I finally received and installed my Courtesy FSTB today. Seems like it helps a little bit. Not very noticeable though.

I do have one question. After reading the previous posts I did remove the black rings that were on the strut towers to start with. I have it installed to where there is any equal amount of space on each side (about 8 screw threads). When I shut my hood, it shuts fine, but on the driver's side it seems like the hood is not quite even with the fender. It is fine on the passenger side. Anybody else have this problem?

 

I have my rings removed as well (unfortunatly I learned the hard way). My hood seems to shut fine. I did not notice the hood/fender gap, I will take a look at it today.

 

I have to follow-up to my previous post. After driving around a little more tonight, I definently realize how much better my car handles after installing the FSTB. Before under hard acceleration the car seemed almost out of control and you would have to keep a tight grip on the steering wheel. I never realized how much torque steer I was dealing with until I accelerated hard a couple of times tonight and now it just plows forward in a straight line until you want to turn and you can really feel the road. Its awesome! This really makes you feel like you have more power under the hood.

 

My thoughts exactly

 

Damn.Ordered mine 13 days ago and it still has not arrived.Looking forward to installing it(if it goes smoothly).My buddy had one on his 00 max and said it was a world of difference.Need somthing to help counter act thoes crappy potenzas.Anyone NOT use a torque wrench or is it an absoulute must?

 

Absolute Must.

You can get away w/o using one but it's a safety risk you shouldn't take.

 

It can't be that damn important, b/c the mechanic that put in my springs tightened the strut nuts down to like 200 ft/lbs!!! So when I went to take them off to put the FSTB in I stripped them completely and had to order new ones!!

Tony

 

Here's a thought. If your mechanic followed the specs then you wouldn't have this problem in the first place.

 

It is tough to find a mechanic that will treat your ride like his own. Overtightening is either him being lazy or just plain ignorant.

 

I checked mine and it seems fine. It is hard to tell, but even if there is a difference it is marginal at best.

I second this opinion. The added control is very noticable. Overall the front end of the car just feels tighter.

 

After all the problems with this wiffle ball bat . I wont buy one ! You shouldnt need an internet post to install a properly built FSTB !

 

 

I was a little suspicious at first with all the horrible posts about everyone's problems with their installs. The instructions on the Courtesy webiste blew chunks, BTW. First of all, the mounting plate on the driver side of the car did not fit perfectly. There is a mounting bracket that sticks up for the stock air intake box. So when the template bolts down, it teeter-totters just a little bit. I was like...WHATEVER!! But it came out okay. Also, the instructions tell you to tighten the strut bolts down last, but how the heck are you supposed to get to that third strut bolt with the screws in place that hold the bar to the plates??? WHATEVER!!!

Anyway. I could immediately feel that the front end was tighter and more responsive. For $80, I would suggest this mod. Especially in conjunction with springs and/or struts and better tires!!! I'm very happy!!

Tony