I found the item on Courtesy's web-site. They mentioned it may take a bit of a bend for 92-94SE's with VE motors. Can anyone tell me if theirs did take any modifications? Is there any problem with hood clearance or motor clearance? Would like to know what to expect if I order one. Thanx!

 

When I called they for my FSTB they told me that they were all the same size and shape from the 90's to the 99's. I don't know if that's true, that's just what they told me.

 

Check out how close fitting it is on my car. I bought mine about 1-2 years ago from Courtesy.

<img src=http://216.39.145.169/jeff/8.jpg>

 

i got the courtesy FSTB too, i had to bend mine a touch in order for the bar to clear the engine when downshifting, which forces the motor up towards the bar, making contact with the intake manifold.
I had complete suspension done b4 adding the FSTB, and i dont feel a difference with or without the bar. I have eibach/tokico combo with ST sways.

 

Thanks for the info guys! The pix give me a real good idea. Don't sound too bad. I have an auto, so I don't think I'll be twisting the motor too bad on decelerating. I think we'll try it.

 

that pic that Jeff posted is with the older version of the Courtesy FSTB; I have that one too and you can find pics on my site if you care
they no longer sell that version and the new one is the one that may need the bend; the old one didn't
I've talked to a couple people that got the new one and didn't have any problems though so good luck

 

I personally think the courtesy ones are over priced for what you get. I got my FSTB for $44 shipped. Its definitely a close fit, but its great looking and it really solidifies the front susp. Plus it is more oval shaped, not round. BTW I have VE 2......

 

Is there any real difference performance wise between the different brands of FSTBs? I can't imagine one metal bar is that much different than the others, but I'm no strut tower brace expert.

 

So everyone seems comfortable with bending the metal thats supposed to tighten the car up? It might be a little less efficiant when bended.......

 

well it sure takes a lot to bend them. I wrapped my bar in rags to protect the finish then stuck it into a hitch receiver and bent my bar about 1/4 inch further than it was to get it to fit comfortably..... now I have at least 1/4 - 3/8" clearance all the way along the bar. I think most STB come bent from the factory to fit anyways... You're just bending it a touch further to get it to fit right.

 

Czar, do you have any links or contact info for OBX? Wouldn't mind seeing what that one looks like that you have. I don't know why Stillen never made one for the VE's. They seem to think their other ones won't clear the motor without getting into the hood. Their loss.

 

Is there an actual FSTB specifically made for the VE? I use to have one made for the VG, and they told me they don't make them for VE's. They tried using washers to raise the TB over my manifold, but it would always touch and it sure as hell wasn't a good thing.

 

I've never seen one that was billed as being especially for the VE cars. That's kinda the problem. That's why all these others usually have to be bent somehow. Just got gutter guard today for a custom grill!