Strut bars = noticable difference in vert handling?

[ishkabibble]

I'm thinking of getting some strut bars for my vert. I'd imagine that we stand to benefit from them more than coupe/fastback owners due to the chassis flex of our cars.

Can anyone who has put strut bars on their vert comment on them? Was the handling noticeably improved?

[biggie]

I just put a tanabe on the front the other day. I did notice more a difference in the Vert compared to when I installed one on my Coupe.

I noticed a light difference in the rear on my coupe as well. I'll eventually put one on the Vert.

But definately don't pay too much, all are just about the same.

And its purtty.

[AZhitman]

HUGE difference if you get one that ties to the firewall.

No reason to buy a rear, it'll get in the way of the top, an the vert is already pretty well-braced back there.

[ishkabibble]

Any recommendations on the triangle configuration front bar? I know they're less common.

Thanks for the tip on the rear bar... I was wondering if it was worthwhile.

[wmdavis007]

Also remember that when you install it you should have your car jacked up so that all the load is off the suspension.

[Grandpa01]

I'm running an ebay front strut bar and front ladder bar. They made a noticeable impression on chassis stiffness on the front of the car.

[ishkabibble]

Found it... CP Racing in Ontario makes the triangulated front bar.

[94_240sx]

Found it... CP Racing in Ontario makes the triangulated front bar.

CP Racing is not reliable according to this thread. Be careful!zerothread/214041

Oh, well... Their website is down.http://www.cpracing.ca

[ishkabibble]

I got there via http://cpracing.ca/cgi-bin/online/storepro.php, but, yeah, I'll make sure I can get a hold of them first before I buy anything.

[94_240sx]

I got there via http://cpracing.ca/cgi-bin/online/storepro.php, but, yeah, I'll make sure I can get a hold of them first before I buy anything.

Looks nice though.

[AZhitman]

FYI:

Guys, rotorimp has fabbed a jig to manufacture an even nicer STB (ties to the firewall) for the convertible... Cheaper than the CP unit, better-looking and twice as beefy.

Maybe someone can start a thread (put his name in the title) and show him how much interest there is in getting one?

[nismofly]

ties to the firewall like that dont do much, you want the two firewall braces to tie to the firewall at one point, itll triangulate everything and be much stiffer than the 4 point like that

[RedEvilRPS13]

i havent driven my vert yet (yes i bought it w/o driving it which is stoooopid but i know i moves) and im having the whole front end stitch welded as well as a strut bar, so ill let you know.

[94_240sx]

Speaking of strut bar, anyone has this issue? Mine clears intake manifold, but it looks like it rubs while turning.

[ishkabibble]

Either that or your engine moves a bit under load.

[94_240sx]

Either that or your engine moves a bit under load.

I have 1/2 inch clearance between bracket on manifold and strut bar. Do I have a bad engine mount or something? Is that a lot of play or normal?

[ishkabibble]

Maybe have a friend stand beside the car with the hood up while you do a bit of a brake stand? That should tell you if the engine is moving when it torques.

If not, maybe the vert body is just flexing enough for the strut bar to hit the engine when you are turning and stepping on the gas. I wouldn't be surprised.

[ishkabibble]

Upon further inspection, it looks like the true "triangle" style strut bars NRG, Tomei, NOT CP Racing) bolt to the firewall right where the brake lines run. Is this right? Wouldn't it be a total PITA to relocate them?

[94_240sx]

Upon further inspection, it looks like the true "triangle" style strut bars NRG, Tomei, NOT CP Racing) bolt to the firewall right where the brake lines run. Is this right? Wouldn't it be a total PITA to relocate them?

Yes, lines need to be relocated.zerothread?id=202033

Someone sold TOMEI one recently. As far as I know, TOMEI bar is out of production. Cusco also makes one too, but not sure it's still available.zerothread?id=214093

[ishkabibble]

meh, I'll have to look at the lines and decide if it's worth the effort. Thanks 94.

[ishkabibble]

I looked at my car last night, and I'm not too jazzed about relocating all of those lines to install a triangle STB. It's going to be a regular STB for me.

[slownslurious]

I'm gonna be fabricating a strut tower brace from mine that will incoprorate a fender brace, brake master cylinder stopped, bolt to the strut tower, and the firewall. It can't go across the engine bay because of the SC so there will be one for each side. its ognna be awesome I think I'm gonna put a tow hook up through the gap between the fender adn the hood ont he drivers side.

[K]

I have the Tomei bar and i have not yet relocated those lines either as they look to be a PITA to deal with. It works just fine on a JDM Silvia or 180, but with US spec 240s there's just too much crap to relocate.

K

[slownslurious]

eh the lines move plenty its easy enough to push them out of the way if thats what you want to do.