Where can I find a STS strut brace bar?

[v8pacer]

I've looked at 7 to 8 Cadillac STS's in 2 different yards and none of them have a strut brace bar. These are all 1999-04 vintage. Was this a dealer accessory? Did it only come with FE3 suspension? Did it come on the later ones and not the older ones? Its no longer available from GM. GM part # 25653157.

[sall]

Sure do. A whole slew of NOS.

Jun 19, 2012 13:35:26 GMT -6 sall said:

I found one used in what appeared to be great shape on eBay, 'bought' but ultimately backed out because I found a NOS stash of them about 30 minutes later. NOS Part# 25653157 STB $50.64 + $7.58 FedEx Ground shipping. New part for less than used one... This company 'Vintage Parts' shows 38 still in stock so I would not even bother hassling GM dealer to find one for you. So quite the price increase over a few years but what do you expect? Still a relatively inexpensive 'mod' which I hope will make a difference.

The install looks to be relatively painless unless you get unlucky. I will post some new pictures since most of the ones here seem to have broken links now.

Install will bolt right up on 98-99. I am 100% positive it will need modified in a similar way to what I did though or you will get massive hood bow.

Aug 30, 2012 18:54:14 GMT -6 sall said:

So, here is what I am saying. If you raise the bar up with a 1/4" stack of washers you are going to have some MAJOR hood clearance issues. This clears by about 1/16", with no pressure on the brake master cylinder reservoir. Both ends of the STB mount holes rest flush with top of the strut tower. No hood clearance issues.

I nicked the front a bit with my air die grinder when I was grinding the welds down but it's hard to notice to the naked eye. This is with camera pretty close to the STB haha. I wasn't going to take the time to put filler in it. Just shot it the low gloss black and called it a day. Looks great IMO.

If one can get it installed and be happy with the hood fit clearance without doing this, I applaud your efforts but this took about 45 minutes total minus painting. Plus you get to play with grinder and welder, always fun!

MMM pretty engine compartment.