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Racingline Rear Strut Tower Brace (RSTB) - Design Thread
Racingline Rear Strut Tower Brace (RSTB) - Design Thread
Racingline Performance is researching design on a new Rear Strut Tower Brace for the 2000-2003 Maxima. This was the interest thread:
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...st-thread.html
...and this is the design thread.
Pick your preference. Discuss. Have at it.
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...st-thread.html
...and this is the design thread.
Pick your preference. Discuss. Have at it.
Last edited by Rochester; Aug 11, 2010 at 05:26 AM.
For background...
Hey guys sorry for the late arrival, it's been a busy summer and I was on vacation the last week. Once I hear back from Matt (merlot max) we'll see how soon I can get a sample put together. I have no problem getting a sample put together, but I would like to see some more feedback about design. I know in the past Matt has had extremely busy schedules (we've met before) so finding a time might prove difficult but we'll see.
I can make it just like the stillen one is made ( laying horizontal/parallel to the trunk floor) so that it matches the fstb, or I can possibly mount the bar perpendicular so that the bar runs along the back of the seat leaving more space for sub boxes ( might hinder amp mounting slightly). Or I can possibly even make it as an "X" brace that mount to the top seat belt anchor locations and the struts ( will cost a bit more, but will still be fairly flat to the seat back)
I can make it just like the stillen one is made ( laying horizontal/parallel to the trunk floor) so that it matches the fstb, or I can possibly mount the bar perpendicular so that the bar runs along the back of the seat leaving more space for sub boxes ( might hinder amp mounting slightly). Or I can possibly even make it as an "X" brace that mount to the top seat belt anchor locations and the struts ( will cost a bit more, but will still be fairly flat to the seat back)
Wouldn't mind seeing some graphical representation of the x design and the perpendicular design. Just can't picture them as all I've ever seen is the horizontal bar. The only x design I have seen blocks the trunk.
Even if it is just a photo with some paint shop lines to show where the mounting points would be.
Seen something like this but an X instead of a square...
Even if it is just a photo with some paint shop lines to show where the mounting points would be.
Seen something like this but an X instead of a square...
Last edited by knight_yyz; Aug 10, 2010 at 07:37 PM.
Traditional
Matching the FSTB would be a good thing I believe. The "X" design would likely be more effective, but for the sake of the car and the type of mod, matching the front seems to be the most practical in this case.
Any word on pricing/package deals?
Any word on pricing/package deals?
I assume (
) the pricing would be <= the cost of the Racingline FSTB, which still puts it far south of Stillen, and yet with more more appealing design.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,124
From: Leicester, Ma
I dont think doing an x brace say as the civics have that is layed down over the spare tire area would make a difference in our cars. I agree with Crazyirish in this thread
http://forums.nicoclub.com/s13-coupe...m-t392658.html
I think having a strut tower brace combined with anchor points either to the floor or to the bottom of the speaker tray would make a difference in our cars such as this
i think it should definitely be tied in to the shock towers for maximum effect
http://forums.nicoclub.com/s13-coupe...m-t392658.html
I think having a strut tower brace combined with anchor points either to the floor or to the bottom of the speaker tray would make a difference in our cars such as this
i think it should definitely be tied in to the shock towers for maximum effect
I don't understand why racingline is making u guys do all the leg work. You are determining the design for them now? They gonna ask you guys for measurements and materials next? From what I gather isn't most if the cost r&d with aftermarket car products? You guys should receive a significant discount, IMO.
...unless I'm missing something...
...unless I'm missing something...
I don't understand why racingline is making u guys do all the leg work. You are determining the design for them now? They gonna ask you guys for measurements and materials next? From what I gather isn't most if the cost r&d with aftermarket car products? You guys should receive a significant discount, IMO.
...unless I'm missing something...
...unless I'm missing something...
Let me put this to you another way: you were one of the 7 who voted not to buy one. So what's your problem? Why do you care when you're not involved?
You are. It's actually pretty simple, Rhyno. There's no leg work, in the sense that this is a chore. Just a couple of threads and a collaborative effort. I'm not looking for a discount from Racingline (although I wouldn't turn it down, that's dumb.) I'm just trying to help out a larger community of 40+ people who want a RSTB. In the end, I simply want a decent RSTB, without gifting $151 to Stillen.
Let me put this to you another way: you were one of the 7 who voted not to buy one. So what's your problem? Why do you care when you're not involved?
Let me put this to you another way: you were one of the 7 who voted not to buy one. So what's your problem? Why do you care when you're not involved?
Problem? I know tone is hard to identify in a "written" medium, especially when it's an off the cuff comment. So you've taken my comments the wrong way, just as apparently I misunderstood this thread, ie-preference vs. research...I read it very quickly, so I misunderstood it's purpose. I care because I didn't want to see anyone get ripped off. That's all. Take ten deep ones my friend...
Just laying out my motivation for this project the best way I know how.
Peace.
Actually, I just thought of something. Does anyone know if using a RSTB would allow the removal or modification of the curved black metal reinforcement that covers the rear struts mounts? Anyone that has installed struts on our cars knows that they make the access to the two bolts a PITA. Also, I'm sure it would simply the adjustment of rear illuminas for anyone that has them as well. Hm.
My suggestion? Traditional, with a mounting point in the center, like the picture that was posted in the feeler thread. That way the RSTB gives the chassis a bit more stiffness, but isn't too intrusive.
Last edited by Mr. Brett; Aug 11, 2010 at 08:58 AM.
well you say you have 40 people interested, usually on the org that means you have about ten or less interested.
but im all for new products for our cars so good luck
It's rare.I'm hoping enough people actually pony up for purchase. We'll see. New products are cool. Thanks for that consideration, Kevlo.
