n3985

iTrader: (36)

Today I went to install my Alutec FSTB, but encountered the intake manifold problem. I already put in 3 spacers per side, and the bar barely clears the IM, with about 1-2mm of space between. But, during startup, reverse, or stopped anywhere, I can hear knocking and/or feel vibrations through the car. I know another spacer can probably solve the problem but with 3 spacers already, the nut on the shock tower bolt is only down half way. Would it be a bad idea to add another spacer? Thanks

MacAlert

iTrader: (1)

OT, but any pics of the bar installed?

n3985

iTrader: (36)

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=450133

and this is the pic of the bar and IM



The bar clears the left bump no problem, it's the right bump that is knocking.

NisMoN00B

iTrader: (2)

When you say "3 spacers per side" do you mean 3 spacers under each strut mount? That should be plenty (way too much I think) of 3/8" spacers to clear the IM.

n3985

iTrader: (36)

3 under the strut bar bracket, and now I have 4 under each. I only have about 2mm of clearance and it STILL knocks once in a while!!! To top it off, since the Alutec bracket uses 2 strut bolts per side, the nuts on the bolts are barely on now due to 4 spacers, or about 1cm total of raise.

If you guys go to the Paradox site and look at the bar, the bracket part connecting to the bar itself is NOT raised like _l-------l_ as are the eBay and other cheaper bars. The Alutec is more like _/-------\_....I actually tried to dent the bar alittle to clear the IM bump, but damn...that bar is soooo strong.

NisMoN00B

iTrader: (2)

Looking at the bar on Paradox's site, *seems* like there's a little adjustment going up/down where the bracket meets the bar. Is the allen bolt's mounting surface a perfect circle on the bracket or is it a little eccentric/elliptical? Seems the little bugger is more of a headache than a quick install.

n3985

iTrader: (36)

It is a little elliptical, to which I have already pushed the bar up as much as possible.

spiromax

I've got the Megan Racing FSTB, and I had the same rubbing problem against the top of the IM when I installed my bar, but it wasn't quite as bad as yours. Mine would clear the IM by a couple of millimeters without any spacers, but it made a grinding noise in reverse when it came into contact with the IM. I used two washers on each bolt to solve the problem, and I even felt like that was a lot. You've already used 3 and now you're barly clearing the IM?

NisMoN00B

iTrader: (2)

Suggestion: Return Alutec FSTB and get a CE or Stillen. The Alutec does have a nice aesthetic appeal, but if it has to compromise safety...it's a no-brainer.

Bluesbrekr

iTrader: (4)

You could try grinding down the right side bump a bit for more clearance.

MetaOrbit

iTrader: (19)

Ohhh I was afraid of that... I'm with some of the others. Return it or sell it to a VQ30 owner (they should have more clearance, shouldn't they?) and get a eBay bar or the like with more adjustability.

n3985

iTrader: (36)

LOL ya right, I have as much chance returning the FSTB as I do with the clear sidemarkers Paradox sells, which the rear ones also don't fit. And of course it's never posted on the site the products *might* not fit.

As for the FSTB, I'm def keeping it as I can't stand the looks of any other FSTB available for your cars. I think I'll just grind down the IM a little bit, I'll update on how that goes.

n3985

iTrader: (36)

So if I was to file/Dremel down the right hump of the IM, how much should I file off? Just enough to clear the FSTB? And how much is too much off? Thanks

Larrio

iTrader: (10)

you bar looks upside down in the picture. But on your original thread it looks correct. The bar should be curved downwards on both ends going to the strut tower

I would recommend against only having a few threads onto the bolts, that is afterall the only thing holding your suspension in from the top

n3985

iTrader: (36)

Haha, don't worry, it's on correctly. If I had it on upside down, the bar would balance around the IM bump.

n3985

iTrader: (36)

Bump...

An idea occured to me today, what if I was to drill a hole in the bar where the right hump of the IM hits? I mean, the bar is rediculosuly strong as is, and I don't think a 1/2 hole will hurt structural rigidity that bad will it?

n3985

iTrader: (36)

Anyone?

Mr. Blue Sky

iTrader: (1)

i think taking anything off of the bar will affect the way it works. How much I do not know.