New Stillen Strut Tower Brace Install

[dangeris]

So my new Stillen Strut tower brace came in and I was excited as hell to install it. At first I wasn't going to do a full write up on it since Stillen's instructions are pretty clear but also includes the the instructions to install it on the 09 Maxima but I know that there are people out there who are not as mechanically inclined so I decided to put one together real quick. Here are the tools you'll need:

- 13mm socket (6 point)- 15mm Socket (6 point)- 8mm hex wrench

The first thing that you'll need to do is to identify which plate goes to what side. Once you've identified them you'll need to loosen 1 bolt and remove the other 2 bolt with the 13mm socket as shown in the pic.



Once that's done, pry up the black plate and slip the silver plate under neath it and line up the holes. Reinstall the two bolts but only hand tighten them. repeat on the other side.

Once the other side is complete install the brace between the two plates using the 2 bolts, washers and nuts that are provided. You'll need to use the 8mm hex wrench for this as well as the 15mm socket. Once it's tighten down, use the 13mm socket to go back and tighten down the bolts on the plates.



That's it! Now enjoy your new Strut tower Brace. As you can see it's thick as heck! 5/8" thick! Thanks Stillen for yet another quality product!!




Modified by dangeris at 11:17 AM 12/31/2008

[08coupedaddy]

what type of paint did you use to paint your cover? that looks sick and i really want to do that to mine? thanks.

[Ferguson]

Thanks for the info! My brace is on its way, so it's nice to see one installed, especially since we have the same intake!

PS - I ordered that battery brace too! I see you just removed the one computer mount. No problems with it flexing about too much?

[dangeris]

what type of paint did you use to paint your cover? that looks sick and i really want to do that to mine? thanks.

2 stage with flex agent and 3 coats of clear.

Thanks for the info! My brace is on its way, so it's nice to see one installed, especially since we have the same intake!

PS - I ordered that battery brace too! I see you just removed the one computer mount. No problems with it flexing about too much?

No flexing at all. You'll have 2 pieces left over the brace itself and some right angle thingy.

[dangeris]

Ferguson, I edited the OP. I used an 8mm hex wrench, NOT a T7 Torx. Sorry about that!

[D-Roll]

Nice write up

[adidas2go]

Nice

[Beak]

soooooooooo? how does the ride feel now? details plz

[dangeris]

soooooooooo? how does the ride feel now? details plz

Can't tell right now. Installed it late afternoon yesterday and today it's snowing. I'll take it out in a couple of days when the snow and ice melts and let you guys know. Right now, all I can say it looks damn nice in the engine bay

[bighercman]

<----waiting by the front door to see if UPS will pull up today with it!

[alt.coupe28]

nice write up and it looks good too. quick question, can stillen powder coat the bar into like black or something or is that the only available color. will it cost more to do so?

[dangeris]

I believe Kyle said that it can be powder coated to black, however, they would need at least 10 or so orders to do so to be price competitive. If not, I'm sure you can get it powder coated by a local shop.

[Ferguson]

AFAIK, Stillen only offers the brace in machined billet form with the inset red logo.

Edit: posted at same time as dangeris.

I plan to paint my mounting plates black so only the bar stands out.

[phobs]

Looks clean, dangeris

[alt.coupe28]

okay cool. thanks. give us an update on the handling once the snow melts!

[dangeris]

Good Idea Ferguson. I'll paint mine black too but definitely when the weather is much warmer than it is now.

[Ferguson]

I hear ya! It's not exactly toasty up here right now either!

PS - My son (who just put my grounding kit and hood dampers on) says to tell you to get rid of the stock hood strut! (He loves your car, BTW) Just lift it up, wiggle it a bit, and it pulls out the front.... you probably knew that though....

[dangeris]

Not toasty? Heck, you guys up there should still be wearing shorts up there

As far as the hood strut, I debated on taking it off but always comes in handy when I have to take my front end off. Maybe I'll just keep in in my trunk.

[Ferguson]

My kid IS still wearing shorts! -20.... kids....

I'll pass on why you still use the strut.

At least I have the blue ground kit, or my engine compartment would soon be mirroring yours!

[altimacruiser]

Very happy to see that the strut bar fits with the Injen Intake I will be ordering mine soon when the cash flow evens out.

[dangeris]

Why wait for the cash flow to even out. Get in debt! Its the American way!

[dl_yeunuoc]

Why wait for the cash flow to even out. Get in debt! Its the American way!

I guess your debt is enough buy another used car by now. lol

[Alt.ImaCoupe]

Nice write up. The Stillen brace is $100.00 more than the Racingline brace. Is it worth it in your opinion?

[ItsEcko06]

Nice write up. The Stillen brace is $100.00 more than the Racingline brace. Is it worth it in your opinion?

thats what i'm curious about. i think the stillen strut bar looks more......official. either way i'm sure they both work and are great products. i like the look of the stillen one more though.

[Beak]

looks a lot thicker. when the bars are thin they tend to bend over time with aggressive driving so its best to go with a stronger and thicker metal

[Mr.Coupe]

Nice writeup Darryl. I installed mine about 1 week ago and its VERY VERY easy. The bar is beautiful, great quality and fully functional. I'm happy I cancelled my order from the competitors. All that's left for me to do is install the front and rear endlinks. Once again GREAT JOB on the writeup. Happy NEW YEARS everyone. Be safe and don't drink to much...

Ricky C.

[dangeris]

Nice write up. The Stillen brace is $100.00 more than the Racingline brace. Is it worth it in your opinion?

Yeah it's a little bit more than the comp's but since my car has a lot of Stillen products, I decided to go with Stillen. I've never seen Racingline's STB so I can't comment on the differences. I'm not saying that it's not comparable to Stillen's but perhaps Blake would be able to comment since he has Racingline's STB and has a professional relationship with Stillen. Not sure

[Bmore-coupe]

thanks for the pics dangeris.

you have just made my mind up, and i will be buying the stillen STB. it looks amazing and i should have my 25 stillen bucks soon to put towards it. im sure the functionality of both stillens and their competitor's are the same, so why not go for the one that looks better, IMO.

[adidas2go]

I can't say which is better. Once you get over a certain point though, all STB's feel the same. There are bars that are made far to weak. Made from low grade aluminum, and flex a lot. Those bars are the ones you can tell the problems with. However, when you get into bars that are both made with high quality steel, they are going to react in the same way. The only real difference between the 2 bars is style, and price. Go with what makes you comfortable.

[dimitrinassis001]

Does anyone know if the stillen strut will clear the k&n intake?