I don't understand why racingline is making u guys do all the leg work. You are determining the design for them now? They gonna ask you guys for measurements and materials next? From what I gather isn't most if the cost r&d with aftermarket car products? You guys should receive a significant discount, IMO.
...unless I'm missing something...
...unless I'm missing something...
The question was raised not because we're trying to find an easy way out of something but rather because up until these threads popped up, this particular product was not even on our radar. Since the product requires little in the way of R&D investment we don't mind exploring it on a whim if the interest is there. The question about design was also asked simply to gauge popular opinion on style. Currently only the Stillen traditional horizontal is available and without feedback that is the same style we would adopt, but if the community wants something different now is the time to voice that opinion. All fabrication, sampling, measurements etc will be done 100% in house by Racingline
^^^
Awesome to see you on-board, Racingline.
For the record, not for a moment do I feel like we're doing the "legwork" for someone else. More accurately, I feel like we're helping to shape a collaborative project.
This is fun. Can't wait to see it come together.
Awesome to see you on-board, Racingline.
For the record, not for a moment do I feel like we're doing the "legwork" for someone else. More accurately, I feel like we're helping to shape a collaborative project.
This is fun. Can't wait to see it come together.
Question : given the fact that the "X design" requires more labor, material and r&d, bottom line it will surely be more expensive than the original design - (no **** sherlock), but is it possible to put $$ on this (selling price of "standard" RSTB vs "X" RSTB) ?
Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,756
From: Fontana, CA
even though i already have one (paid waaayy to much for the Stillen RSTB) , id say that for this type of car, the traditional one is the way to go. i noticed a slight difference in handling when i push my car on the turns. even though the X design and what not would probably be more effective, dont think people wanna sit there and spend a day trying to take apart their trunk to install the X one.
just my .02 ,
just my .02 ,
The "X" design seems like it would be cost prohibitive for the handling gains in our particular car (if any). Creative and strong, but extreme.
If the "perpendicular" design isn't that far off from the "flat" design, I could go either way.
If the "perpendicular" design isn't that far off from the "flat" design, I could go either way.
I'm just going to add my .02. I voted traditional since this is more of a "feel good" mod and truthfully, the audience here is more of the cheap-*** variety than the spendthrift variety. I want to see this product come out and I want to see it sell. True an "X" brace would add in a bit of body stiffness but for most on here the cost of one would make them shy away pretty quickly.
That being said, maybe a hybrid design would help out. Something that ties the strut towers together but also outriggs to the base of the towers to the bolts that hold the stiffening covers on. But then again I don't know how much the extra sleeve, heim, bar and machining would add to the cost.
Just my thoughts.
That being said, maybe a hybrid design would help out. Something that ties the strut towers together but also outriggs to the base of the towers to the bolts that hold the stiffening covers on. But then again I don't know how much the extra sleeve, heim, bar and machining would add to the cost.
Just my thoughts.
The question was raised not because we're trying to find an easy way out of something but rather because up until these threads popped up, this particular product was not even on our radar. Since the product requires little in the way of R&D investment we don't mind exploring it on a whim if the interest is there. The question about design was also asked simply to gauge popular opinion on style. Currently only the Stillen traditional horizontal is available and without feedback that is the same style we would adopt, but if the community wants something different now is the time to voice that opinion. All fabrication, sampling, measurements etc will be done 100% in house by Racingline
It was a knee jerk reflex that was later corrected. Do you have an answer for the question I posted? I quoted it below:
Actually, I just thought of something. Does anyone know if using a RSTB would allow the removal or modification of the curved black metal reinforcement that covers the rear struts mounts? Anyone that has installed struts on our cars knows that they make the access to the two bolts a PITA. Also, I'm sure it would simply the adjustment of rear illuminas for anyone that has them as well. Hm.
Last edited by Rhyno02; Aug 12, 2010 at 12:13 PM.
Just guessing but the standard design would likely be in the $75 range while a full "X" style brace(which would be tucked closer to the seat) would be closer to $120-130
Last edited by TAZ; Aug 12, 2010 at 04:25 PM.
picture the strut bar here rotated 90 degrees so that the Racingline logo is touching the seat-back. The bar would have similar bends and simply bend toward the seat instead of being straight across the struts and floating in the trunk. the traditional horizontal would be stronger though as it would have a wider cross section
Just guessing but the standard design would likely be in the $75 range while a full "X" style brace(which would be tucked closer to the seat) would be closer to $120-130
Just guessing but the standard design would likely be in the $75 range while a full "X" style brace(which would be tucked closer to the seat) would be closer to $120-130
But you know... whatever you come up with, it will be less expensive than Stillen, look better and probably be stronger. So I'm in for whatever comes.
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 462
From: Corvallis, Oregon
Update
Met up with Racingline yesterday, templates made and measurements were taken. They will now do some computer work and get a prototype done up.
We only looked at doing a traditional brace. We will met up again when the prototype is ready and our schedules allow.
We only looked at doing a traditional brace. We will met up again when the prototype is ready and our schedules allow.
I'm happy to say that I'm officially removing "Stillen RSTB" from my wishlist for this Fall, and putting "Racingline RSTB" in its place.
X would have been on my list, but traditional would be great too.
It would be nice to possibly have a front and rear purchase to save a bit of money. I wouldnt mind getting rid of my ebay fstb and getting a matching set.
Thanks
It would be nice to possibly have a front and rear purchase to save a bit of money. I wouldnt mind getting rid of my ebay fstb and getting a matching set.
Thanks
