Xtra Posted June 23, 2017 Report Share Posted June 23, 2017 (edited) Just arrived and time for another un-boxing. The parts came fast enough but the packaging was not that great. All the parts arrived in good condition , but the hardware bag of nuts and bolts was open and some had spilled out. I will not know if some are missing until the install. There were no instructions and only a generic video in Chinese on line that was no help. Galpin Auto Sports will do the install http://galpinautosports.com . I have instructed them to only use the parts that bolt on . If holes have to be drilled then I won't install that part. Can't say much about the fit yet , but the finish is great. The paint is small metal flake blue and the strut brace is polished to a show finish. The Edge is very stiff platform to begin with. Mine has the Panoramic Vista Roof, so with a big hole cut in it adding stiffeners can only help out. I would not think it necessary for a car without the Vista Roof. This is the kit as advertised. This is how it arrived. This is what was inside the package I did not get a good photo of the nuts and bolts package so you wont see that. This is the main thing I am interested in, the Strut Tower Brace. It should provide the greatest bang for the buck. It has a mirror polish, nice engraving in the middle, the ends are stamped TTCR-II and the welds look top notch. Lets hope it fits and works as good as it looks. Note the date was not set on my camera...it is not 10-2008 Edited June 26, 2017 by Xtra 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted June 23, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2017 (edited) Install is set for next week. GAS will install the 170*F Thermostat, Mufflers , Strut Tower Brace and Body Stiffeners. I am looking at one of these trick items as well. One plate would be my CA plate the other a GAS plate for shows. These guys are out of business but others still make them. There might be a law that prevents me from installing it or fitment problems . Like the idea though. Edited June 23, 2017 by Xtra 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted June 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2017 The plate flipper won't fit to big. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Posted June 24, 2017 Report Share Posted June 24, 2017 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDTMF Posted June 26, 2017 Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 Will the stiffener help for wheel hop for those guys trying to break into the 12s? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enigma-2 Posted June 26, 2017 Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 It's use is clearly illegal in several states and a gotcha in all others. Most state laws are written with similar language that requires an operator to "keep the license plate legible at all times". ( All times ""can"" be interpreted to mean 'not just when you are on the highway'). A prosecutor could argue intent in its installation and charge you with failing to display your legal plate "at all times". The guy in the video would have some real explaining to do having two plate from two different states. Amazon has several to choose from if your intent on installing one. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted June 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 (edited) Will the stiffener help for wheel hop for those guys trying to break into the 12s? I would think the H&R Sport Springs would do more for wheel hop than body / chassis stiffeners . The reason I am installing a Strut Tower brace and body stiffeners is to improve cornering and overall handling of the car. Did over 50 miles of canyons last Sunday. Some of the canyons were so tight there were no straights over 100 ft long and so narrow they were one way RT, LF, RT, LF......... for miles , tremendous views and lost of fun. # Hill Climb City Edited June 26, 2017 by Xtra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted June 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 (edited) It's use is clearly illegal in several states and a gotcha in all others. Yep, I thought so. Thanks for confirming that, I will pass on the plate flipper. Edited June 26, 2017 by Xtra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted June 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 Install is set for tomorrow :happy feet: Will give reviews when finished. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
always on edge Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 Will the stiffener help for wheel hop for those guys trying to break into the 12s? Is wheel hop a thing on our Edges? I've never experienced this - even at the drag strip. Now wheel hop on my '03 Cobra? That's a whole different story! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDTMF Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 Is wheel hop a thing on our Edges? I've never experienced this - even at the drag strip. Now wheel hop on my '03 Cobra? That's a whole different story! Well the modded sport apperantly has wheel hop, and "Leo" thinks he could break into the 12s for the quarter mile if he could get rid of it. there is talk about it on the Ford Edge sport Facebook group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted June 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2017 (edited) Installed the Strut Tower Brace today, it fit like a glove without any problems. I cannot tell any difference yet, I believe that when I push the car in the canyon I will be able to tell if it helps then. Here are some photos of the installed Brace. Edited June 28, 2017 by Xtra 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted June 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2017 (edited) All the other braces and body stiffeners required custom mods and holes drilled they were not easy bolt on items. So I did not install them. I will just save them for another day. So the note for anyone wanting to do something like this is save your money on the body bracing, just do the Strut Tower Brace and leave it at that. Edited June 29, 2017 by Xtra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDTMF Posted June 28, 2017 Report Share Posted June 28, 2017 Cool. I think Leo needs this!. Should mention that I think Leo also modded his suspension as in lowered it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
