Actually, the brace is "named" either a strut brace or strut tower brace. Either way, the brace's function is to prevent the strut towers from flexing because they are made of stamped sheet metal. The struts do not move independent of the strut towers.
Some manufacturers put holes in the strut tower brace to line up with the existing strut bolts so you can use the same bolts rather than having to install extra bolts. The struts are solidly bolted to the strut tower with minor flex allowed by the upper strut bearings. So, whether they are on top of the strut or only connecting the towers, both will work.

Looks good for a home-made custom job. Maybe you could make one for the rear strut towers.

 

Nice job and the DIY can I suggest one thing. The Bar seems a little thin to be very effective. The mugen one you showed is really where its at. My Skunk2 one is huge as well. You have the right idea goin on, in that the bars Prevent the front subframe from twisting on itself in hard corning. With the forces subjected your bar would most likely flex do its thin design. Since your handy with a welder what I would do is put 2 bars coming from the one you made and attach them in a triangle to the firewal for more rigidity. Attach them dead center in the middle of the car on the firewall. This will help share the load on the thin bar and make a markable improvment.

Good job.

Berz out.

 

nice job. i agree with the strut bar bolting on the to struts for better support, i've never untill now seen a strut bar bolted up like that....not to be an a$$ either, wouldnt it be about the same or maybe cheaper just to buy an ebay strut bar consider all the work, money and time u spent making that? ebay strut bars work just as well as name brand ones and cost maybe $30 tops shipped. props tho for making it urself and all!

 

As far as it being too thin I had thought about bracing it to the firewall. However I used thick wall tubing and on the inside of each peice of tubing is a solid rod of steel that I welded at the ends before bending. But your right, it is a bit thin. I went that way because I needed the extra clearance for the JR supercharger I am going to be stuffing in there soon. I tried to take into account the room I would need for it, but if I have to do the whole thing over again after I get the supercharger in there I dont really care. which brings us to the "wouldn't it be cheaper to just buy one" reply. It would be ALOT cheaper and WAAAYYYY easier to buy one, but whats the fun in that? I am going to school to for welding, so I need to practice as much as I can. Doing things like this is really good practice, plus I can get credit for class doing it. Win win situation in my opinion.

 

dude how long have you been a welder thats some good work

 

here you go...



That is what I was talking about. Uber Brace.

Berz out.

 

I started welding alittle over a year ago and have taught myself everything. I picked it up really quickly just reading things online and (dont laugh) watching Monster Garage and the like. You would be amazed at how much you can learn from just watch people weld. I should be getting certified this summer and then might start doing underwater welding. Thanks.

 

cool man thats great by the way what paint did u use on your motor good luck on getting certified my dad worked at norfolk southern railroad for 38 years he is a certified welder i learned from him but i have a lot to learn

 

I really want to learn to weld. We have a MIG welder at my school and my autoshop teacher told me that he was going to teach me how to weld, but that hasn't happened yet. I don't think he is gonna teach us since there is only 3 months left in school. He taught this other kid like 2 months ago and the kid has been welding on one of our project cars. I also don't have access to a welder at all, if i did i would have tried to teach myself in my spare time.

 

What kind of paint did you use?