Hi all,

I am looking to get a ftsb for my 03 max. It's an automatic and I was looking at the Stillen when I read it does not fit the 03 automatics.

I called custommaxima.com about theirs, and they said that some have had problem, but not all. About 5 or so have been returned for fitment issues. WTF? Wouldn't they all be the same???

I looked under the hood and sure enough there's an AC pipe right next to the tower that looks problematic.

Anyone running one on their 03 auto that has this pipe location? Any brands that do fit for sure?

Help!

 

I have a cheapie BOMZ FSTB that works great and fits fine. It took some adjusting to get it to a) clear the manifold and b) stay off the windshield sprayer tube, but wasn't all that hard. Now it touches the manifold only when I hit the gas in reverse.

Think it cost me all of $35.

 

Thanks man, I'll check it out!

 

The "fitment" issue with FSTBs usually has something to do with the FSTB touching the top of the intake manifold, but it usually only happens when the car is in reverse. The engine moves to allow the intake manifold to rub against the FSTB because our stock motor mounts are not solid like the aftermarket polyurethane mounts that some people have installed.

It's not really a huge problem, but it can get annoying to hear the grinding/rubbing sound every time you go in reverse. I solved the problem with my FSTB by raising it slightly with washers. There are six bolts (three on each side of the car) that you use when you mount the FSTB. I removed the nuts from these bolts and placed a washer over each bolt, THEN I installed the FSTB on top of the washers and replaced the nuts.

No rubbing. No vibration.

 

I have the custommaxima FSTB and I have no rubbing at all? no shims or washers either

 

The only time I have the rubbing issue is if I floor it when going in reverse.

 

I guess I was not clear about the fitment issue - not so much the rubbing on the manifold as the actual ability to mount the bar to the right front tower due to the placement of a hose (AC??) right next to it.

Apperently this hose placement is only there on the 03 automatics - Max'dMatt - is yours an auto?

 

I left my fstb on my 02 when it was totalled because the rubbing in reverse was a headache. I had on of those ebay one for 12.00 dollars and the performance wasn't worth the headache. I adjusted mine over and over but it seem to always rub...So i am not putting it on my 03 cause i believe its more of a appearance mod then performance....The manifold is to close to the fstb so it's a pain in the azz to adjust it just right

 

Maybe washers are the ticket - I do think it's a worthy mod but I'm pretty **** so the rubbing would drive me freakin nuts...

So I get two issues - the AC hose and the manifold rubbing...awesome.

Are there really any pain free bolt on mods anymore??? This is why I stopped wrenching on cars...at times, I wish I still had my 240Z w/triple 40 sidedraft webers - now that car hauled azz and you fit anything under the hood!!

 

Wow, wonder why so many problems. I have an auto '02 and there are absolutely fitment issues at all, in any gear.

 

If it helps, mine is an '03 auto and no issues with the hose.

 

NJ Devlis Fan, what kind of bar are you running?

 

I don't remember running into any issues with a hose. I'll have to look where mine is when I get to the car, but I can tell you I had no fitment issues other than the occasional knocking in reverse from the manifold. Mine is an 03/auto. I'm using the Otto FSTB, but from what I understand they are pretty much identical.

 

I used to have those issues with my Custom Maxima FSTB, but fixed it by bending the strut brackets to pull the bar forward and up sligtly. You basincally twist it forward and it'll clear.

 

i too had minor clearance issues with the CM fstb, but it was only with the stock airbox..

 

Custom Maxima. It was close with the stock airbox, but more than enough room for everything to fit fine. A lot more room now though with berk intake.

 

Had no problems with the Stillen bar on my 03. I went Stillen at the time because of all the fitment issues 3 years ago.

 

I have an '03 auto with a cheap FSTB from Ebay. I know the hose you're talking about, and it IS pretty close to the right side mount, but it did not prevent me from installing the bar. On two of the bolts, I didn't have a ton of room to work with a wrench, but it wasn't too hard to deal with.

 

My wife picked up an 03 Max with 27K miles and it has the Custom Maxima bar. It is almost sitting above the a/c line. I don't know how long the car had the bar but I don't see it as an issue.

 

Thanks a heap you guys - I really appreciate the feedback. Think I'll give the custommaxima a whirl, the rep said if I run into issues they'll reimburse me in full...

Between washers and some "fabrication" I'll get there...hey, if it jams, force it, if it breaks, it needed replacing anyway!