Strut bar
10-31-2005, 07:28 PM
#3
You won't feel much of a difference. I found that the car feels a little "tighter" during lane changes and such at highway speeds.
And yes, the maxima stb will fit. Just buy the cheapest one you can find on eBay. They all essentially do the same thing.
And yes, the maxima stb will fit. Just buy the cheapest one you can find on eBay. They all essentially do the same thing.
10-31-2005, 07:42 PM
#4
You will feel the difference. I can't imagine NOT having one... although I would say that about most my mods.
Its MUCH tighter. Throw on springs, struts, and a rsb to complete the package. After that it will ride on rails.
Its MUCH tighter. Throw on springs, struts, and a rsb to complete the package. After that it will ride on rails.
10-31-2005, 07:43 PM
#5
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thanks! i dont have an e-bay account, so was looking for something from a site. Found this on Paradox Systems http://www.paradox-systems.com/produ...products_id=89
is it any good, it's pretty cheap compared to what i've looked at for other cars?
What's rsb, rear sway bar....
is it any good, it's pretty cheap compared to what i've looked at for other cars?
Originally Posted by i30ds
You will feel the difference. I can't imagine NOT having one... although I would say that about most my mods.
Its MUCH tighter. Throw on springs, struts, and a rsb to complete the package. After that it will ride on rails.
Its MUCH tighter. Throw on springs, struts, and a rsb to complete the package. After that it will ride on rails.
10-31-2005, 07:47 PM
#6
Originally Posted by i30ish
thanks! i dont have an e-bay account, so was looking for something from a site. Found this on Paradox Systems http://www.paradox-systems.com/produ...products_id=89
is it any good?
is it any good?
10-31-2005, 07:48 PM
#7
Ride on rails? 
I think we're being a little optimistic about the A32/A33 chassis.. 
FWIW, I never noticed much of a difference. This was driving two identical cars (one with STB, and one without) back to back.
I think we're being a little optimistic about the A32/A33 chassis.. FWIW, I never noticed much of a difference. This was driving two identical cars (one with STB, and one without) back to back.
10-31-2005, 07:59 PM
#8
Originally Posted by MetaOrbit
Ride on rails? I think we're being a little optimistic about the A32/A33 chassis..
FWIW, I never noticed much of a difference. This was driving two identical cars (one with STB, and one without) back to back.
I think we're being a little optimistic about the A32/A33 chassis.. FWIW, I never noticed much of a difference. This was driving two identical cars (one with STB, and one without) back to back.
With all the stuff I have on, I would say it is the best handling FWD car I have ever driven... more so than my old vigor which had full independent wish bone all the way around.
I remember what my car was like before I put all the suspension stuff on. Pure Jelly. The VLSD, struts and springs showed the most improvement but the fstb and rsb were still critical... rsb more so than fstb, but it is still key to the complete set up.
10-31-2005, 08:07 PM
#9
Glad to hear you're satisfied. I always felt my GF's former 4th gen felt much tighter than my A33 (and hers was stock with 15" steelies). She now has a Mazda3 2.3s, and that has to be the best handling FWD car I've driven thus far. I almost hate getting back into my car after driving hers.
11-01-2005, 06:12 AM
#11
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 350
I grabbed on off e-bay for about $45 shipped. It was a cinch to install and I did notice some difference in roll and overall cornering. Most of them can be preloaded but the cheaper ones like I got probably flex too much to make the preloading (tightening up the adjusting bolts to "push" out or pull together the strut towers) effective.
(Stillen makes a real nice looking unit and is probably a better component.)
For installation, all you need is a socket/wrench set big enough to remove the 3 bolts on each strut tower and an open end wrench to adjust the nuts on the brace. Make sure to tighten the strut bolts!
Be aware that some of the mounting collars are well designed enough that they fit perfectly. Others are not and will require that a small bracket on the driver's side strut tower be removed. The bracket is not used for anything and comes off with a Dremel tool easily. Interesting that the same bracket on my '97 was in a different location.
