View Poll Results: Stillen or Racingline Strut Bar
Voters: 92. You may not vote on this poll
Strut Bar Racingline vs Stillen
07-12-2009, 07:26 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Yonkers, NY
Posts: 502
Strut Bar Racingline vs Stillen
Which strut bar would you get?
http://www.stillen.com/product.asp?i...N&model=MAXIMA
http://racinglineperformance.com/sho...&idcategory=23
http://www.stillen.com/product.asp?i...N&model=MAXIMA
http://racinglineperformance.com/sho...&idcategory=23
Last edited by IFuXwiTuZ; 06-12-2011 at 09:06 PM.
07-12-2009, 07:48 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 910
This is an interesting poll being that most people only put one Strut Tower Brace in their vehicle and it can also vary drastically depending on the application. Would you rather spend a bit more money for a bit more widely known name brand? That is your decision. IMO it should be "Which Strut Tower Brace Do You Have?"
ics:
07-24-2009, 08:51 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 910
If you want pics there is a thread looming around the 7th gen forum here with pics I just can't remember which one. As for the bending of the AC line, I have no idea what you are talking about. My install took (well should have took but that is another story) maybe 10 minutes with the most time being spent on removal of the plastic covers. No bending of anything was done to install the FSTB.
07-24-2009, 10:50 AM
#9
If you want pics there is a thread looming around the 7th gen forum here with pics I just can't remember which one. As for the bending of the AC line, I have no idea what you are talking about. My install took (well should have took but that is another story) maybe 10 minutes with the most time being spent on removal of the plastic covers. No bending of anything was done to install the FSTB.
10-15-2009, 06:38 PM
#12
Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MD
Posts: 46
I have the polished Racingline strut bar and think it looks a lot better than stillen's. The fit is perfect and I like the increased steering sensitivity. The car is also a little more tossable in the twisties.
Last edited by madstylez; 10-15-2009 at 06:40 PM.
11-15-2009, 04:24 PM
#15
11-15-2009, 04:38 PM
#16
11-16-2009, 04:52 PM
#17
The Stillen CAI looks OEM very professional looking I love how it blends in using the existing air intake duct.
11-16-2009, 06:59 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 910
No taking anything away I like Stillen it just truly looks like a bolt-on with the brackets sticking up, etc. The racingline is lower tucked into the covers, just blends in better.
The Stillen CAI looks OEM very professional looking I love how it blends in using the existing air intake duct.
The Stillen CAI looks OEM very professional looking I love how it blends in using the existing air intake duct.
11-16-2009, 07:13 PM
#19
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Stillen vs Racing Line
Hello All, I joined the forum a few weeks ago after having purchased an '09 Max and have been lurking around ever since.....loving it so far.
I'm contemplating the purcahse of a strut bar and sway bars as one of my first mods. Up til now I was leaning towards the Stillen strut bar, but the Racingline looks just as nice.
Would the posters of the pic's mind posting same pics without the plastic covers if they get a chance? I'm interested to see a comparison of the mounts, that might sway me one way or the other.
Not to jack this thread, but anyone replace any of their OEM bushings with better performance polyurethane bushins? Are any kits available that you know of? I've been searching but haven't seen any kits as yet.
Thanks.
I'm contemplating the purcahse of a strut bar and sway bars as one of my first mods. Up til now I was leaning towards the Stillen strut bar, but the Racingline looks just as nice.
Would the posters of the pic's mind posting same pics without the plastic covers if they get a chance? I'm interested to see a comparison of the mounts, that might sway me one way or the other.
Not to jack this thread, but anyone replace any of their OEM bushings with better performance polyurethane bushins? Are any kits available that you know of? I've been searching but haven't seen any kits as yet.
Thanks.
