Any Strut tower braces that fit an SS with an LSA and stock hood?

[EasternPine]

To whoever finds this thread, ignore everyone saying the ZL1 strut tower brace will not clear the 14-15 Camaro with the heat extractor hood. The only ones with fitment issues are the 10-13 models from what I have been able to gather.


I have done the brace addition myself and posted photos showing it. No special hardware. Just the correct bolt using the factory holes which are not present on most models before 2011.

[Joe.G]

I am assuming the indent in the hood liner is from the bar ? Does it hit the hood at all? How long have you been running it?

[EasternPine]

Originally Posted by Joe.G

I am assuming the indent in the hood liner is from the bar ? Does it hit the hood at all? How long have you been running it?

I've been running it for a month now. I cannot tell you for sure about the bar causing the indent as I live an eventful busy life and have minor memory issues but how it looked to me that it was molded in or done before which gave me the idea.


This is a aluminum hood that is completely stock as far as I was able to tell. In any case the foam if not rotted out should form around it just fine.


I haven't had any bottoming out of the hood but your hood angle and leveling is done on the latch plate with your Chevrolet performance logo on it. I haven't had to adjust it but doing so can alleviate minor clearance issues. I will confirm however that if you put seperate washers on it, that will conflict with clearances.


The foam is the key thing. It contacting the bar isn't the issue and soaks up the hood riding on it if your latch is loose which is important if the roads around you are garbage.


I made an account here after a year of lurking after buying my car and kinda got fed up with misinformation, not that any of the posters had ill intent but as I'm in the process of turning my car into a track ready daily, I keep seeing very wrong and outdated advice that might have been right in 2013 or so and felt compelled to least demonstrate that you could do this particular addition.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by Joe.G

I am assuming the indent in the hood liner is from the bar ? Does it hit the hood at all? How long have you been running it?

I down loaded the pic of the under hood padding, and if you enlarge it you can really tell how the bar has pressed into the padding, it is cracked on the top and bottom of the indent, the padding. I'm not sure how much space there is between the hood and the inside of the padding, but my OEM under hood padding was about and inch or so thick, plus you have the under hood bracing under the padding, and if I recall under the padding, in the center there is an opening where the center of the bar would clear the hood by about 1/2 inch.. So he should be good..

[Joe.G]

I am going to probably try to space mine first and see, If that doesn't work I'll probably try the ZL1 bar. I haven't seen and SS Bar spaced in person I know on the internet pictures it appears close to the SC lid and I would worry about it hitting.

[EasternPine]

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

I down loaded the pic of the under hood padding, and if you enlarge it you can really tell how the bar has pressed into the padding, it is cracked on the top and bottom of the indent, the padding. I'm not sure how much space there is between the hood and the inside of the padding, but my OEM under hood padding was about and inch or so thick, plus you have the under hood bracing under the padding, and if I recall under the padding, in the center there is an opening where the center of the bar would clear the hood by about 1/2 inch.. So he should be good..

I had a second look at it while at work and you're right it did press in, but it did not crack. Those are wrinkles from compression. In either case the OP should be fine as is and at worst case can trim out the foam as desired. FYI: Your posts have been very helpful on helping me decide on how to go about my car. Appreciate you still contributing to the community.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by Joe.G

I am going to probably try to space mine first and see, If that doesn't work I'll probably try the ZL1 bar. I haven't seen and SS Bar spaced in person I know on the internet pictures it appears close to the SC lid and I would worry about it hitting.

If you do space yours, you can start with one or two washers at first to get a bit of clearance from the lid depending on how close it really is, than add one or two more if needed. The only time you would have to worry about them touching would be on any WOT throttle pulls where the engine would "torque over" and raise up and touch the bottom of the bar. Good luck Joe!! Happy New Year sir!!

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by EasternPine

I had a second look at it while at work and you're right it did press in, but it did not crack. Those are wrinkles from compression. In either case the OP should be fine as is and at worst case can trim out the foam as desired. FYI: Your posts have been very helpful on helping me decide on how to go about my car. Appreciate you still contributing to the community.

Thank you sir! Much appreciated. Like I have said many times, I have been there, and done that over the 14 years of owning my Camaro, and modding her, and being on this forum and learning all sorts of great info from others. I love to share, and possibly help others out when, and if I can. It keeps me connected to you all, and my Camaro. Glad to have helped you in your journey. Happy New Year brother!!