Proper intallation and function of strut tower bars [Merged 1-7]

[Snoop-GST]

I know it improves handling but in what way?? and is this a good one? http://procarparts.com/store/displaydetails.cfm?pid=9599EclipseTurboStrut would it really be usefull just for regular street driving?

 

[OddyseusDSM]

they stiffen the car noticeably. on my friends crx he had alot less roll and the car seemed to respond quicker.

 

[2-0turbo]

Probably provide the biggest bang-for-the-buck bolt on upgrade in the handling department. Especially on mostly stock suspensions. When I first put mine on with stock 100K+ miles shocks and the stock 16" rims, you could have taken it off or put in on, and based on a test drive, I could tell you if it was on there. The difference was day and night. I don't notice it as much with 400lb springs/AGX, lowered ride, etc. But, on a mostly stock suspension, it is great.

I highly recommend it as a first suspension upgrade for 1G cars. Followed immediately by some good shocks.

 

[Snoop-GST]

it seems like im getting them with next paychk... are the ones on the link good?

 

[2-0turbo]

Originally posted by Snoop-GST
it seems like im getting them with next paychk... are the ones on the link good?

Probably. The things are not real high-tech. As long as they tie the two strut towers together you have accomplished your mission. Looks like a good price. Don't be surprised if it doesn't look just like that though. Usually they say "representative" only and it might look a little different. But yeah, looks like a fine pick.

 

[logic]

I noticed a distinct improvement in hard cornering once I added the front and rear strut bars. Mine are from procarparts, but you might want to check eBay before you buy direct from them; they sell most of their inventory on eBay as well, and you can usually find a much better deal if you're patient (I paid $28 each, shipped).

 

[curtis_rak]

Good strut bar thread...

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3464

 

[snox135]

I have seen a ton of people say a strut bar is a strut bar so buy a cheap one. That's like saying a car is a car so buy a cheap one. Look at any true race car they will not have an adjustable strut bar, the rigid design is 10x times better. The rod arms in the adjustable unit will allow the body to roll and the cheap aluminum cross bar will flex. The best ones out there are non-adjustable and also mount to the firewall.

 

[RoadRacingDSM]

This is true, but I think the only company that made them for our cars (Neuspeed) discontinued the model. What you can do is adjust the strut bar the way you want it, and then have it welded. That will increase rigidity and effectiveness. I personally have an adjustable one and it made a huge difference in handling for me. I have 18x8 OZ F1's and the 13" Baer Track big brake kit. That added weight really let my chassis twist. My bar brought the handling back, and now my massive brake dive from the big brakes is much more controllable. I can adjust the attitude of my car with the brake pedal now instead of fighting with the throttle and the steering wheel.

Also if you want to be hard core just custom build you one that bolts to the strut towers and bolts to the firewall as well. These set ups are the most effective and I think that Neuspeed still has this model available, but like I said above....I really think that they discontinued it for the Eclipses. It seems that they have shyed away from the DSM community and are focusing more on the VW and Honda/Acura market.

 

[RamenPride]

Originally posted by Snoop-GST
it seems like im getting them with next paychk... are the ones on the link good?

I have that bar and it works fine.

 

[Dr. Design]

Technically that is not correct. Your mission to secure the chassis from twisting as much as possible. When you tie the two struts together all you do is just that. What is to keep them from moving together now? Nothing. Especially not the one that is mentioned in the link. Any "good" strut tower brace MUST be attached to the firewall!! MUST! MUST! MUST!
So if you are getting a strut tower brace for looks then, yes this strut tower bar will be just fine. If you are looking for performance and handling then go with one that at least bolted to the firewall.
See attached pic.
Thank you,

Originally posted by 2-0turbo


Probably. The things are not real high-tech. As long as they tie the two strut towers together you have accomplished your mission. Looks like a good price. Don't be surprised if it doesn't look just like that though. Usually they say "representative" only and it might look a little different. But yeah, looks like a fine pick.

 

[snox135]

Dr. Design where did you get that???????????? I have been looking all over for one of those. I looked at D3 designs web page but did not see a 2G kit. If you make them for a 2G AWD how much?

 

[Dr. Design]

Originally posted by snox135
Dr. Design where did you get that???????????? I have been looking all over for one of those. I looked at D3 designs web page but did not see a 2G kit. If you make them for a 2G AWD how much?

Hello,
We have not released this bar as of yet. We will however release it in a few weeks. Hope that helps. If you need one give us a call.
Thank you,

 

[RoadRacingDSM]

Also if you want to be hard core just custom build you one that bolts to the strut towers and bolts to the firewall as well.

I love being right.....heheheehe

 

[djpast]

well i was searching thru some articles the other day, and came across a fact in several of them. i have tightened my strut bar the wrong way... and almost everyone i know has done the same thing.

evidently the bar (when adjustable) is supposed to pushing the struts outwards away from the center of the car like this
strut)<--bar-->(strut
while most ppl have it like this
strut)-->bar<--(strut
with it pulling the struts inwards towards the center of the car. When i installed it the first time, i noticed a slight change in the steering responce. last night when i adjusted (both fron and rear) it the correct way, it made a whole car feel stiffer, and the steering was way moe responsive.

just i would let everyone know, cuz everyone i know tightens it inwards, instead of outwards like it should be.

 

[Raven457]

good info for those who may not already know!

 

[Knoob]

sweet.........changing mine around today!

 

[EclpzLvr97]

good tip for if i ever get a strut bar.

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

Very interesting I will take that into account since I put it back on.

 

[97GSTURBO]

Originally posted by L2RTSiAWD
Very interesting I will take that into account since I put it back on.

Bout time dude!

 

[Malefic DSM]

Hmm, didnt know that. Good to know, thanks.

 

[boostineklipz]

I was told that about mine, but I remember it not fitting the other way when I put it on.

 

[larryd]

im confused, how do adjust it backwards or the proper way, can anyone explain in lamens terms?

 

[djpast]

adjust it so the bolts move out, effective pushing the struts away from the center of the car.... if you twist one way, the bolts will tsit into the bar, the other the will twist out... you will want the bolts to twist out...

 

[lowridin2g]

well aint that a biatch looks like i got a little project in the single digit weather.