Does anyone have any feedback on the real world value of adding strut tower braces, particularly the front one? Any unnecessary stiffness/harshness in ride quality?

 

Front bar - No change in ride harshness, noticeable change in chassis stiffness, turn-in much better. Should cut down on squeaks and rattles but I put mine in before they started and still don't have any after 20k.
Rear strut bar - probably nearly useless - it's a beam axle, the rear strut towers serve no locating function other than vertical.

Dave

 

 

instead of the rstb, a rear sway bar (rsb) is recommended. I have mine but I have yet to put it on...I'll post a thread then...

 

i dont have it yet... but i ordered mine already... i do not know anyone that has them and doesnt like them... the RSTB is useless... unless ur autocrossing...

 

how does autocrossing benefit from rstb?

 

Dude - In a word, the FSTB is "AWESOME!" The only real mod I have so far (RSB once Uncle Sam gives a little love back in a few weeks ) but man, what a way to start!!!

 

well for autocrossing you need as much strengthening and structural support as you can get...

 

It actually really pleases me to hear you say this -- because I'll likely need to pull my RSTB out to put in the new custom trunk box I'm installing this summer (computer/sub/amp/etc.)

 

the FSTB is not designed to hurt the ride of your car. it is designed however, to pre-load the towers and reduce the chasis flex under hard cornering. it's not for making your car bounce..

 

I just installed my Courtesy FSTB yesterday, not a huge difference, but I do notice that I tend to oversteer a little bit, and at corners that I can only take at 35mph, I can now take at 40-43mph. So all in all I'm happy with my purchase.