On my 2000, (Limited) the bracket had to be removed. When I sold it, I removed the tower brace and put it on my '97t and no bracket removal was needed. In any case, it is an easy adjustment.
I recommend getting an e-bay account. (Free, convenient and can link to a credit card or checking account for payments.)
(Stillen makes a real nice looking unit and is probably a better component.)
For installation, all you need is a socket/wrench set big enough to remove the 3 bolts on each strut tower and an open end wrench to adjust the nuts on the brace. Make sure to tighten the strut bolts!
Be aware that some of the mounting collars are well designed enough that they fit perfectly. Others are not and will require that a small bracket on the driver's side strut tower be removed. The bracket is not used for anything and comes off with a Dremel tool easily. Interesting that the same bracket on my '97 was in a different location.
On my 2000, (Limited) the bracket had to be removed. When I sold it, I removed the tower brace and put it on my '97t and no bracket removal was needed. In any case, it is an easy adjustment.
I recommend getting an e-bay account. (Free, convenient and can link to a credit card or checking account for payments.)
11-02-2005, 06:44 AM
#14
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 40
11-02-2005, 07:59 AM
#17
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,860
I really wanted the Cattman, but had a hard time justifying a $200 strut brace. i ended up going with the OTTO fstb from what is now Sport Compact Only. It was only like $50 and quality/fitment are great.
As far as performance, I felt an immediate difference. It wasn't anything huge, but my car definitely felt more stable and responsive, especially on the highway. My car also seemed to handle bumps better because of the stiffening of the structure.
As far as performance, I felt an immediate difference. It wasn't anything huge, but my car definitely felt more stable and responsive, especially on the highway. My car also seemed to handle bumps better because of the stiffening of the structure.
11-02-2005, 10:48 AM
#18
I recommend looking at this thread, it traces step by step how I ended up buying OTTO, how I installed it and the difference I felt. The last page is the most interesting. One thing though, somewhere in that thread I said that I had to trim the FSTB brackets, nobody does that and it is not required, but for the best results it's better to cut access metal on the brackets in order for them to sit perfectly and have a maximum contact area.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=429840
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=429840
11-02-2005, 11:28 AM
#19
Originally Posted by DrKlop
I recommend looking at this thread, it traces step by step how I ended up buying OTTO, how I installed it and the difference I felt. The last page is the most interesting. One thing though, somewhere in that thread I said that I had to trim the FSTB brackets, nobody does that and it is not required, but for the best results it's better to cut access metal on the brackets in order for them to sit perfectly and have a maximum contact area.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=429840
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=429840
11-02-2005, 08:27 PM
#20
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 259
Thanks, what were your exact modifications?
is this what you got? http://www.paradox-systems.com/produ...products_id=29
it's in maxima section, i believe it's the same thing DrKloop has. Did you make any modifications to fit your i30/35?
Originally Posted by n3985
I guess I'll be the only one paying more $ for the Alutec FSTB from Paradox 
it's in maxima section, i believe it's the same thing DrKloop has. Did you make any modifications to fit your i30/35?
11-02-2005, 08:31 PM
#21
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 40
sorry on bad link just go to www.courtesyparts.com and use front strut brace as the search. Search engines kind of sucks cause if you type in front strut brace maxima it has no results, but it on there for $49.99
11-02-2005, 08:38 PM
#22
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 259
Originally Posted by 3rd Infiniti
sorry on bad link just go to www.courtesyparts.com and use front strut brace as the search. Search engines kind of sucks cause if you type in front strut brace maxima it has no results, but it on there for $49.99
11-02-2005, 08:52 PM
#23
Originally Posted by i30ish
is this what you got? http://www.paradox-systems.com/produ...products_id=29
it's in maxima section, i believe it's the same thing DrKloop has. Did you make any modifications to fit your i30/35?
it's in maxima section, i believe it's the same thing DrKloop has. Did you make any modifications to fit your i30/35?
11-03-2005, 01:26 PM
#24
Originally Posted by i30ish
Thanks, what were your exact modifications?
there are four uneven spots on the lower part of this pic. Since FSTB brackets are wider than the stock brackets those uneven spots might not let the bracket to be in a full contact.