always on edge Posted June 29, 2017 Report Share Posted June 29, 2017 Well the modded sport apperantly has wheel hop, and "Leo" thinks he could break into the 12s for the quarter mile if he could get rid of it. there is talk about it on the Ford Edge sport Facebook group. I'm not on FB so.... But by modded, do you mean tuned? I'm tuned and I've never experienced wheel hop. If launched at the correct RPM, (2,000-2,200) I don't get so much as a peep from the stock Pirelli's. On summer tires I'd imagine I could bump up the launch RPM to around 2,300-2,500, maybe even a tad higher and not get wheel hop. Maybe I got a 'slow' model. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted June 29, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2017 (edited) OK, just got back from a couple runs up and down the Snake. Wow! I can say without a doubt that the Strut Tower Brace makes a positive difference in the cars handling . There is less effort when turning at speed and better control overall. It gives me more confidence and a more precision line around corners. It works hand in hand with the H&R springs. I would recommend a Strut Tower Brace to anyone looking for better cornering and control at speed. If you already have the H&R springs then this is the way to go, for $140 get one , Though I paid for someone to install it as part of a bigger kit, it is a do it yourself project for most. Get one here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/15-16-Ford-2nd-Edge-Lincoln-MKX-Limit-Sport-Front-Upper-Tower-Strut-Bar-Braces/131694393663 If you do not push the car it makes no difference , but if you do you will be happy you added this performance part. Edited June 30, 2017 by Xtra 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Posted June 30, 2017 Report Share Posted June 30, 2017 Awesomeness! Nick Halstead and FEWW were the first to source these braces for the Edge (starting with Gen 1.5) IIRC. Wish we had active options for the rear sways too. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted June 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2017 (edited) Awesomeness! Nick Halstead and FEWW were the first to source these braces for the Edge (starting with Gen 1.5) IIRC. Wish we had active options for the rear sways too. Yes, thanks Nick you were the one who turned me on to this. Guess I was the test mule . He Haw He Haw . The Tower brace Is the part to get, forget the rest of the "Kit" unless you are going to put it on a track like Willow Springs. Nick said. "there's one other option that nobody has tried yet. maybe you can be the test mule." http://www.ebay.com/...t-/122084222697 Edited June 30, 2017 by Xtra 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDTMF Posted June 30, 2017 Report Share Posted June 30, 2017 I'm not on FB so.... But by modded, do you mean tuned? I'm tuned and I've never experienced wheel hop. If launched at the correct RPM, (2,000-2,200) I don't get so much as a peep from the stock Pirelli's. On summer tires I'd imagine I could bump up the launch RPM to around 2,300-2,500, maybe even a tad higher and not get wheel hop. Maybe I got a 'slow' model. Yes by modded I meant LMS tuned. Have you recorded a quarter mile time? He also ups the octane by using race gas. I think his launches are around 1500. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted July 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2017 (edited) By adding the Strut Tower Brace, I was 4 seconds quicker to the big rock at the top than this H&R test video. Same starting and stop places went from a 1:13 with H&R to a 1:09 with H&R and the Tower brace installed. I checked out a few videos at utube and 1:09 is what a Z06 Vett ran. Blue sign @ :04 to the big rock at the top. And I stayed on my side of road this time ! Edited November 30, 2017 by Xtra 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Halstead Posted July 1, 2017 Report Share Posted July 1, 2017 Yeah you are the first G2 to get the bar. Other members have the bar on the G1.5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
always on edge Posted July 1, 2017 Report Share Posted July 1, 2017 Yes by modded I meant LMS tuned. Have you recorded a quarter mile time? He also ups the octane by using race gas. I think his launches are around 1500. Yes, I've run mid to low 13's at the track. I haven't yet ventured into race gas territory but I will the next time I head to the strip, anything to get a couple tenths, right?! 1,500 seems like too low of an RPM to induce wheel hop as the torque curve has barely started its' rise to peak... http://www.automobile-catalog.com/wykres_power_m.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
always on edge Posted July 1, 2017 Report Share Posted July 1, 2017 (edited) Installed the Strut Tower Brace today, it fit like a glove without any problems. I cannot tell any difference yet, I believe that when I push the car in the canyon I will be able to tell if it helps then. Here are some photos of the installed Brace. STRUT TOWER BRACE.JPG Looking at this pic, am I correct in assuming that the engine cover is removable without disconnecting STB? Edited July 1, 2017 by always on edge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted July 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2017 Looking at this pic, am I correct in assuming that the engine cover is removable without disconnecting STB? No, I will have to remove the brace to remove the engine cover. The brace has accommodations for this. The blue mounts stay in place on the strut towers and the polished cross bar can be removed and replaced with just two easy bolts. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xtra Posted July 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2017 (edited) This video is going down the snake with the MRT Axel Back System and STB installed. I had a warning chime go off. Does anyone know what it was? It is at the end of the video. Notice how I do not struggle or fight with the wheel as I do in the first video, that is the STB working. And check out the difference between the stock exhaust note in the first video and the MRT system in this video. I am running with the windows closed and the air on in both. The important part to me is at the very end when the chime go's off. What is that? This run down was 1:11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slF6kQ-UYR8&feature=youtu.be Edited December 1, 2017 by Xtra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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