Tanabe Sustec Front Strut Bar - Test

[putim37s]

To preface, I contacted Tanabe USA several months ago concerning any developments of a STB since they released new coilovers for the M37, and a STB for the Q50. Unfortunately, their answer was no.

Just out of curiosity and relatively low price, I went ahead and ordered the STB for the Q50 to test fit. If it didn't fit, no loss, I could just resell it.

End result: IT FITS!!!! with absolutely no modifications, or major adjustments. Installation was simple, and I was already driving it in less than 20 minutes. I did notice a slight improvement in turning, and steering seemed to be a bit more responsive.

Anyways, it was late so I didn't take any actual photos after the install but, here is the pic of the STB installed on the Q50, taken directly from Tanabe website:



*Disclaimer: Install this STB at your own risk. Tanabe USA has not specifically fitted/tested this for the M37*

[CRV_33]

Very nice finding! Do you have any photos of it installed on your car and a part #?

[Ilya]

You're kidding.

I wonder if this will fit the bigger V8. I did hear that the Q50 suspension was borrowed from the Y51...so maybe it will. Unless the engine is much taller due to it being a V8. Where do you live? If you are within a couple hours, I might stop by for a test fit lol (read: update your profile! lol).

[putim37s]

Part#TTB176F
TANABE SUSTEC FRONT STRUT BAR 2014+ Q50

I will be at Tuner Evolution in Charlotte this weekend if anyone wants to check it out. Here are some crappy cell phone pics of the installed STB and of my car.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/c6i2zdkkwg0a3 ... 1.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xvsv50a0hb4zr ... 0.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7o9qufqpikhfv ... 4.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/k32m9vckglbs0 ... 1.jpg?dl=0

Hope the links work...

[Ilya]

I might buy it and test it out. If it doesn't work, just return it.

[Debonair]

Apparently Stillen is/was working on a Q50 strut bar as well. The more Q50 parts we verify as fitting the more options it will open up for the same parts from other brands. Thanks for rolling the dice on this one for us putim37s.

[Ilya]

I've decided that next check I'm going to buy it and see if it fits. So, 5.6L guys, sit tight.

[putim37s]

I've been talking to the guys over at Tanabe USA in regards to the rear Sustec Stabilizer bar for the Q50 to fit the M37 as well. I hope to hear from them today. I know that it is already available for the Y51 with Tanabe Japan but, a little too much $$$ to get them stateside in my opinion.

As with the STB, I'm impatient, and curious. I went ahead and ordered it anyway! HA. It should arrive at the same time my Megan Toe Arms and Traction Rods come back from powdercoating. I'd rather install all at the same time. I'll keep everyone posted.

[Ilya]

Since you seem to have a contact over there, can you inquire about fitment on the V8 Y51? I've been looking at images and spoke to one of our NICO vendors who sells the STB and he's 99% there is no way it'll fit. Another vendor was willing to return it if it didn't fit, but I can't have a scratch on it (so he can sell it as new). I'm worried I'll scratch it lol.

I would also be interested in knowing if Tanabe thinks the lower bracer from a Q50 will fit the V8 Y51.

Evidently, the V8 is a bit taller and smidge wider than the V6 although at first glance it doesn't look much different in the engine bay.

[putim37s]

I think the NICO vendors are right though. Looking at the V8, you will be fine installing the brackets, its just clearance of the bar over the engine cover. I just realized the V8 it is substantially higher than the V6, because the engine cover is inline with the cowl. If you look at the my installed pic, you'll see the STB is below the bottom of battery and brake covers.

It won't hurt to ask though. I'll let you know.

[Ilya]

I'd consider removing the cover (although I do like it)...hmm.

[DoN_BLaZe34]

Worst case you would have to trim some of the engine cover...which I really don't want to do

[Altered]

I think any bar clearing the top of the VK would hit the hood when you close it lol. That engine has a huge intake manifold, I know for a fact my GT Spec (Cusco) bar won't clear the V8 with the engine cover on. But don't let me stop you guys from trying.

[Ilya]

Sigh...the downside of owning a car with almost zero aftermarket support...

All we have is UpRev, Wheels, Coilovers, and Exhaust for the V8 M. No intake manifold/TB spacer, no FSTB or RSTB, etc.

[Debonair]

I will gladly modify the engine cover if the strut support is beefy enough. The Tanabe bar, particularly the ends look too dainty to me. Im sure it works fine but my big fat car with big fat tires, fat wheels, fat HP needs more big fat parts.

Something like this:

[Ilya]

#strutbarp0rn

EDIT: I just found out that a performance shopped moved in literally down the street (who also just got an UpRev license - things are looking up for me). Went over there and talked to the guy and he does his own fab work for turbo's, etc. Might hit him up to see how much it would cost to make me a one-off M56 STB.

[Debonair]

#strutbarp0rn

EDIT: I just found out that a performance shopped moved in literally down the street (who also just got an UpRev license - things are looking up for me). Went over there and talked to the guy and he does his own fab work for turbo's, etc. Might hit him up to see how much it would cost to make me a one-off M56 STB.

Ahem...you mean a two-off M56 Strut bar.

[Darthswan]

Fits, ha? Will order tomorrow..

[SwissCheeseHead]

Very cool guys! Now if they made coilovers for AWD guys

[Ilya]

Very cool guys! Now if they made coilovers for AWD guys

In general or Tanabe specifically? Cause BC Racing makes some and one of our vendors on here sells them: Link

[M37rinh]

Part#TTB176F
TANABE SUSTEC FRONT STRUT BAR 2014+ Q50

I will be at Tuner Evolution in Charlotte this weekend if anyone wants to check it out. Here are some crappy cell phone pics of the installed STB and of my car.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/c6i2zdkkwg0a3 ... 1.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xvsv50a0hb4zr ... 0.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7o9qufqpikhfv ... 4.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/k32m9vckglbs0 ... 1.jpg?dl=0

Hope the links work...

this might be a stupid question but itll fit the m37x correct?

[Darthswan]

Found the bar for $120 shipped. Hopefully the Q50, rear is the same...

[twostep361]

where did you find it for 120?

[Darthswan]

where did you find it for 120?

http://sohiperformance.com/tanabe/tanab ... 19259.aspx

[parkstr8r]

I just had my Tanabe sway bar installed Friday. Had to have it ordered from Japan, but got it in in a week and half. HUGE difference. Now that I know i can order the front strut bar i'm ordering it now...

[Ilya]

Tanabe sway bar? Is this also only for the 3.7?

[DoN_BLaZe34]

m37-aftermarket-sway-bars-t587789.html

This convo about sway bars started back in that thread

[Darthswan]

Mine will be here Monday.

[beachbum718]

So what fits directly.cusco or tanabe? If i have m37? I hope the cusco one fits.its better

[Debonair]

So what fits directly.cusco or tanabe? If i have m37? I hope the cusco one fits.its better

So far only the Q50 Tanabe has been verified as fitting the M37. The Cusco pic is just for design reference as they do not make a Q50 bar (yet?).