want bling, go for it. If you want to stiffen up the chassis and save some coin, the std export brace and MC bar are fine, IMHO.

and to remove my engine, I just take out the MC bar, just a few bolts and it's out. The export brace does not need to be removed to R&R the engine.

lethal289 · « **Reply #5 on:** July, 28, 2009, 05:31:21 PM »

Quote from: silverblueBP on July, 28, 2009, 06:05:04 AM

The export brace does not need to be removed to R&R the engine.

:wstup This is true, i had mine on the car when i dropped my motor in. And it wasnt even close to being in the way :cool.

hivewax · « **Reply #6 on:** July, 28, 2009, 08:42:58 PM »

Another thing... I don't have a 1-piece export brace. I have the 2-piece version. You all think this 2-piece is worth keeping. Is it as sturdy as the 1-piece?

lethal289 · « **Reply #7 on:** July, 29, 2009, 01:14:04 PM »

if i were you i'd swap it out for the one piece. Thats what i did, and i think it was a good decision. To me it seams stiffer this way then with the two piece.

silverblueBP · « **Reply #8 on:** July, 29, 2009, 04:16:16 PM »

Not to be a party pooper, but......IMO, stuff like a vario centric kit and 1pc export brace, panhard bar are not going to gain you much.....on the street. The 2 pc export brace and a MC bar would suffice for the street. There's a big, gigantic, huge difference on how hard you can drive a car on the street versus what you would do on a track. If I didn't take my car to the track, those items and a few others would not have been done. Again, that's just my opinion...which means squat.

Oh yeah, it's your car and your money no matter WHAT I say :nice

hivewax · « **Reply #9 on:** July, 29, 2009, 07:17:39 PM »

I cannot resist car candy parts. =)

silverblueBP · « **Reply #10 on:** July, 30, 2009, 03:46:06 AM »

Quote from: hivewax on July, 29, 2009, 07:17:39 PM

I cannot resist car candy parts. =)

THAT, I understand :naug

70_Fastback · « **Reply #11 on:** July, 30, 2009, 08:00:57 AM »

I got a 1 piece. But it one point it was like an 8 piece.... :rofl

http://www.stangfix.com/testforum/index.php?topic=1367.msg11344#msg11344

hivewax · « **Reply #12 on:** November, 17, 2009, 10:40:48 PM »

i bought the cheapo $20 curved Monte Carlo bar manufactured from Classic Reproductions thru CJ Pony... it seemed pretty light. are the Scott Drake ones better/stronger?

silverblueBP · « **Reply #13 on:** November, 18, 2009, 05:54:19 AM »

The one I have (straight) is pretty light, but still works. It probably came from Mustangs U or Mustangs+

66gt350 · « **Reply #14 on:** November, 18, 2009, 08:02:25 AM »

I just was wondering...how much does the curve monte carlo bar actually stiffen up the front end. That curve seems like that is a "weak" spot and have some spring to it.

hivewax · « **Reply #15 on:** November, 18, 2009, 08:23:05 AM »

I haven't heard any complaints or seen any curved ones crack or break. Anyone?

Shaun · « **Reply #16 on:** November, 18, 2009, 10:39:29 AM »

Quote from: hivewax on November, 18, 2009, 08:23:05 AM

I haven't heard any complaints or seen any curved ones crack or break. Anyone?

IMO its a waste of time installing a curved bar to brace something. You don't see any curved roll bars without some sort of bracing right?

If I had a tall distributor and couldn't run the straight bar right across the top I'd make something like this:

hivewax · « **Reply #17 on:** January, 26, 2010, 07:51:03 PM »

I'm about to install the curved Monte Carlo cheap bar and like to know if the measurement is correct from end-to-end of the tube before install. I measured ~40.5". Am I good? ... can't trust these Chinese made parts these days...

hivewax · « **Reply #18 on:** January, 26, 2010, 08:28:31 PM »

http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/493196-monte-carlo-brace.html

OpenTracker posted the measurement from center-to-center of stock holes in line with the Monte Carlo bar... 42.75" (car), 42.5" (bar)

mine are 41.5" (car) :doh and 42.25" (bar)...

buening · « **Reply #19 on:** January, 26, 2010, 08:31:10 PM »

I just measured my stainless one that has yet to be installed and it is also 40.5" measured at the top (since the mounting plate is sloped). I'm curious if other's measure the same though, because my engine bay measured about 39.75" or so. This is either due to the towers sagging or the bar is too long.

As far as the straight vs curved bar, the curved bar will be weaker but it isn't exactly a flimsy bar. I just used my 200lb weight to try to get it to flex and it wouldn't budge. I don't know what kind of forces these bars see, though.

Hive, I noticed you are a structural engineer too. I'm a registered PE and SE in Illinois.

hivewax · « **Reply #20 on:** January, 26, 2010, 08:38:12 PM »

Are you installing in a '65-66? Different years may have different engine bay measurements.

Structural engineering is a tough field to be in... very stressful and business management is necessary to be wealthy.

EDIT: At my current job, I'm doing inspections full-time, which sucks. I'm studying now for the GC. After that, I'll concentrate on SE.

buening · « **Reply #21 on:** January, 27, 2010, 05:16:39 AM »

No this is for a 70 but all parts stores show that these bars fit 65-70 cars so they must all be the same width.

Yeah it's definitely a tough field, especially right now. Pretty cut-throat as far as marketing and maintaining clients. 75% of my job is bridge engineering, with 15% marketing and the rest the occasional building or miscellaneous design. Good luck with the exams. The PE is a walk in the park compared to the SE!