11-18-2009, 08:42 AM
#20
11-18-2009, 03:15 PM
#21
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Frisco, TX
Posts: 44
Well just ordered my Racingline earlier this morning and has been shipped already. Hopefully I will have it within a couple days and installed. Did anyone have any unexpected hang-ups with the installation that I might want to look out for? And I am guessing the directions are fairly straight forward without anything being left?
11-18-2009, 05:09 PM
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Thanks!
Seems to me the Racingline product has a better mounting system than the Stillen. Spread the load over 3 points as compare to Stillen's 2, with one point being directly on one of the mounts...Looks like I'll be leaning towards the Racingline now..thanks again.
Seems to me the Racingline product has a better mounting system than the Stillen. Spread the load over 3 points as compare to Stillen's 2, with one point being directly on one of the mounts...Looks like I'll be leaning towards the Racingline now..thanks again.
11-18-2009, 07:21 PM
#23
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: nj
Posts: 11
i agree racingline looks like the better set up. that`s a shame because i`ve always bought stillen equipment for my infiniti and nissan vehicles. i just bought the stillen intake and it`s intoxicating when i`m on the throttle, but i`m going to pass on the stillen strut bar and go with racingline in chrome.
11-19-2009, 05:36 PM
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Buncha questions
Racing Line,
I’ve since visited your web-site and getting closer to making a decision on a few things. For example, I’m interested in the your strut bar, I’m also interested in your Fron and Rear Endlinks (http://racinglineperformance.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=23). I’m even interested in Front and Rear Sway bars, but looks like you don’t have any? Before I decide on any purchase, I have a few questions to ask. I was going to pm you but I thought others may have the same questions, so I’m posting them here….
Q1. Why doesn’t your site list Front/Rear sway bars, do you not carry them? If you do, what info can you provide (thickness, solid/hollow, etc..) and how much $.
Q2. Your Endlinks are adjustable, how does one know what length to start with? Should we just match the OEM length at first and go from there?
Q3. Would we notice a performance gain if we started off with the same length? If so, how much if a gain in your estimation? How much gain with any of these upgrages? Any way to back up the claims in performance gain, or will we just have to see if for ourselves?
Q4. Are all the aforementioned upgrades okay for the DIY’r install? I mean are these parts put together under load, they don’t look to be (I’ve never attempted it before)? They won’t spring in my face when I’m taking them off will they? Not that I couldn’t use some reconstructive surgery here and there…
Q5. As a forum member, are we privy to any discounts? Christmas is coming ya know..
Thanks!
I’ve since visited your web-site and getting closer to making a decision on a few things. For example, I’m interested in the your strut bar, I’m also interested in your Fron and Rear Endlinks (http://racinglineperformance.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=23). I’m even interested in Front and Rear Sway bars, but looks like you don’t have any? Before I decide on any purchase, I have a few questions to ask. I was going to pm you but I thought others may have the same questions, so I’m posting them here….
Q1. Why doesn’t your site list Front/Rear sway bars, do you not carry them? If you do, what info can you provide (thickness, solid/hollow, etc..) and how much $.
Q2. Your Endlinks are adjustable, how does one know what length to start with? Should we just match the OEM length at first and go from there?
Q3. Would we notice a performance gain if we started off with the same length? If so, how much if a gain in your estimation? How much gain with any of these upgrages? Any way to back up the claims in performance gain, or will we just have to see if for ourselves?
Q4. Are all the aforementioned upgrades okay for the DIY’r install? I mean are these parts put together under load, they don’t look to be (I’ve never attempted it before)? They won’t spring in my face when I’m taking them off will they? Not that I couldn’t use some reconstructive surgery here and there…
Q5. As a forum member, are we privy to any discounts? Christmas is coming ya know..
Thanks!
11-20-2009, 10:20 AM
#25
Answers in quotes,
Q1. Why doesn’t your site list Front/Rear sway bars, do you not carry them? If you do, what info can you provide (thickness, solid/hollow, etc..) and how much $.
