[icarp]

Originally Posted by tperazzo

For those of you who run coilovers successfully, what do you think about this horizontal bar between the shock towers? I'm inclined to leave it off, because I don't think it will add much strength, but what do you think? It's about 2lbs.

Tom, the factory shape has a pinch weld across the top of the main structure , that is for further managing the stress of the hollow shape of the shock housing member . I think it would be very helpful to add the cross bar to the tower tops . I would also add a small vertical link from the pinch , where the small box is already in place , to the cross bar .
As far as deflection goes imagine just the entire shock mounting system and invert it,
and add pressure to the outer edges . Maybe that can help to see how the stress is transmitted . The extra height and the center tie will help stabilize the rear of the chassis, then add the roll bar and wow! just some thoughts . I like your project !
Ian