For the 5th Gen Maxima, it seems that the only RSTB manufacturer these days is Stillen. It’s a reasonably sturdy looking little bar, similar in design to their FSTB… which means an edgy, aluminum bar with holes, and the word “STILLEN” in red. Not exactly to my liking in appearance, but the RSTB is in the trunk, so you could argue it doesn’t really matter what it looks like, or if the red lettering flakes off in time.



But to my point – Stillen is the only game in town. And they want $151 for this thing. (And $187 for their FSTB. Yikes!) That’s way, WAY too much money for a simple tower brace that offers minimal improvements in stiffness and handling. Heck, some people even turn right around and sell their RSTB after deciding they don’t like the changes. Clearly, it’s not for everybody… or its value is best applied in conjunction with a RSB and a FSTB. Whatever, that’s not why I’m writing. (Don’t argue about it here.)

This week, I reached out to Joe at Racingline Performance, who makes a truly fantastic FSTB. It’s clean, light-weight, strong and reasonably priced at $97. Joe tells me he has no issue with making a RSTB of similar design, he just needs to know if there’s a market, and he needs access to a 5th Gen for measurements and fitment. (Anyone live near Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada?)

Obviously, I can’t speak for Racingline about price point, but the likelihood is somewhat less the cost of their FSTB. Certainly whatever the end-cost, it would undercut that expensive Stillen bar, and do so with a better design.

So… speak up, 5th Genners! Is there an interest in a Racingling Performance RSTB?

 

Im in if its considerably less than Stillen's price.

 

I'm all for undermining Steal..Stillen's overpriced marketing.

If these can be made for a better price than Stillen can offer, I'm in. For sure.

 

If it comes to be and the price is right, I'll buy one. After all, I do have the FSTB from Racingline. A matching pair just seems like, well, the thing to do.

 

Interested, I'd buy both FSTB and RSTB =)

 

In

 

if the price is fair and the fitment doesnt suck ballz then im in

 

I wish they keep the dang FSTB in stock, I cant never seem to order one online!
but I would also order a rear

 

I would buy one to match my front one.

 

I'd definitely be interested, I'm looking into getting their FSTB but its been out of stock anytime I've checked.

 

I'd be down for this
And he's located in B.C as well
$100 you cant go wrong.

 

awww c'mon!!! now you come with this??????


i just forked out $150 last month for an RSTB!!!


where was this post last month???

j/k

 

Sorry, champ.

I don't rep for Racingline Performance, but like most everyone here, I want an affordable, good quality RSTB. If Racingline made that bar, I'd buy it.

You can see their FSTB here in this shot. It's a really good design. I can easily imagine this same bar in the trunk across the rear struts.

 

You know, even if we can't get enough of a following to get these put into regular production, did he say what the odds of producing some were if we had a single-batch type group deal of, say, 20 or 25 pieces?

I'd much prefer one of these over Stillen's piece.

So far, the response seems pretty positive...

 

I don't know. Racingline will have to make that assessment. Sounds like a good idea to me.

 

+1.

 

I'm not interested in this but, did you ever get a minimum number you'd need for production? That'd be a nice thing to know. Good luck.

Sidenote: As much as it kinda blows that there's not a huge aftermarket for our cars, it's prettty cool how some manufacturers step up and are willing to make the (sometimes one-off) batches for us.

 

I must say that I'm suprised by the number of people who voted that they wanted one

 

Sure the gains are minimal, but coupled with a RSB and some subframe spacers, I don't see why it wouldn't help even a little.

 

people with FTSB, RSB, and LTB have tried it and felt no difference

not trying to hijack this thread and tell people not to buy it...if it is offered at a lower price, it wont hurt to buy it

 

Thank you, Sooner.

Both of you guys: please don't argue about the value of a RSTB, or lack thereof.