We will be releasing a rear sway bar very soon. specs are similar to our Altima Coupe sway bar @ 22mm Solid alloy steel with adjustable settings. It will no doubt be the highest performing bar available. It will also come with new polyurethane bushings
Q2. Your Endlinks are adjustable, how does one know what length to start with? Should we just match the OEM length at first and go from there?
You want them to be as close to 90 degrees as possible when installed. your suspension setup will dictate the length of the links. Once at 90 degrees the longer you make them will add preload to them, making the sway bars even more responsive.
Q3. Would we notice a performance gain if we started off with the same length? If so, how much if a gain in your estimation? How much gain with any of these upgrages? Any way to back up the claims in performance gain, or will we just have to see if for ourselves?
The links are the exact same ones fount on the altima and previous generation Maximas, you need only search to hear the testimonies to the product. Among the 6th gen maxima and the entire altima community, these endlinks are widely recommended. During initial R&D they were put through there passes at Mosport international raceway.
As for the performance, ( short version)-- both front and rear will become more responsive and exhibit improved sway control. The front will also provide greater steering feel and feedback through the steering wheel.
Q4. Are all the aforementioned upgrades okay for the DIY’r install? I mean are these parts put together under load, they don’t look to be (I’ve never attempted it before)? They won’t spring in my face when I’m taking them off will they? Not that I couldn’t use some reconstructive surgery here and there…
Install on all these items is very simple and straight forward with simple hand tools in your driveway.
Q5. As a forum member, are we privy to any discounts? Christmas is coming ya know..
I considered forum discounts but decided against it because offering them only suggests that we were not giving you the best price possible in the first place, something Racingline has striven for. Look deep into these forums and you'll see that Racingline was started and formed directly through this forum and the NissanClub forum by a member of the community, not a corporate entity looking for the next emerging market.
We will be releasing a rear sway bar very soon. specs are similar to our Altima Coupe sway bar @ 22mm Solid alloy steel with adjustable settings. It will no doubt be the highest performing bar available. It will also come with new polyurethane bushings
Q2. Your Endlinks are adjustable, how does one know what length to start with? Should we just match the OEM length at first and go from there?
You want them to be as close to 90 degrees as possible when installed. your suspension setup will dictate the length of the links. Once at 90 degrees the longer you make them will add preload to them, making the sway bars even more responsive.
Q3. Would we notice a performance gain if we started off with the same length? If so, how much if a gain in your estimation? How much gain with any of these upgrages? Any way to back up the claims in performance gain, or will we just have to see if for ourselves?
The links are the exact same ones fount on the altima and previous generation Maximas, you need only search to hear the testimonies to the product. Among the 6th gen maxima and the entire altima community, these endlinks are widely recommended. During initial R&D they were put through there passes at Mosport international raceway.
As for the performance, ( short version)-- both front and rear will become more responsive and exhibit improved sway control. The front will also provide greater steering feel and feedback through the steering wheel.
Q4. Are all the aforementioned upgrades okay for the DIY’r install? I mean are these parts put together under load, they don’t look to be (I’ve never attempted it before)? They won’t spring in my face when I’m taking them off will they? Not that I couldn’t use some reconstructive surgery here and there…
Install on all these items is very simple and straight forward with simple hand tools in your driveway.
Q5. As a forum member, are we privy to any discounts? Christmas is coming ya know..
I considered forum discounts but decided against it because offering them only suggests that we were not giving you the best price possible in the first place, something Racingline has striven for. Look deep into these forums and you'll see that Racingline was started and formed directly through this forum and the NissanClub forum by a member of the community, not a corporate entity looking for the next emerging market.
11-23-2009, 08:09 AM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 452
Quick question... I have never really added anything to my maximas, but am considering adding a strut bar. I have never had one, so do you sacrifice any ride quality or anything by adding one? Or is it pretty much a win-win, better handling but no negative impacts.
Thanks!
Thanks!
