Firewall/shock tower brace removal

nascarazy · 01-11-2018, 08:03 AM

Trying to do some engine bay customization while the car is sitting for the winter... Has anyone removed the braces between the firewall and shock towers? I'd like to get them hydro dipped with a carbon fiber pattern. I removed all 4 nuts/bolts to get the braces loose, but can't rotate them or move them enough to clear the stud on the firewall. Is there an easy way to get them out without causing too many problems?

Busted43 · 01-11-2018, 08:20 AM

No help, but I am wondering about this myself. I was thinking of doing something with them to dress up the engine bay. Looks like they should just unbolt an pop out.

nascarazy · 01-11-2018, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Busted43

Looks like they should just unbolt an pop out.

That was my thoughts too, but easier said than done. The bracket at the back bolt in the pictures won't allow it to rotate enough to remove it. And the approximately 1 inch stud that you have to clear at the firewall doesn't help.

jasonfichter · 01-11-2018, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nascarazy

Trying to do some engine bay customization while the car is sitting for the winter... Has anyone removed the braces between the firewall and shock towers? I'd like to get them hydro dipped with a carbon fiber pattern. I removed all 4 nuts/bolts to get the braces loose, but can't rotate them or move them enough to clear the stud on the firewall. Is there an easy way to get them out without causing too many problems?

I tried for about 4 hours to get those braces out of the car. No matter what I did the brace still wouldn't come out. I'm convinced they built the car around the brace.

Ichabod · 10-31-2018, 08:14 AM

Reviving a dead thread. Has anyone figured out how to remove these braces?

OVERPAR73 · 10-31-2018, 06:35 PM

I sure would like to know also, I was going to try and paint mine carbon flash along with some other engine parts. They look easy but I thought about that on several other items and they are a pain in the ass! Such as the HMI swap out for the front camera mod.

Viper-6 · 09-14-2021, 08:33 AM

Figure I'd revive this dead horse. Anyone have any luck?

infinitereality · 09-14-2021, 09:04 AM

Sub'ing as well, got me interested in doing something to them as well.

Terry the Tramp · 09-14-2021, 09:26 AM

Cut it out with a saw.

infinitereality · 09-14-2021, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry the Tramp

Cut it out with a saw.

And JB weld back together to reinstall

arpad_m · 09-14-2021, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry the Tramp

Cut it out with a saw.

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitereality

And JB weld back together to reinstall

Angle grinder is faster, plus you get to enjoy a nice sparkle + smoke show

Smokin19 · 09-15-2021, 06:26 AM

It's not that hard. Remove the plastic cowl first, then you will see all the nuts and bolts that need removed. You have to take the 10mm bolts and nuts off the cowl plenum #9. Then pry the plenum just enough on each end up enough to clear the center mount. The plenum has adhesive holding it in place. You need to just raise the ends enough to clear mounts.

Viper-6 · 09-15-2021, 11:38 AM

Appreciate it.....I havent tried clearing the plenum part yet. I need to remove the trim anyways for other stuff. Have you been with the WeaponX mods? I'm originally from Ohio (Lebanon then Wilmington area) so thought about bringing it back to them in Cincinnati.

Smokin19 · 09-15-2021, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper-6

Appreciate it.....I havent tried clearing the plenum part yet. I need to remove the trim anyways for other stuff. Have you been with the WeaponX mods? I'm originally from Ohio (Lebanon then Wilmington area) so thought about bringing it back to them in Cincinnati.

When you remove the 10 mm plenum nuts and bolts, then you can get the ends to lift enough to clear that middle mount. There is one 10mm nut under the washer arm, forget it, don't need it removed anyway. Seems to be less adhesive on the plenum ends for maybe this reason.

No mods have been done by WeaponX. I am putting on those cosmetic parts first while staying under warranty, then probably their 900 pkg. Will see about next year maybe.

01-11-2018, 08:03 AM	#1
nascarazy Drives: '18 ZL1 & '17 2500HD Midnight Ed Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Utah Posts: 81	Firewall/shock tower brace removal Trying to do some engine bay customization while the car is sitting for the winter... Has anyone removed the braces between the firewall and shock towers? I'd like to get them hydro dipped with a carbon fiber pattern. I removed all 4 nuts/bolts to get the braces loose, but can't rotate them or move them enough to clear the stud on the firewall. Is there an easy way to get them out without causing too many problems? Attached Images __________________ 2018 Camaro ZL1 - Garnet Red Tintcoat[/B] - Order Placed@ dealership 8/12/2017 - 1100 8/21/2017 - 3100 8/23/2017 (TPW 9/11) - 3400 8/25/2017 - 4300 9/11/2017 (VIN available) - 4200 9/15/2017 - 4200 9/20/2017 (on train near North Platte, NE) - 4200 9/22/2017 - 4200 9/23/2017 (car in town) - 5000 9/25/2017 - 6000 9/26/2017 (Finally in our garage!)