 

I'd be in if the price is right

 

Well, when you compare it to the difference felt from a RSB, I'm sure the gains probably are very minimal. Just like they'd be if you were to slap on a FSTB after coilovers. But I will say I did notice a little bit of "slop" in my rear end, if you will, after I put the FSTB on my car when I was doing some mountain driving. The RSB cleaned most of that up, but I guess the aim I have in mind is to "complete" the look, if you will.

Yes, I'll admit it. I just like the idea of having a RSTB. Minimal gains, or not. I'll rock it.

But I agree, no arguing. Point is, whether it works or not, I'm completely in for one.

 

What the hey I'd be in for one.

 

my bad...do a poll of how many people on here have one

i just feel that some of the newer people who are saying yes have the right to know...

i'll leave your thread alone now

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


i have both FSTB and RSTB and lovin' it. im a very aggresive driver on the turns and it helps keep the rear in check. an RSB would help out even more

 

I didn't read the entire thread, but would these be regular stock? The FSTB always appears out of stock on their website.

 

That does seem a repeating theme, being out-of-stock. I had to wait quite some time to get my FSTB last year. Worth the wait, yes, but still...

I really don't know, 2slow. It's possible that Racingling runs this stuff in batches that leave inventory slim. Which speaks to Rhyno02's comment. Perhaps they'd be interested in a group-buy?

First things first, however, and that's generate interest.

 

I think you've done that. Now it's time to approach and see if even a group buy is possible.

 

I'm in if John's in....

 

IDK, it's only been one day. Patience.

And Racingline is going to need access to a 5th gen for measurements and fitment.

 

Logistics will have to be worked out for sure. But, hey, you started it!

 

I'd be down for this, or for even Cattman to make one that matches the Ti FSTB and maybe even start producing his FSTB again.

 

I am definitely in for a front and a rear.

 

Yeah, that old Cattman Ti-bar was a very attractive and unique design. Materials were wicked expensive, though, requiring a high, Stillen-like price point.

Last time I talked to Brian Catts about his FSTB, he didn't share any plans for a new design. Certainly nothing about a RSTB. But that was a year ago, maybe something has come up.

In the meantime, I think there's a better shot at getting Racingline to pursue a matching RSTB. I'm personally interested in that route since I already own and like their FSTB. Selfish of me, but there it is.

 

interested for sure.

 

I made my own RSTB. i have the FSTB, RSB and after installing and tweaking the rstb i can say i do notice a difference. is it a difference like adding the rsb...no, but it definitely works along side the rsb to make the rear even tighter



the rest of the pics are here http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2547814/10

 

That's pretty creative, Jeff. Well done.

Now if you could make a few hundred more...

 

haha no kidding. i made it in my garage. it has a 1 inch square tubing that mounts on either side to brackets made out of (2) 1/8th inch steel plates. once that was in i noticed it still was flexing in the middle so i made the center brackets as well to take out any sloop from side to side motion. grab it and pull and the thing doesn't move at all. the biggest difference in driving feel was from adding the center bracket. if you get a stillen or aftermarket rstb you may just have to fab up a center bracket like mine. all in all it took me about three days to make. i dont have a welder or stuff like that. just a saws-all, bench grinder, drill, hammer and plenty of cuts and swear words. if i had the means of a facility this would already be for sale. if anyone wants more info on making it though i more than happy to share. level of 1-10 on mechanical ability i say 4-5 or so on this. just a lot of trial and error fab work.


edit: the biggest pain was making the brackets over the shocks. had to take the shocks out, make a template, cut the plates and they still needed a lot of cutting and tweaking to get them to fit just right. If i had bracket s already sat from a still rstb and tossed their bar and used the brackets it would have taken me 1/2 a day for the rest. if you can get those brackets to the bar and center section is only a 2 in difficulty. all the center bracket hardware is from the local hardware store

 

I'm guessing different bar materials and design go a long way towards whether or not you need that center brace. Racingline's FSTB bar doesn't have any flex to it, even though it's light as a feather. I'm guessing the Stillen bars don't either.

But I still give you props for being far more industrious than me.

I just want to buy one already designed and tested. An attractive one, too, for a reasonable price. Hence this interest thread.