Modified FSTB for the 1994 Q45

[Jeff Williams]

I just received my 00 maxima strut brace, to be modified for the 1994 Q45. This time I used my bench grinder, to make the mods a little cleaner. I also used gloss black paint, since the car is black.

I used the one from the silver car, as a template, and that made me drill a hole in the wrong place, on the driver's side. Now I have an extra hole.

I am heading to the store, to see how it handles.

The struts are waiting to be installed, I am waiting to see what Frances does, before I start this work. I only have a car port, so hurricane winds and rain make it difficult to work on my cars.

Still the best mod, for the money, in my opinion. $8 plus $14 shipping, and 1.5 hours of labor, including the painting.

[squeefoo]

I made the bar just a little short ~3/16" then pulled it down with the outer nuts to pull the "slack" out. Just didn't trust the AL threads to pull it.

[1992Q45A]

Quick Question.

I seem to remember Q45 posting the amount of clearence that needs to be in between the plenum and the FSTB. Anyone know this?

I don't want my stillen bar banging against my plenum

Thanks

[louiegz]

Jeff, Where did you get the bar? Got one and it was the wrong one for the mod. It didn't have the ears, so it's too long.

[Jeff Williams]

Dennis said, like 1" or 1.5" clearance.

I have about 3/4", and have had NO problems.

The one you ahve to get, is the one with the long ears. I bought one, with really short ears, and the aluminum bar was too long. It's a good thing the I30t needed one.

[Jeff Williams]

Here's the correct bar, to modify:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...33591

[nuQ]

jeff, it is one of the best, cheap mods to make on a Q!!!! i have no more than an inch between the bar and the plenum and absolutly no rubbing!!

[Rex]

Why do these guys sell these things so cheaply, yet ask and arm & a leg for shipping?!

(It's a rhetorical question)

[louiegz]

Why do these guys sell these things so cheaply, yet ask and arm & a leg for shipping?!

(It's a rhetorical question)

I guess that's where they make their profit. You'd be surprised how many people don't look at the shipping.

[squeefoo]

If it makes you nervous (the engine to bar clearance) you can check with a small cone of clay, set it between and put it in drive and wind it up to 3k rpms for a second or so then measure (had to do this on pistons years ago). Same thing with the hood so you don't get the dreaded "hood trout", just push gently til it clicks. Added benefit: motor mount check.

[AZhitman]

I agree.

By FAR the best bang for the buck.

Thanks again Jeff, I think of you every time I hustle Quella into a corner a little too hot and come out unscathed on the other side.

p.s. and she looks damn good doin' it.

[elwesso]

You MUST make sure the bar you get has the EARS... The one that Lou gave me to modify didnt have these ears and it made it unmodifyable....

[SFBayQ45]

I'm still waiting for someone to complete a working version of the ""Modified FSTB for the Q45" project. Last I heard, it was spearheaded by Hitman, but then the project MAY have transferred to someone else on this board. Then nothing else was ever heard after that...

[AZhitman]

I agree.

If someone would be willing to take over the project, I'd send them the entire box of center sections (paid over $140) for a deep discount, just to get it out of my garage...