Hey all, yet another question for the autocrossers concerning strut tower bars. Right now, i have an 01' I30, bone stock. To put it frankly, the thing just does not feel sharp when it comes to handling. I was wondering if front and rear strut tower bars could help this out a bit. My curiosity was further peaked when I checked out what was under the hood of a friend's later gen Q45 - a FSTB! And stock? "Why does my car not have one?" i thought. Apparantly that is a good question - do they really help? Do i need both? Will I notice an improvement if I do install them? And if so, is any particular company better than the others? Someone please shed some light on this matter, I would greatly appreciate it!

 

get a Rear Sway Bar first (either Addco or Stillen). you will notice way more of a difference with the RSB than both the FSTB and RSTB combined.

cheers

 

But isnt the rear suspention one big RSB?? I dont get it... It looks like its one giant tube across suspended by soem sort of scissor-link across the center. What i call "mini-van suspention". So how does this help? It seems like the fronts are more of the problem, not the rears anyway.

-Steve

 

the rsb is definately a must have for suspension but if possibel i would combine it with a fstb. i have both and both have improved the handling of my max tremendously. the rstb is more looks in our cars and if im not mistaken elminates any trunk access.

 

There is an antiroll bar of sorts in there. But just because it's there doesn't mean that it's providing enough roll stiffness or lateral weight transfer for auto-x purposes (it intentionally does not, probably to avoid oversteer for the average driver on a slippery road). Installing an aftermarket bar essentially makes the two bars operate in parallel, their rates add, and the handling "loosens".

Norm

 

here's a good site on vehicle ride, handling and suspension

the rear beam is one big RSB, but an aftermarket one reduces the sway even further until the car feels like a totally different vehicle.

trust me on this, the front isn't the majority of the problem you won't feel near the difference with a FSTB as you would with a RSB...read the post by FlightDeck in this thread

hope that helps

 

it would however be beneficial if we had an option for a front sway bar, but maybe its thick enough already.

 

A thicker front bar will make the understeer worse while adding weight to the front.

Norm

 

another one? u might want to join Larrfry's discussion about how to make ur stock max handle like a dream.

Quote:

My curiosity was further peaked when I checked out what was under the hood of a friend's later gen Q45 - a FSTB! And stock? "Why does my car not have one?"

because he paid 20k more for the Q45

Quote:

i thought. Apparantly that is a good question - do they really help? Do i need both? Will I notice an improvement if I do install them? And if so, is any particular company better than the others? Someone please shed some light on this matter, I would greatly appreciate it!

FSTB and RSTB - help a bit but not much save on those for the RSB
if u want sharp cornering, stock spring and struts are your enemy.

 

OK, one question, where would they mount a RSB?? Do they have to drill new holes or what?? Also, anyone have em already? Ive heard of RSB's tearing the metal strut supports on civics and integras... will this happen too?? Someone with a RSB shed some light pleaseeee

 

the Addco RSB is mounted to the rear trailing arms and the beam using u-bolts. a good writeup can be found here

the stillen RSB is mounted to the rear trailing arms only and instructions can be found here

no holes have to be drilled with either one. they are the epitome of 'bolt-on'

and the RSB on the max is not mounted like those on the civics and integras so they won't tear up anything (except maybe your rear tires since you'll be taking corners faster )

hope that helps...cheers

 

The RSB is a must have. We have a group sale going on with Cattman if he has any left. $115 shipped for the Addco RSB. It made a huge difference in my 2k2 GLE. There are 4 bushings and contact points. It's very easy to install. The only tricky part at all is the bushings on the trailing are, but it's really not that hard at all. I'm a saturday mechanic and have really never done anything but oil changes, spark plugs, etc. This is easy. It's good to have a 2nd person handy as the bar is a tad bit heavy and makes the job easier.

 

Just added my FSTB last week and the difference combined with the RSB is noticeable. There is still an inherent amount of roll the stock shocks are going to allow no matter what you do to the body. Another weak point is the tires. Those two things should make a bigger difference than all the braces. Now its just a question of money

Jesse

 

Not quite, at least with the Stillen RSB and a 2002 Max. You either have to cut off or flatten a small tab on each trailing arm (currently used to hold the abs wire with a cable tie) to position the bar correctly.

 

I have just the FSTB on my 2000 I30 and it greatly improved the handling during cornering. Car just feels more secure. Haven't done the RSTB, and not sure I will since very satisfied with the FSTB results. FSTB is also very easy to install.

 

In terms of bang for the buck - Addco RSB, Courtesy FSTB, tires, shocks, springs, lighter wheels.

 

The RSB does help quite a bit, but im kinda tired of how people say the FSTB and RSTB doesnt do much, i own all 3 pieces and let me tell you the Strut Tower Braces both front and rear help a great deal, its no wonder DEALERS put them in STOCK before a RSB further more if and when you do suspension you do it all one shot. Not a piece here or a piece there... when i got my suspension it was shocks/struts FSTB RSTB and RSB thats a complete suspension.

 

FSTB and RSB do make a difference. New tires make an even bigger difference.

I have a freeway ramp by my house that I drive on everyday to work. Sometimes I get the chance to wind the car up going around it. When the car was bone stock I could maybe push to 45-48MPH going around it. With the FSTB and the RSB I could get to almost 55MPH. With new tires (245/40/18 Toyo Proxes T1-S) I can up the ante to 65MPH.

So the moral to the story is replace your tires with something sticky and get a FSTB and RSB.

Stereodude

 

yup i agree with everyone here.... RSB and FSTB is a must....
both put together it's a great combo..... i have I 35 and i just installed it about a week ago with group deal for RSB and my car feels soo much better..... u CAN really tell the difference....
it's a must.... and get the addco RSB not stillen it's much cheaper and does the same things.....