Strut Tower Braces
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Strut Tower Braces
I have been Researching Strut Tower Braces this evening.
Seems Like the best way to go is the, "Whiteline Rear Strut Tower Brace" I was unable to find anyone in the USA selling one for the wagon. And the Sedan Version was 219.00 at xcceleration.com. I checked on Ebay, and saw this item IMPREZA WRX 02-03 STi J-SPEC REAR STRUT BAR And that is Buy it Now for 45.00 Hmmmmm Do you get what you pay for? Has anyone had success with ths J-Spec Item? Is the Whiteline version worth the extra $150.00. If the Whiteline is worth the extra $$$ wear do I get one for my wagon (with out buying direct from australia?)
Has anyone had success/problems with any manufacturers of rear strut braces?
Thanks,
Donbucket
www.Jonfund.com
Seems Like the best way to go is the, "Whiteline Rear Strut Tower Brace" I was unable to find anyone in the USA selling one for the wagon. And the Sedan Version was 219.00 at xcceleration.com. I checked on Ebay, and saw this item IMPREZA WRX 02-03 STi J-SPEC REAR STRUT BAR And that is Buy it Now for 45.00 Hmmmmm Do you get what you pay for? Has anyone had success with ths J-Spec Item? Is the Whiteline version worth the extra $150.00. If the Whiteline is worth the extra $$$ wear do I get one for my wagon (with out buying direct from australia?)
Has anyone had success/problems with any manufacturers of rear strut braces?
Thanks,
Donbucket
www.Jonfund.com
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From: your friendly neighborhood hairpin
Car Info: '03 PSM Sedan
mpj performance/gb motorsports has the whiteline bars on their web site (http://www.mpjperformance.com) and i think that the rear wagon bar was listed at $100. call 'em up, i' sure that they can set you up.
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From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
The bar in that auction looks very similar to my Whiteline, but it has no room for adjustment. If it were even slightly misaligned it would not work. Installation of a rear strut brace actually requires disassembling the brace, and the adjustability of the Whiteline or equivalent makes reassembly much easier. I would not recommend it.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 204
From: New England
Car Info: '03 Black Sedan
I recently researched this myself...for a sedan the fron end is very stiff to begin with so the strut tower bar will look pretty but isn't necessary unless you're racing the car or regularly abusing it...The rear end has a bit more wiggle so the rear strut tower bar has been recommended pretty consistently to stiffen it up a bit.
But if you want to FEEL a difference then the way to go is to upgrade the rear swaybar from 20 mm to 22 mm (or get the Whiteline adjustable swaybar and put on the middle setting which is 22 mm)...this will improve 'turn-in' feel into corners BUT with a swaybar you pay a price for that gain and that is a little less control at the 'edge' envelope which results in slower acceleration off corners and thus slower exit speeds...there are long posts on this topic in here...
Probably the best initial suspension/handling mod you can do is bigger rims/tires though as the stockers are mismatched for the suspension, and you can affect turn-in without a sway bar by changing front-rear tire pressures, but you can't fix chassis flex with tire pressure so a rear strut tower bar will be somewhat functional, but the fron of the car is stiff to begin with so that's less of a priority...
But if you want to FEEL a difference then the way to go is to upgrade the rear swaybar from 20 mm to 22 mm (or get the Whiteline adjustable swaybar and put on the middle setting which is 22 mm)...this will improve 'turn-in' feel into corners BUT with a swaybar you pay a price for that gain and that is a little less control at the 'edge' envelope which results in slower acceleration off corners and thus slower exit speeds...there are long posts on this topic in here...
Probably the best initial suspension/handling mod you can do is bigger rims/tires though as the stockers are mismatched for the suspension, and you can affect turn-in without a sway bar by changing front-rear tire pressures, but you can't fix chassis flex with tire pressure so a rear strut tower bar will be somewhat functional, but the fron of the car is stiff to begin with so that's less of a priority...
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From: Wherever Sucks the Most
Car Info: 2003 WRX, 2008 Camry
Originally posted by BAN SUVS
Second that motion. MPJ is a great source for parts.
Second that motion. MPJ is a great source for parts.
It really doesn't matter on the RSB. you really can't go wrong with white line or cusco on those so pick which ever is cheaper.
The FSTB is a different story. try to get something with a "round-er" bar instead on the oval shape because it's a PITA with the AC bracket. I ended up taking off my oval cusco FSTB because of that reason. I noticed a very very small differnce without it on so it was a small loss.
goodluck. eric
BTW the RSTB will take you about an 1hr to a little more time at a casual pace. Look at scoobymods.com for the instructions
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i recently installed a front strut tower brace purchased on ebay (j-spec) and have noticed a difference. The front end is more tight through the corners(good feel). The rear strut tower brace should be here tomorrow. I was a bit skeptical at first given the price, but am pleased with the result on my sedan. The fitment was right on, and install time was minimal (30 mins). more to come when the rear comes.