Another post about strut bars.

[Raigeki]

I was just wondering if there are actually any con's in having a strut bars installed in a car? Are there issues with them making for a rougher drive or do manufacturers just leave them out to save some dough? Also, I was wondering exactly how much and where I could buy some Nismo struts and if anyone's had any experience with them in comparison to some other aftermarket strut bars?

[Exar-Kun]

http://www.japanparts.com

the only negative is cost, and a little weight. sometimes if the bar isnt a well designed unti you can have clearance issues, or fitment problems(IE hitting the valve cover, or holes not lining up right), but I dont think theres any real "con" to them other than those...

get a good quality unit, like the NISMO, cusco, apex-i, or other good brand(stillen makes a nice one too). and you'll avoid a lot of the problems I listed.hope that helps!-chet

[Raigeki]

Thanks alot! That really helped me out! ^_^ Another question though, I've heard some companies make carbon fiber strut bars, are they durable? I would think that an aluminum or steel strut bar would be more sturdy. Are these 'carbon fiber' bars really just aluminum bars wrapped in carbon fiber?

[stickgoat]

My aluminum GReddy strut bar is incredibly light and fits absolutely perfect. The front end did feel tighter once I put it on.

Apparently, the "proper" way to install a FSTB is to jack up the front of the car until both wheels are off the ground, then put the bar in place. Lifting up the front allows the strut towers to flex naturally, and the bar will hold them apart from the get-go.

I keep meaning to reinstall mine but just haven't got around to it yet.

[Exar-Kun]

some of the c/f strut bars are just alluminum in a c/f wrap(or imitation c/f wrap) but the cusco bar I have in the rear is real carbon fiber, and it works great.-chet

[yeswepromise]

i have the Cusco carbon fiber one up front and its all carbon fiber i believe. works great also!