I recently got a used ZZP strut brace that I planned to bolt up to the black Monte (as the blue Monte already has a ZZP brace). To try and keep things easy, I will refer to the ZZP strut brace from the blue Monte, that I bought new in November of 2011 as STB1 and the brace I recently got as STB2.

This used one was formally mounted to a 2004 Monte Intimidator and was originally black, I had it stripped and powder coated red.
Now, anyone who is familiar with the ZZP strut braces, first topic that comes up is "if you are mounting them to a non-Grand Prix, you will need to oblong the holes". Common problem. Well, since STB2 was already on a Monte, I can see the holes are oblonged, figured it was all ready to go. I just stepped into a problem I did not know existed and I speculate STB1 and STB2 are different generations or revisions of the ZZP Strut Braces. For some people, what I am going to bring up might not be new information, but surprised me.

STB2 will NOT fit the black 2000 Monte. Today I found both STB1 and STB2 will fit the blue 2004 Monte. Yet, STB1 does fit the black Monte. I noticed 2 items I am sharing in the pics:

1. - Using a tape measure, I did a rough measurement from the inside edge if the center lip to the outside of a strut bolt. I am sure my method is not "exact" and probably better ways to do what I did. I used the same side and same bolt position. I do notice a fault is one strut has the nut and the other doesn't and one of the STBs is sitting in place. But I think the point is still roughly the same. It appears their *might* be an 1/8 inch difference in distance!
2. - I noticed this second (as I assumed both braces *should* fit both cars). The ends of both STBs are different STB1, the width of the crescent shape changes toward the center and STB2 appears to stay consistent the entire way.

Item #1 above is what I find to be the strangest item (assuming I am in fact seeing that right). When, how and why did GM change that positioning? And to be honest, why is it not consistent through the entire W-Body line?
I speculate STB2 is actually older than STB1. I am doubting anyone buying these braces new from ZZP have these problems (might still need to oblong the holes). But found it neat to share.


STB1 - Notice the end piece is not the same width for the entire crescent shape.


STB2 - The crescent stays consistent in it's width.


STB2 fits tight to the center of the strut

STB1 has some room between it and the center of the strut

 

I got mine from ZZP and its adjustable. No modification needed? Newer versions I assume?

 

Looks like they no longer offer the braces like what I have. Maybe the adjustable ones were a means to an end with fitment problems.

 

I still have a hard time with ZZP saying that the rear STB won't fit an '06-'07 Monte. I know there's the issue on the front of the car, but in the rear? Especially if they have some adjustment. Anyway, ZZP hasn't been always super helpful for me, even though I put a lot of their stuff on my car. I'm actually sending back a rear sway bar that they built completely wrong so it didn't fit without modification once I went to install it. I ended up going with the Don Rome STBs and brackets. He was super awesome to deal with and they fit great!

 

I actually put front and rear ZZP braces on my 2004 years ago. Both needed to have the mount holes oblonged/widened. But I am surprised there would be any issues with a 06-07 Monte beyond what I dealt with. Sounds like you have a winning option at this point.