Mizeree_X

iTrader: (9)

So,

After buying an OBX FSTB for my 92 SE, drilling new holes in the mounting brackets so the bolts would line up correctly, filing away some of the metal on the semi-circle that surrounds the wheel well raised surface, and bending the bar slightly to get it over a tube near the air intake, I got it in my engine. HOWEVER, the left side of the bar is touching the left edge of the intake manifold, while the rest of the bar is just slightly raised above whatever it is hovering over. Is this bad? I noticed that after the installation, the idle noise and vibrations increased. Is this normal, or is it because the bar is touching the engine?

Cincy94Max

While almost everyone with a VE engine had to bend the bar, I don't think they had any vibration issues. I doubt the bar should be touching where it is, but I will let someone with a VE engine respond more accurately.

dmontzsta

iTrader: (8)

I experienced vibrating.It is because the bar is too close to the manifold.Just bend the bar a little.

Blu Max

Ok, i had to drill the holes on the passenger side to make them bigger so it would fit, but i didn't have clearance issues except the a/c piping,now i remember Czar got the bar for the 4th gen. and told me all he had to do was bend the bar slightly.

dmontzsta

iTrader: (8)

I dont know about drilling holes the one from Courtesy fits perfect in the holes.But I pulled the A/C hose as far back as I could and wire tied it back.And then bent the bar as much as I could.

James92SE

iTrader: (31)

many people arent up for doing this much work, but here's what i did with the help of my dad. bending the bar just wasnt an option for me. bending it makes it more prone to bending during tight cornering, and basically defeats the purpose of having the fstb in the first place. but, we shortened the mounting tabs on mine, by cutting them off. then we bought some new metal tabs, and welded them on. but we made it where these new mounting tabs stuck up higher, and made clearance a non issue. also, since the tabs arent as long, the ac hose didnt have to be tampered with.

James92SE

iTrader: (31)

another one.....

dmontzsta

iTrader: (8)

That looks pretty sweet.I dont think bending the bar makes any difference though.But hey the way you did it looks clean.I also used some washers under each nut to make the clearance way better.The bar does get hot if it is close to the manifold.(Not Good)I know have around an inch and a half clearance from the manifold.Either way it is all the same.As long as it is safely out of the way.

Mizeree_X

iTrader: (9)

Thanks for the info. I tried to bend the bar, but I don't have easy access to a vice or something that would be effective. How did you bend the bar if the bend needs to be made so close to one end of the bar? I don't think the heat from the manifold will do anything to the aluminum, the temperature is still too low. Another thing I thought I'd try is to file away some of the metal on hole on the bracket where the bolt connects bar to the bracket; this would move the bar upwards and possibly clear the manifold. Any thoughts?

flyry110

i have the same vibration problem. I have a FTSB from Nevin, it was one of the first ever produced for a 3rd gen (supposedly), anywya, it's not a bar, it's more of an oval so it fit with me just having to move the wires for my plugs back, it even cleared the AC line (sorta, it hits the foam pad). anyway, i noticed immediately that the vibration increased especially when the engine was under heavy loads. today i raised the mounts with 1/16" brass washers. It still isn't enough though. the vibration got better, but it isn't gone. anyway, my situation isn't quite the same cause i have a different style FTSB.

dmontzsta

iTrader: (8)

Here is a way Matt93GXE told me to bend it.Take a towel and wrap it around the bar.Then drive your car on to the bar and pull up on the bar.I did it and it worked like a charm.Thanks Matt...