11-23-2009, 08:54 AM
#29
The Racingline is insanely light and extremely strong, and it's a perfect fit. Really, it's an impressive mechanical design. The only FSTB more impressive was the old Cattman Ti-bar, may she rest in peace.
The Stillen is edgy (ricey), adjustable and expensive. (Everything Stillen is expensive.) That doesn't always mean value, but it does mean bragging rights that you spent the most money possible. If that's your thing, by all means: Stillen.
I was fortunate to receive a Racingline FSTB without their logo laser-etched into the surface. It's extremely clean that way. You may want to ask Racingline if that's an option. (um... logo-delete?)
With all that plastic in the 7th Gen engine bay, I think the Racingline would look fantastic in powder-coated black.
The Stillen is edgy (ricey), adjustable and expensive. (Everything Stillen is expensive.) That doesn't always mean value, but it does mean bragging rights that you spent the most money possible. If that's your thing, by all means: Stillen.
I was fortunate to receive a Racingline FSTB without their logo laser-etched into the surface. It's extremely clean that way. You may want to ask Racingline if that's an option. (um... logo-delete?)
With all that plastic in the 7th Gen engine bay, I think the Racingline would look fantastic in powder-coated black.
Last edited by Rochester; 11-23-2009 at 08:57 AM.
11-26-2009, 10:39 PM
#31
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1
Hi. Long time lurker, first time poster.
I just ordered the Racingline Strut Bar for $99.99 (total was $115.60 with $15.61 s/h) during their 2 Day Black Friday Sale. I bought the polished one; wanted the black one but is out of stock.
The $30 reduction might convince some of those who are still on the fence. It sure helped me!
I just ordered the Racingline Strut Bar for $99.99 (total was $115.60 with $15.61 s/h) during their 2 Day Black Friday Sale. I bought the polished one; wanted the black one but is out of stock.
The $30 reduction might convince some of those who are still on the fence. It sure helped me!
12-01-2009, 03:12 PM
#34
I just got my STILLEN FSTB today and wow, it really is a beautiful looking product. The quality is spectacular. I am painting the bar and two brackets matte black, and after the first coat (which was a PITA in the cold...had to spray quick then run the wet parts back into the 68 degree apartment) it looks awesome. The STILLEN logo is engraved deep, so it will still show up through the black paint. It is gonna look really good I think. Ill post pics as soon as I have it installed.
12-01-2009, 03:16 PM
#35
Racingline's mount does LOOK sturdier, but remember that the Max already has a brace of sorts that goes to the firewall. The FSTB completes the triangulation - If you look at the picture the upper bolt on R-lines mount most likely wont see much of a load. To me it seems redundant - which isn't a bad thing by any means - but I think the STILLEN mount should still be more than sufficient.
12-01-2009, 03:24 PM
#36
I just got my STILLEN FSTB today and wow, it really is a beautiful looking product. The quality is spectacular. I am painting the bar and two brackets matte black, and after the first coat (which was a PITA in the cold...had to spray quick then run the wet parts back into the 68 degree apartment) it looks awesome. The STILLEN logo is engraved deep, so it will still show up through the black paint. It is gonna look really good I think. Ill post pics as soon as I have it installed.
12-02-2009, 06:56 AM
#37
Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 140
I ordered the racingline bar on the black friday sale. Tracking looks like it should be here today. I will be taking the back way through the hills and twisties today stock then tomorrow with it on to see how much of a difference I can feel.
12-02-2009, 10:45 AM
#38
wow how did you get it so fast, i ordered mine 11/27 and the tracking info says i should be getting it 12/7....
12-03-2009, 07:46 AM
#39
Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 140
Sorry my mistake, mine is scheduled for Monday delivery as well. Was tracking 3 packages at the same time and mixed two of them up. Got home yesterday to a 2lb package and thought wow those strut tower bars really are light lol.
12-03-2009, 01:41 PM
#40
Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Toronto
Posts: 142
Do update us DMCfirestar500, looking forward to hearing about your experience!