[OrangeSlice]

I'm looking to order my first Challenger (before they don't make them anymore) and planning to get a 2023 Scat Pack Widebody with the auto transmission and Shaker Package. I've been looking at all the optional features, using this site to research details, and pretty much know what I want to get. But there's one point I'm still not clear on. The "Front Strut Tower Brace by Mopar" option. I'm not a gearhead by any stretch of the word, so please excuse my foolish question.

What I got from reading this site is that a front strut tower brace is supposed to stiffen the steering response and improve handling when cornering. I don't really understand how/why that works, but it sounds like a good thing. So I was thinking that I should add that option when ordering the car.

I'm just wondering if there could be any downsides to this. Would it somehow make the ride less comfortable in any way?

 

[87GN]

If that was on the list of options when I ordered my WBS I would have ordered it. That being said I have no intention of adding it now.

 

[Stay Thirsty My Friends]

Go and drive one, either with or without. Many guys here drive without and don't see a need. Several swear by them.

I see them as useful in 70's and 80's cars. 20's Challengers are pretty stiff out of the box. This was definitely not on my must have list.

 

[cruiserdan]

Basically eye candy. There is a bit of a benefit but you have to push the car pretty hard to legitimately feel the difference.

That being said, I had a Mopar front brace on my 09 SRT8 and I have a Mopar front brace and a Razor's Edge rear brace on my 2020 wide body.

 

[OrangeSlice]

Go and drive one, either with or without. Many guys here drive without and don't see a need. Several swear by them.

My local dealer has a narrow body Scat on the lot now, so I'm going to to see about test driving it this weekend. But it's not likely to have the brace option.

I mean, if it's all upside to having them and no downside, then I'm happy to spend the extra money. I can't quite afford a Hellcat, so I'm trying to compromise by getting the best-performing R/T
Definitely I want the Scat's extra power. Widebody adds the wider tires. And if the front braces help at all, that would be nice to get too.

I'm just wondering if they also make the ride noticeably more jarring or noisy when going over bumps in the road. The freeways here in Southern California tend to have lots of potholes.

 

[cruiserdan]

Rear.

 

[OrangeSlice]

Basically eye candy. There is a bit of a benefit but you have to push the car pretty hard to legitimately feel the difference.

Very slick
Looks like those rears match the OEM fronts they will install in production.
Even if the front braces are just eye candy, might still be a nice look to class things up a bit.

 

[cruiserdan]

Very slick
Looks like those rears match the OEM fronts they will install in production.
Even if the front braces are just eye candy, might still be a nice look to class things up a bit.

I bought an unpainted rear brace and painted it myself. My paint shop matched the Gold School finish on the wheels and put it in custom spray packs for me.

 

[Dodgenovice]

Um.
Am I the only one seeing throwing away $800 for a mostly cosmetic item, a downside??

This isn't changing the color of the cupholder for $10.

Save the cash for maintenance, a new set of tires, etc. Or if you're borrowing money, pay it down.

And if down the road you really want it, surf junkyards and ebay for a discounted used one.

 

[cruiserdan]

Um.
Am I the only one seeing throwing away $800 for a mostly cosmetic item, a downside??

No, you are not. On the other hand many have spent a great deal more for a great deal less.

These cars are mostly cosmetic in the first place if you really think about it.

 

[GNBRETT]

These cars are heavy AF they need all the help they can get!

 

[Frank Julian]

These cars are heavy AF they need all the help they can get!

so why add more weight? Yes I have a Petty front brace on mine, it is for the V6 model as they say it clears my whipple but, just barely and the bolt on the back does rub it so I am about to yank it,.

 

[GNBRETT]

I was actually wondering if it would clear my whipple with the cowl hood im contemplating putting on the Redeye. Im guessing I would need to fab up some sorta spacer cause the whipple sits really high which is why I need a cowl hood.

so why add more weight? Yes I have a Petty front brace on mine, it is for the V6 model as they say it clears my whipple but, just barely and the bolt on the back does rub it so I am about to yank it,.

 

[87GN]

Um.
Am I the only one seeing throwing away $800 for a mostly cosmetic item, a downside??

This isn't changing the color of the cupholder for $10.

Save the cash for maintenance, a new set of tires, etc. Or if you're borrowing money, pay it down.

I like factory cosmetic items. Just like my hood pins. I definitely would have checked that box if it was there in '21. On the other hand I would never spend $10 to change the color of my cup holder.

 

[Cabdriver]

As far as stiffening the general ride of the car, no, it won't. There is some debate as to how effective the brace is on Shakers compared to non shakers, but that is a different subject. I have a front Mopar one on my standard body Scat and installed it myself.Cost me 300.

 

[Gg2684]

I was actually wondering if it would clear my whipple with the cowl hood im contemplating putting on the Redeye. Im guessing I would need to fab up some sorta spacer cause the whipple sits really high which is why I need a cowl hood.

The Petty does not clear the 2.9 whipple, I have not finished it yet (just never think about it), but I notched mine to clear the blower - I need to finish and touch up the paint still.

 

[Charles 236]

I see the braces as mostly an appearance item for most people. These cars are very stiff from the factory, but since the springs are working against the shock towers there is a valid reason to use a STB on a Challenger. Especially one that will see some track days. With that said, I never saw any need for one on my Challenger.

 

[Frank Julian]

The Petty does not clear the 2.9 whipple, I have not finished it yet (just never think about it), but I notched mine to clear the blower - I need to finish and touch up the paint still.

they claim the V6 one does but it still gets scrapped, at least mine did, but the bolt in the back of my whipple

 

[Rob446]

Strut braces will definately stiffen the front but the question is do you need it and why? If your banging corners hard or tracking the car they may be helpful. The brace pictured is probably the least effective brace available. It ties each strut tower to the flimsy fender support. There are many braces that more effectively tie the strut towers together. But to answer your question, probably no downside other than making your wallet $700 lighter.

 

[TXRT]

I added one to mine. Not something you'll notice every day, but definitely ties the front end together, and can't hurt on such a heavy car.

I bought mine over the counter and installed it myself, so the cost is easier to handle.

Cheers!

JD