Is it hard to install?

Also does Stage 2 make that big of a difference over stage 1?

 

It's very simple to install. I'll let Matt handle your second question.

 

Both of those are completely subjective opinions, and there is not a bit of fact in there other than "I tried it and thought it was different"

This isn't a flame, but until you can come up with REAL proof that it makes a difference, don't go around saying it does and that everyone is wrong. I showed you evidence of someone that *should* know what they're doing say it's bunk. then you go and show me two people on .org that have said they think there's a difference and say that's sufficient? no thanks.

 

that was an informative read!

 

I may be technically wrong. But don't knock it until you try it, which in your case wouldn't make a difference anyway because of the suspension already being fully modified. I for one will stick with what works for me.

 

i dunno, i still don't see how lifting the front end will help. the bar just braces the struts and prevents them from flexing in and out, like matt said. perhaps it's just a mental thing?

 

Wow, aren't you lucky Randy!


My only reasoning for accepting the "install on level ground" method is that the suspension was designed to operate in around the position it is in when it is rested on level ground. If you were to unload the suspension and then install the FSTB you'd be putting a pre-load on them while they're trying to hold the strut towers in the spread apart, raised position, which isn't where I think it should be when you're driving around all the time.

My $0.02....

 

oretty much my thought too. IMO, it basically puts undue stress on the components, making them fail sooner. I'm not expert on this, but Nissan DID design the suspension with a certain amount of frame flex in mind. I noticed a lot of weird suspension dynamics changed when I put the SFCs on my car and tightened up the frame.

 

Originally Posted by anaximander
The article says "contrary to popular opinion". I think the popular opinion prevails here, not just because of the empirical evidence, but due to my own experience.

I had it installed without unloading the first time. No difference. I researched .org, the web, and asked some of my friends. I can't put it in the tech lingo, but it has to do with taking the pressure off the suspension by jacking up the car, which allows the fstb to be effective once installed. I explained it above already, the struts won't fall out because initially you lift it off half way through without tires being in the air, loosen bolts, put the fstb on, tighten bolts moderately, lift car off ground completely, tighten bolts completely, put car down. These are the people who made the same experience as me.


Maybe your cars nuff.
ever wondered if your suspension geomety was up the Sh17 and unloading made it better. Be in an acceident lattly or a big pot hole ( even a small one would do)

C Uoo

 

It could've been, it's totalled now anyway. When I find another 3rd gen (still patiently hunting for 3 weeks), I'll try the level ground version first to see if it was an outlier.

 

Matt you are the MAN!!! Do you have an approximate time for the rsb? Once you start taking orders I am in there like swimwear!

 

not real sure when it's going to be done, but not long.. a couple/few weeks. still trying to find some of the parts at a decent price.