racingline and stillen front strut tower brace

[gameguru1360]

what are the torquing specs for both the Racingline and Stillen front strut tower brace when tightening the bolts on the suspension mounts?? The install instructions on Racingline and Stillen's site don't list the torque specs.

[rcboy514]

For some reason I'm thinking I saw 15lbs somewhere. I wouldn't worry too much about it, just make sure they are pretty snug. I've had my bar installed for almost a year and I just made them snug and no problems yet

[gameguru1360]

did you use a torque wrench or just a regular ratchet??

[rcboy514]

I think I used a reg ratchet, but a torque wrench would be better.

[gameguru1360]

I just don't want to over tighten with a regular ratchet because I've read some people have over tightened and stripped the bolts, so I assumed they didn't use a torque wrench, but was unclear as to what the specs were if you did have one.

[rcboy514]

Yeah, I do remember one of the bolts being difficult. You buying the bar?

[gameguru1360]

well it would have to be the Stillen strut bar since the Racingline is out of stock

[Awantay06]

Anyone have any idea when Racingline will be restocking on this? And any first hand experience with this product?

[rcboy514]

imo a MUST upgrade! I drove around on eibachs for a while and they did greatly increase handling performance, but when I added the strut tower bar it made it feel so much more agile. One of the best upgrades for the money i think. I've been meaning to throw it on my wifes 2.5 coupe on stock suspension to see how much of a difference it would make on stock springs, I imagine it will be a huge improvement either way.

Also the rear sway bar is a very good investment too, although it's effects are not as prominent as the STB, it def gives a noticeable change. It keeps the back end more planted when going fast around corners and as far as I can tell hasn't made the ride any more bumpy at all.


Just email racingline and ask them, they always seem to be good about responding back.

[Racingline]

Anyone have any idea when Racingline will be restocking on this? And any first hand experience with this product?

Bars should be ready in about 2 weeks. brackets are out being cut/bent/welded now. The rest of the components are ready and in stock

[Awantay06]

That's great to here and would appreciate a PM as soon as they're ready cause im ready to buy.

Rcboy: thanks for your opinion and experience

[RicerX]

Two important things about the STB -

If you're on coils, you have to press out one of the bolts in order to add the Racingline STB. There is a thread around here somewhere that RL chimed in on that tells you what bolts to get and how to change them out. Reason for this is the factory ones aren't long enough to seat the coils AND the STB.

Another issue is for those with the AEM intake - one of these STBs fit over it with no modification, and the other requires you to bend the heatbox away from it so it doesn't sit on top of it. I can't remember which one is the one that fits with no modification, however. I think it's the RL STB.

[berretta28426]

I have an 05 SE-R so my sway bars are pretty good. Would people recommend doing a STB, or upgraded sway bar end links, and if end links should I do front or all around?
Thanks

[rcboy514]

I have an 05 SE-R so my sway bars are pretty good. Would people recommend doing a STB, or upgraded sway bar end links, and if end links should I do front or all around?
Thanks

def do the STB, I don't know the difference in stiffness between the stock sway bar and an aftermarket one for the 05, but I can tell you it made a big difference on my coupe. As far as endlinks, I plan on getting them someday, so i can't comment on them.

Two important things about the STB -

If you're on coils, you have to press out one of the bolts in order to add the Racingline STB. There is a thread around here somewhere that RL chimed in on that tells you what bolts to get and how to change them out. Reason for this is the factory ones aren't long enough to seat the coils AND the STB.

Another issue is for those with the AEM intake - one of these STBs fit over it with no modification, and the other requires you to bend the heatbox away from it so it doesn't sit on top of it. I can't remember which one is the one that fits with no modification, however. I think it's the RL STB.

The stillen bar fits with no clearance issues from what i've heard

The Racingline bar fits fine and in my experience I didn't have to bend the box, but the bar is very snug up against it. I've had no problems yet and i like the subtle look of the all black bar with the laser etched logo.

[gameguru1360]

I thought I remember reading that you had to do some play with an Injen intake and the Racingline or Stillen, but with all the other intakes, they fit fine and didn't touch the throttle body.

So has anyone had a preference as to the rear sway bar?? which one is stiffer...Racingline or the Stillen?? I also wondered if it makes any difference replacing the OEM front and rear end links to the Racingline V2 ones. Since my car is not going to be lowered or have aftermarket coilovers, am I fine with just the stock OEM ones?? I'm definitely going to do an aftermarket front STB, but not sure about replacing the rear one

[rcboy514]

Stillen rear sway is 50% stiffer than stock and non adjustable

Racingline at its stiffest setting is 40% stiffer than Stillen


Someone with end links chime in, i don't have them, but would liked to be convinced that they make a difference lol

[gameguru1360]

I thought it was recommended that you replace the OEM front links if you lower the car because of the added pressure and center of gravity change, but by leaving the height stock and only replacing the STB, then changing them is not necessary.

But I might consider them if the OEM ones do break over time due to wear and tear.

I still don't know why most altima owners lower the car since I think the car is lower than most other mid size sedans. When I'm on the road, I feel like I'm lower than the Mercedes or BMW's or Accords or Corollas!

[gameguru1360]

well got the Stillen fsb installed and it's great! The car doesn't roll so much when I go into the transitions between freeways or doing certain turns at street lights. Wondering if getting the RL or Stillen rear anti-sway bar will make more of a difference.