01-11-2018, 08:20 AM	#2
Busted43 Drives: 2018 zl1,A10,16 GLC300 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Cypress,Tx Posts: 163	No help, but I am wondering about this myself. I was thinking of doing something with them to dress up the engine bay. Looks like they should just unbolt an pop out. __________________ 2018 ABM,A10 Kooks 2” headers no cats, NW 103 Tb, Kong ported blower with 2.31 pully, Elite E2x catch can, Cordes under hood expansion tank, Flowmaster axle back, Rotofab dry filter,Mustang Dyno # 647whp/674wtq.

10-31-2018, 08:14 AM	#5
Ichabod Drives: 2018 zl1 1LE Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: NJ Posts: 95	Reviving a dead thread. Has anyone figured out how to remove these braces? __________________ 2018 ZL1 1LE 2021 GLS63 AMG 2005 SRT4 2017 Ram 1500

10-31-2018, 06:35 PM	#6
OVERPAR73 2018 Garnet Red ZL1 conve Drives: 2013 & 2018 ZL1 vert Join Date: May 2009 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 1,471 View My Garage	Engine braces I sure would like to know also, I was going to try and paint mine carbon flash along with some other engine parts. They look easy but I thought about that on several other items and they are a pain in the ass! Such as the HMI swap out for the front camera mod. __________________ Build Thread: 2018 ZL1 Vert Purchased (Overpar73)

09-14-2021, 09:04 AM	#8
infinitereality Limitless Imagination Drives: 2018 ZL1 & 2022 Hayabusa Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Louisiana Posts: 473	Sub'ing as well, got me interested in doing something to them as well. __________________ 2018 Camaro ZL1 - Black - OEM Options: A10, Exposed Carbon, PVR, Nav, No Sunroof - Lightly Tinted GM Dark Tails, DD Side Markers, Morimoto 5000k, 100% LED - RotoFab Dry, Forgestar CF5V (ZLE Spec), Eibach Pro, AeroForce Interceptor, GT4 Tow Hook - Carbon Fiber (Satin): Radio, Shifter, Steering Wheel Controls, Shifter Top, AC Vents, Side Mirrors & Shark Fin 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa - Brilliant White Pearl & Shocker Yellow Wheels - +4 Arm, 240 OEM Wheel, Brock's CT (Ti) Exhaust, 1.25" drop, etc...

09-14-2021, 08:33 AM	#7
Viper-6 Drives: 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Huntsville Alabama Posts: 23	Figure I'd revive this dead horse. Anyone have any luck?

09-14-2021, 09:26 AM	#9
Terry the Tramp Drives: Camaro ZL1 Join Date: May 2020 Location: FL Posts: 30	Cut it out with a saw.

09-15-2021, 06:26 AM	#12
Smokin19 Drives: 19' ZL1 A10, w/pdr Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: S.W. ohio Posts: 1,555	It's not that hard. Remove the plastic cowl first, then you will see all the nuts and bolts that need removed. You have to take the 10mm bolts and nuts off the cowl plenum #9. Then pry the plenum just enough on each end up enough to clear the center mount. The plenum has adhesive holding it in place. You need to just raise the ends enough to clear mounts. Attached Images __________________ BTR Stg II cam w/ 38% fuel lobe, ARH 2" headers into 3" w/cats, AWE Touring, Kong X port, Weapon X triple ht exchangers, NW 103, Rotofab big gulp, DSX lowside, TCM tune, BMR Lockout, Mustang dyno 720 rwhp, 634 rwtq on 93 pump.

09-15-2021, 11:38 AM	#13
Viper-6 Drives: 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Huntsville Alabama Posts: 23	Appreciate it.....I havent tried clearing the plenum part yet. I need to remove the trim anyways for other stuff. Have you been with the WeaponX mods? I'm originally from Ohio (Lebanon then Wilmington area) so thought about bringing it back to them in Cincinnati.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password