[FarmerFran]

Talking about over the engine style.

[02blackss]

I have been investigating this for some time now... There is one thread on here somewhere that had pictures of a ZL1 with a factory brace installed. However, everyone says it wont clear the supercharger as I am sure you are aware...

Only the SS/LT1/RS/LT etc etc verts came with a brace.....

Everyone says you do not need one, but I would certainly put one on especially on vert's. Always brings up the question if you don't need one, why do all the other model verts' come with it..

Jason

[RamAir02]

Not to my knowledge.

The struts are braced to the firewall.

Here is what Al had to say on the topic of strut bracing: https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showp...70&postcount=1

[Vigilante375]

No coupe or convertible came from the factory with a strut tower brace. Only the convertibles have an x brace underneath since it is a convertible with less structure than a coupe.

As stated, the coupe doesn't need one. If you want one then you can get it but it'll be more for a cosmetic look.

Unless someone takes their ZL1 out onto a road course and tests it with and without a tower brace. Then it's all stipulation on how much better the car will handle with one.

[SFV1LE]

Here is the latest high perf version of this same ZL1 Chevy chassis platform with the LT4 installed, the CT5 Blackwing. They seem to think a beefy STB helps here despite probably other chassis stiffening changes on the CT5. Strut bars make a car stiffer, and on track stiffer is better.

I have the BMR STB, it fits perfectly and serves me well in heavy track duty.

[Owl3]

Originally Posted by SFV1LE

Here is the latest high perf version of this same ZL1 Chevy chassis platform with the LT4 installed, the CT5 Blackwing. They seem to think a beefy STB helps here despite probably other chassis stiffening changes on the CT5. Strut bars make a car stiffer, and on track stiffer is better.

I have the BMR STB, it fits perfectly and serves me well in heavy track duty.

Does being a 4-door have something to do with it on the CT5?

[Vigilante375]

Originally Posted by SFV1LE

Here is the latest high perf version of this same ZL1 Chevy chassis platform with the LT4 installed, the CT5 Blackwing. They seem to think a beefy STB helps here despite probably other chassis stiffening changes on the CT5. Strut bars make a car stiffer, and on track stiffer is better.

I have the BMR STB, it fits perfectly and serves me well in heavy track duty.

Technically not the same platform. It's the Gen2 of the Alpha chassis just like its on the new gen of magnaride. Plus a 4 door vs a 2 door. The ATS and CTS are on the same platform as the 6th gen Camaro and only the CTS V has strut braces the ATS V doesn't. I guess the smaller 4 door didn't need it since it's not as long?

Like I said, it's purely a cosmetic item at this point until someone takes a ZL1 (coupe) and tests it with and without a strut tower brace.

Yes, it does help stiffen up the car for handling but if GM really thought the ZL1 needed it, then why didn't they put it on the ZL1 1LE? They liked the balance the car had without the brace.

[VanillaGorrila]

my 2018 ss 1le came with a brace from factory... its a coupe of course

[SOCAL.M6.ZLE]

Here they are... painted RED in my case, which makes them at least 25% stronger

[SFV1LE]

Originally Posted by Vigilante375

Yes, it does help stiffen up the car for handling but if GM really thought the ZL1 needed it, then why didn't they put it on the ZL1 1LE? They liked the balance the car had without the brace.

The more likely answer to that is time and cost, I've worked for a few automotive OEMs and they will make bad decisions even on performance cars to save $50. I'm not talking about Porsche or Ferrari, I mean manufacturers of mass produced cars like Nissan or GM/Chevy.

To create an STB that fits the ZL1 and LT4 height they would need to redesign the existing standard Camaro STB and charge a little more or make less profit per car. They were already putting a ton of content and features into the ZL1 and 1LE at a very low price point to make the best bang for buck sports car car at the time, so I think they just decided it was great enough and they were done.

[SFV1LE]

Originally Posted by SOCAL.M6.ZLE

Here they are... painted RED in my case, which makes them at least 25% stronger

Are you tracking this ZLE on road courses or is it more of a drag ZLE? Wondering due to choice of tire and other power mods which may result in heat. If you are running on road course, do the 345 R888R rub any even with wire harness moved?

[Gunkk]

Originally Posted by FarmerFran

Did or Do any ZL1s come with STB?

No and yes. No, all ZL1s, including the verts do not have a brace connecting the towers. But Yes they have all the same pair of 45-degree braces between strut towers and firewall.

[Vigilante375]

Originally Posted by VanillaGorrila

my 2018 ss 1le came with a brace from factory... its a coupe of course

A strut to strut brace?

Originally Posted by SFV1LE

The more likely answer to that is time and cost, I've worked for a few automotive OEMs and they will make bad decisions even on performance cars to save $50. I'm not talking about Porsche or Ferrari, I mean manufacturers of mass produced cars like Nissan or GM/Chevy.

To create an STB that fits the ZL1 and LT4 height they would need to redesign the existing standard Camaro STB and charge a little more or make less profit per car. They were already putting a ton of content and features into the ZL1 and 1LE at a very low price point to make the best bang for buck sports car car at the time, so I think they just decided it was great enough and they were done.

I can see that but honestly, they could have just added a strut to strut of x thickness from the beginning and tuned the handling of the car from there or did that with the 1LE. BMR has had one for a while and it's a simple design but big manufacturers do spend ridiculous money for a $50 part.

But I believe that if GM said the chassis was to their liking after testing it, then why change it? The car handles well than more than 90% of the owners on here (to include myself) can ever imagine of pushing the car in any turn.

[Drnick]

Originally Posted by FarmerFran

Talking about over the engine style.

I have the BMR strut brace on my 22’ ZL1
Fits fine no problem