The purpose of this write up is to provide helpful knowledge to anyone who may be attempting to install a strut bar on the M37. Specifically I own a 2012 M37x and installed Cusco strut bar part number 288 540 A (G35 07-08 Sedan, G37 09-14 Sedan, G37 08-13 Coupe, Q60 14-15 Coupe, EX35). While I own the AWD model, this may also be quite useful to rear drive M37 owners. I am not a professional mechanic but I've done this on several cars over the years and I love to do what I can on my own. Enjoy.
The bar was listed on Amazon here for $185 and my super awesome girlfriend got it for me for Christmas.
Safety check, parking brake on, flat surface bla bla bla...
You'll need a socket size 12mm and 2 extensions or 1 really long extension to properly reach and remove the nut closest to the firewall. Remove all 3 nuts on the strut tower and the black spacer/washer. Clean the area and fit the new bracket. This is the only semi-tough part on the drivers side; it's a super tight fit under the brake line and needs to be gently lifted up the get the bracket in place. Once it's in place there's no problem.
The passenger side is a piece of cake. Just push the bundled wires off to the side and/or pop the tab out to give yourself more space and fit the new bracket.
Once your new brackets are in place hand tighten the new nuts the came with the bar to ensure fitment and alignment. You'll need a 19mm socket for the new nuts. Make sure these are tightened properly before moving on as you will not be able to reach them after the bar is in place.
Loosely fit your bar on both sides.
Next slide the bolt through the bar and put the washer, spring washer and rounded nut on. Hand tighten both sides and then you will need a 17mm socket and a 8mm hex key to finish the job. Peel the protective blue wrapper off and enjoy.
