Okay, maybe it's my imagination. But it seems the more powerful Montes don't have the strut tower brace. The naturally aspirated 3.8 has the STB, but the supercharged 3.8 doesn't. Now I'm hearing that the 06 & 07 V8 SS doesn't have it either? It doesn't make sense that they would increase the power and decrease the stability of the car. Joking and jealousy aside. Wouldn't that make the car less safe?

I know on my Dale Jr edition, I don't even have the holes or mounting studs for a STB. Is it possible that Chevy stiffened up the frame some other way to compensate for the lack of a STB?

On the trunk strap issue:

I checked GMpartsdirect and they don't even mention the trunk strap on the Monte for any year 2000-2005. How big is the strap? If it's only $12, maybe I'll pick one up from the dealer and save my spoiler a little abuse too.

 

I don't think so. The Grand Prix GTP did not come with the STB either.
Chevy just got cheap and cut that part out to cut costs.
Happens with a lot of things (such as the trunk strap).

If you look back through each year, and look at what came as standard equipment and what came as optional equipment for the '00-'05 Monte, you will notice that they made some standard features optional in the later years in order to keep the base cost the same (you just got less options for the same price).
In addition to that, there were little creature comforts like the STB and the trunk strap that got dropped in later years.
Usually they aren't things you would notice, unless you actually compare two model/years side by side.

-Riggs.

 

Having an '01 SS LE before this '04 Intimidator SS, I noticed IMMEDIATELY not having the STB and the strap. I like the ZZP STB's, but you have to specify they are for a Monte, so they can elongate the mounting holes in the front brace to fit. Back one bolts on noproblemo. I didn't like the idea of drilling into the strut towers, and these are WAY stronger.

 

Same thing with me going from an '01 LS to the '04 Intimidator SS.

I ended up getting the Speedbuilt STB's, which bolted right up as they are adjustable (similar to the BMR STB's, but preceded the BMR's) and ended up being over $20 cheaper for me than the ZZP STB's.
I don't know if you can still get the Speedbuilt STB's any more. I'm pretty sure that BMR managed to steal Speedbuilt's market share.

Either way, the ZZP, Speedbuilt, and BMR braces are much easier to mount and are much more sturdy than the GM braces, but the GM braces should work pretty well. You can also get the Don Rome brackets to mount the braces on both the 6th and 7th gen Monte so that you do not have to drill the strut towers.

-Riggs.

 

Ever see those little dents on the back of trunk lids, those are from fingers when closing the trunk. The strap is supposed to help in closing so u don't get those lil finger dents. The lift gates on minivans are bad for it to

 

OHHH Thats what everyone is talking about I was actually looking at the strut tower I didnt think anything of that bar in back lol Thanks everyone, I never stop learning here

 

"I wish I could trade my s/c for a strut brace. Does anyone sell complete conversion kits?"

Trade you a trunk pull strap for it. lol



"In addition to that, there were little creature comforts like the STB and the trunk strap that got dropped in later years."

But my '06 has the trunk pull strap.

 

For those who didn't get the STB on their Montes. Install one cause afterwards you will definately notice the difference in handling.

I sure did from driving my '06 LTZ To driving the '03 Pace car.