I am looking for a rear strut tower brace for '03 SE. From what I read this is the biggest improvement you can do for the money to our suspension.
Questions:
1) Everywhere I look (Stillen, Trust...) All the bars are advertised for 00-02. I would assume this would fit an 03 since the 02 and 03 are same, right?
2) Is there any concern over the Trust bar - I have read some nasty things about Trust bars being useless on the net (just bs?) Also the Trust bar looks way different from the Stillen in the pictures. Anyone have any recommendations? The Stillen is overpriced in my book, and I found a Trust bar for cheap but I want to make sure it's worth it.

Thanks for your input!

 

I think you are a tad mistaken. A RSTB will provide almost no difference at all to your suspension. A RSB (Rear Sway Bar) is what makes a huge difference in handling for our car. All of them work identical and many people have confirmed this by trying both the Stillen and the Addco on their cars. The Addco and Progress cost around $110 while the Stillen is in the upper $200 range.

 

Until you have it installed, and I think you should Shawn , it will be hard to judge w/out the experience. I did noticed a different w/the rstb under normal driving condition. It will be most beneficial under spirited manuver since it braces the rear struts and further tighten the rear end, which make the whole car compose in a predictable manner. Now, I know that most will said that the 2000+ Maxima rear end is already rigid from factory...but the more rigid, the better in handling and feels of the car...hint the new 350Z rear strut bar.

 

Yea that makes good sense. After looking at the car I dont see where the RSTB would go anyway without protruding in trunk. The car is probably pretty much "boxed it" good enough in the upper part of the rear already so I will take your advice and skip the RSTB.
Thanks for the advice.

 

it is a little challenge to install it but do-able...It won't be "boxed it" until you put a lid/cover on.

 

Where does the rstb fit? I haven't taken any panels off in the trunk yet, but it seems like the strut towers are about mid-height in the trunk so common sense tells me the rstb would go strait across the middle of the trunk. I've never seen one installed though; anyone got pictures?
Thanks!

 

So the RSTB does Nada?? Not even a titty bit???

 

From the above post it sounds like it improves the rear end a little, I would guess transitional body movements would be improved as well as predictability at the limit - but if it takes up room in the trunk I can't do it - that & the back seat room are 2 big reasons I got the Max.

 

FYI: Here is a pic of the rstb installed. It was on a 4th gen. but the location is similar. I don't have a digital camera to shoot mine.

http://www.greghome.com/images/Maxim...race/rstb1.jpg