kukx30de

iTrader: (4)

I am currently looking for an FSTB for my 01 GLE.

While I read about a lot of the ebay ones breaking rather easily I looked online and found 2.

One was at pepboys from a company called SPW. SPW does have a legit website and the FSTB was $35. The other was from autopartswarehouse, a company called Vibrant.

Does anyone here have any opinions or experiences with either of the two?

I dont mind spending upto $65-$75.

Any input appreciated.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

as discussed extensively, all FSTBs have the same minimal improvement.

MaximumPower01

I think he was asking about SPW and Vibrant, specifically.....not "what improvements do FSTB's make"



same chit, differ day, eh sooner?

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

my point...ALL FSTBs ARE THE SAME

MaximumPower01

Oh, so someone's taken the time to prove this with all FSTB's, through engineering and testing?

Cool....Send me the link....

nismopc

iTrader: (3)

I purchased the SPW version and installed it about 1 year ago. There were no fitment issues and there is plenty of space between this and TB.

It is going to be your call to which one you want.

MaximumPower01

Hey nismoc, you fairly close to Cincy?


Im bout 20 mins outside of Downtown, in Milford

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

i dont have to send you a link...im right

MaximumPower01

Then you should be able to prove it easily, eh?

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

like i said...i dont have to prove anything to you.
its common knowledge (among knowledgeable veterans)

jeff5347

I agree with Nismopc. i have the same FSTB and it did stiffen it a bit. I had to finagal mine but it is clear of the TB. Clears everything else also.

kukx30de

iTrader: (4)

Thank you for your advice saying "All FSTB's have the same minimal improvement."

Also, your beginning words were not really asked for. I did search on this topic and while some searches provided some information they did not answer my questions so I chose to post them in a thread.

This is a forum for people to help each other out. If "Everything" is available by searching why have such a site to even ask questions?

I know you will have problems some day and you will ask someone for help. I just read your thread about your issues about oil loss and frankly how would you feel if someone said yeah as extensively discussed before 3.5 motors have oil consumption or leak problems.

Think from both perspectives sir.

Its not just your knowledge that people will recognize you for, they will also remember you for how you give it out.

Once again no hard feelings and thanks for the advice you provide.

kukx30de

iTrader: (4)

Nismopc and Jeff thanks for your responses.

I think I'm I'm leaning towards placing an order for the SPW this afternoon

MaximumPower01

Exactly.........

jeff5347

No prob,
Mine was $35 and i think i grabbed it off of Ebay. FSTB are pretty much the same like Sooner said. Brackets on each side and a metal bar connecting them. It just depends on how you want it to look. $200 for a FSTB from Stillen or whoever is insane to me. Plus it gives it a shiny look.

MaximumPower01

"minimal" can be characterized in several differ ways and the stress absorbed by each FSTB can be affected by which the product was made....i.e. welds, material used, quality of parts and double/triple bars

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

my thread about oil consumption was the first comprehensive thread regarding the problem and the process of fixing it.
i didnt get flamed for a reason...the thread is 10 pages long for a reason

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

its common knowledge that they all do the same thing (one bar or 3)
its common knowledge that they have minimal affects.

MaxBoost925

iTrader: (33)

Not all FSTB's are created equal. Steven88's one snapped after a while of usage (on of the welds sucked)

I personally went through 3 FSTB because of sexiness.

1) I had an SPW, it was decent, didn't fit too well
2) I had an OTTO, it was bootleg so it was gay
3) I now have an Alutec which you can find on Paradox-Systems, THIS on is the most sexy after the Cattman TI bar.

MaximumPower01

And guess what, I somewhat agree man.....but you aint gonna tell me that better welds, parts, added bars arent going to give you more optimal handling and create less stress in cornering....


Here, check this out, its an interesting article...take the time and read it


http://e30m3performance.com/myths/St...bar_theory.htm

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

better welds will not improve the rigidity of a FSTB

MaximumPower01

You're right, but it will create less stress making them more durable over time........


(btw, read the artlicle, its good...:P)

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

i read it
yes, better welds will increase the life of the bar. i never said anything different.
i said that all of them give the same (minimal) gains. the quality has nothing to do with its benefit in tying the strut towers together....only how long it lasts.

i have an otto bar...had it on my 00 and now my 02. with just that, i couldnt tell a difference. now that im lowered and have an RSB and LTB...it does nothing. i just have it on for looks now.

kukx30de

iTrader: (4)

Sooner, you say the word minimal

I have a question about it. In the general maxima information section, it has been adviced that the FSTB greatly reduces flex and helps in the stability/rigidity of the maxima's body structure.

If the gains were just minimal, I don't think Nissan would have started putting in strut braces in the new Altima from factory. The previous generation Altima did not have a FSTB. Also, the Acura TL also comes with a FSTB from factory.

Would'nt there definately have to be some gains in handling/stability for a company to put these parts in? I don't think there is any company out there that would put in parts just for show i.e. increase their manufacturing costs.

Thoughts?

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

the FSTB, by itself, may give some benefits but again, they are minimal (meaning - you dont really need one because you wont be able to tell the difference. i have auto crossed with and without and and felt no difference.)
BTW, its very hard to numerically and scientifically gauge improvements with something like this. its about a feel.

kukx30de

iTrader: (4)

I would agree... but i guess as cars tend to get lighter and more powerful.. the ever growing concern of stability and handling grows resulting in more bracing required to keep the car feeling good