I was at the doctor’s skimming through a car magazine (Motor Trend, I think) where they were comparing new Chevy Camaros and Ford Mustangs (Boss?). I noticed in photos of the engines that they both had a crossbars across them. Why?
Are you referring to a bar connecting the shock towers of the front suspension? They are used to stiffen the body and strengthen the structure.
I assume you’re referring to underhood side-to-side braces like this or this? While they are located in the engine compartment, they have nothing to do with the engine itself. They increase the rigidity of the car’s body and front suspension, to improve handling for vigorous driving.
On preview, like GaryM said.
My Suzuki Vitara had this too. The bar went right over where the dipstick came out, making checking the oil a pain in the ass.
Just to second what everyone else has said… they are strut braces and they stiffen up the overall flex of the car. I have a Mustang GT Convertible and it is mandatory in my opinion (didn’t come stock in my model year, but may now). There were some train tracks that I used to hit and the car would almost go out of control, but now with the brace it handles them with ease.
Same here, mine was stock. But I’ve seen a couple without the stiffener. The owners are unhappy.