max808

Could any give me advice on which FSTB works best and why. Also, how difficult is it to install, any drilling, cutting or bending. Sorry for the newbie question, I know this has been discussed in detail on past threads, I'd like some fresh thoughts.

Daniel B. Martin

The '99 Maxima has a stamped steel bracket on the driver side strut tower. Some FST end plates have a notch which neatly clears this bracket. The Courtesy bar has the notch; that's what is installed on my '99. The Courtesy bar was an easy installation, but I needed two nuts which weren't included in the package.

The bracket isn't used for anything, so you can hacksaw it off if you like. See http://www.chrislehr.com/maxima/fstb.html

max808

I'm glad to hear a reply from a 99 Maxima. By chance do you have the part number from Courtesy? Any performance difference? Handling? Cornering? Thanks.

Daniel B. Martin

I don't have the part number. I didn't order the FSTB, it was a gift from a friend.

Many Maxima owners who have installed an FSTB rave about a dramatic improvement in cornering, especially in high-speed sweeping curves such as an Interstate cloverleaf exchange. I haven't found a big difference but that may be due to my moderate driving habits. In other words, I drive like a wuss.

max808

That's a great friend! Don't worry I drive like my grandpa, most of the time. The car will last longer if driven sensibly and well maintained. I guess it may not make much difference unless you're a Speed Racer! Thanks.

DARTHSWAN

I got the Vibrant Bar from Streetbeat. No drilling, cutting, or anything. It took me about 20 mins to place it in and tighten it up. For $48, including shipping, you can't pass on it. Works great.

K

Nathan

iTrader: (28)

Check out www.street-beat.com for the FSTB. They have them for $35 and are very similar to the Courtesy FSTB's. I have the Vibrant FSTB and I had to hacksaw the bracket which was a pain in the @ss but it wa worth the effort.

Kashoggio

iTrader: (11)

just tourqe it to 30

DARTHSWAN

I also got the Vibrant FSTB. I didn't have to cut anything. Do they have two different types of bars? I'm pretty sure mines is on right. When I received it, I remember a couple of people saying they had to cut that little metal piece. My bar comes nowhere near it. I'm at a loss for words.

K

Nathan

iTrader: (28)

DARTHSWAN, do you have a '99 max? If you do, I guess Vibrant must be making different types of FSTB's. How much did you pay for yours?

DARTHSWAN

I have a 99 GXE. With shipping, I paid $47. It's amazing how one little bar can make so big of a difference.

K

maxnewbie

Just had mine (Vibrant from Streetbeat) installed yesterday by my mechanic (he had a torque wrench and the time to do for me) and it turned out great. It does, not matter what anyone else says, the FSTB does rest on the AC pipe by the firewall (passenger side). My mechanic placed a piece of rubber hose on the AC pipe to prevent any friction or noise by the strut bar rubbing up against it. You can push down on the AC pipe a bit to lower it some, but be careful. Other than that, the results were very good and there is definitely a difference in the ride. Especially when cornering. The steering seems tighter and more accurate. The car feels more grounded now. Investment of $47 was worth it.

Stillnmax

Dan, just voicing my experiance, i have a 99se and i have installed my stillen fstb without a problem. Yup i do happen to have the "plate" as well......

just thought id mention it.

punabuds

I was wondering if any one has installed the FSTB from H Motorsports. Price would be about the same for theirs and Street-Beat, $48 shipped. http://www.hmotorsports.com/suspensi...strutbars.html

max808

The Courtesy bar comes in 95-99 and 00-01. I heard you don't have to hacksaw the bracket if you buy the 00-01 and put on the earlier years 95-99? Can someone verify this.