On the other side the small piece of metal welded to the strut tower might get in the way so don't hesitate to cut it off also. After everything fits perfectly cover the spots that you cut with some sort of paint, if you don't mind the looks anything that will stay on will work.
is this what you got? http://www.paradox-systems.com/produ...products_id=29
it's in maxima section, I believe it's the same thing DrKloop has. Did you make any modifications to fit your i30/35?
it's in maxima section, I believe it's the same thing DrKloop has. Did you make any modifications to fit your i30/35?
Originally Posted by DrKlop
The bars I considered were: Alutec from Paradox Systems, Stillen, Cattman, Custom Enterprise, ‘ebay’, and otto.
1. Paradox systems seems to be the beefiest of the group, but for some reason I still think that two bolt design is not the best for the car which was designed with three bolts (no offence, d00df00d, I might be wrong, but by getting this bar I am not ganna have that piece of mind that everything is the way it’s supposed to be.)
2. Stillen is a very good bar, many positive responses, but pricy.
3. Cattman, probably the best FSTB, made out of titanium unlike all other bars which are made of aluminum. However, $195 scares me away.
4. Custom Enterprise bar has a respected name, but on picture does not look any different than standard generic bars. Very little information is provided. Never seen anyone who has this bar. Low poll rating at the top of this thread.
5. ebay or generic bars…the thing that makes me stay away from them is the fitment problems. There were many cases there the bar was rubbing over the engine parts not fitting properly etc. They are all different so basically, if you are lucky you might get something as good as Paradox or Cattman for 30 bucks, but if you are not so lucky, you might get something that is very weak and something that needs modification in order to fit under the hood.
6. Otto –popular, good fit and finish, high poll rating at the top of this thread, many positive responses even from those who bough it after they had an ebay bar. According to the picture it looks like the brackets are made out of still. Also one thing that I found out is that it’s a copy of Stillen bar for $60.
1. Paradox systems seems to be the beefiest of the group, but for some reason I still think that two bolt design is not the best for the car which was designed with three bolts (no offence, d00df00d, I might be wrong, but by getting this bar I am not ganna have that piece of mind that everything is the way it’s supposed to be.)
2. Stillen is a very good bar, many positive responses, but pricy.
3. Cattman, probably the best FSTB, made out of titanium unlike all other bars which are made of aluminum. However, $195 scares me away.
4. Custom Enterprise bar has a respected name, but on picture does not look any different than standard generic bars. Very little information is provided. Never seen anyone who has this bar. Low poll rating at the top of this thread.
5. ebay or generic bars…the thing that makes me stay away from them is the fitment problems. There were many cases there the bar was rubbing over the engine parts not fitting properly etc. They are all different so basically, if you are lucky you might get something as good as Paradox or Cattman for 30 bucks, but if you are not so lucky, you might get something that is very weak and something that needs modification in order to fit under the hood.
6. Otto –popular, good fit and finish, high poll rating at the top of this thread, many positive responses even from those who bough it after they had an ebay bar. According to the picture it looks like the brackets are made out of still. Also one thing that I found out is that it’s a copy of Stillen bar for $60.
11-18-2005, 03:33 PM
#26
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 259
Here are some pics from my installation of strut bar.
Out of the box:
Installed:
…But not without some modification. Had to unscrew the plate with the sensor and twist it out of the way. Shortened the hose as well, because it was creating 90 degree bend, restricting air flow. Installation took around 30 min.
After driving around, I did noticed a slight change. Feels a bit stiffer, overall I’m happy, as happy as I can be with a 30 dollar strut bar.
Out of the box:
Installed:
…But not without some modification. Had to unscrew the plate with the sensor and twist it out of the way. Shortened the hose as well, because it was creating 90 degree bend, restricting air flow. Installation took around 30 min.
After driving around, I did noticed a slight change. Feels a bit stiffer, overall I’m happy, as happy as I can be with a 30 dollar strut bar.
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