As I was swaying(driving)down I-285, I was thinking about my strut braces. I got home and looked up a whole bunch of them online. The price differential in these strut braces are horrible. WHO REALLY HAS THE BEST STRUT BRACE? I see prices from $35(http://www.street-beat.com/alalstruttow39.html) to $225(Stillen, of course). I want the best for my car there I really need your opinion. I would say Stillen but I can't see a picture online. Thanks.

Kevin

 

They are all the same and perform the same function.
If you just want to spend more money then go with Stillen, but streetbeat, which is MUCH cheaper, will do the same job.

 

Actually they're not all the same. I can't speak for StreetBeat's piece, but I know Stillen and Courtesy's is very good.

They differ alot. Consisitencies in the metals, and most importantly, how the strut brace attaches to the shock tower. Whether it's a full rin that goes around, a half ring, or just one bolt per side. There are a lot of differences actually.

 

Not to mention if they aren't adjustable, some pieces might fit better than others.

 

Yes, you are right Brian. But what I meant was that most strut braces are analogous, that is they're similar in function but not in structure or consistencies of metals they are made from.

[Edited by AndyXXL on 02-27-2001 at 05:47 PM]

 

So if I get a bar that fits right, it would be the same as any adjustable one, performance wise?

 

If it fits the only other issue is looks. Adjustment is only for proper fit, you don't put any preload on them. Stillen's is the prettiest out there, IMHO. Considering the small loads transferred from tower to tower, I really don't think that metalurgy is a factor.

 

I don't really car about looks of the thing, since it'll be sitting uder the hood. Just as long as it works like any other. Anyone here have the one from street beats? Comments?

 

I've got one, it's made by Matrix, fits perfectly in my '97, works like a charm - immediate noticeable difference. From street beats for $35.

As for street betas, some here have said they got theirs soon after they ordered, others waited several months for their bars to arrive. I waited about a month. Customer support is atrocious, don't even bother emailing them. You won't get a response.

Entirely worth the price.

 

I don't think I would like to wait that long for something I ordered. But if its worth the price I guess I could go for that. How about the procarparts one?

 

I have this one and it is only $47.95 on their site and it is very nice go here...they ALL DO THE SAME THING the STEALIN'(STILLEN)yo money,looks real nice but not for the price it is going to be under your hood no one can see it unless you go to shows.....
http://www.procarparts.com/index.cfm

 

Yeah i hear ya, I don't need to spend that much on something that will almost hardly ever be seen. So I'm aiming after procarparts or street-beats. They're about the same thing.

 

i just ordered one via the internet yesterday (hey, what the heck, sounded like a pretty good deal...) i'll let you know how long it takes. full price, w/ shipping = $47 ($12 for UPS??? - sheesh...)

 

I can speak from experience, I've had the courtesy FSTB and now I have the stillen, and I've personally seen another brand, I think freedom design?
They all seem to do the same thing, but the stillen looks much nicer. But the freedom design bar didn't look very strong, it appeared more flat and looked like it could easily bend. The courtesy bar is a round tube with groves, that make it feel very sturdy. I would stay away from the very low end bars, but from there it's all based on looks.
I think someone was selling their used stillen for about $100. If you want the info, email me...I'll see if he still has it.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tofor

Quote:

($12 for UPS??? - sheesh...)

LOL!

William, what paint did you use to paint the (spark plug?) cover? looks nice.

 

While I was in Atlanta, I bought the a Strut brace from
Nopi, I forgot the brand. The brace was about $80 but this thing looks of the hook. Its stainless steel/ with a chrome like shine and has a double bar instead of a single.
It also has the polished covers that cover the bolt that connect to the ring that bolts around the strut mount. It is a little priceee compaired to the street beat but you got to see how this thing looks. I wish I had a scan to show yall a pic. Get the Nopi brace.

Maxi-milliyon

 

Exactly..it didnt look..but under the pressures it will sustain its more than strong enough. so the choice is a no brainer to me unless youre competing in auto-shows. i paid $35 + shippinf for mine from streetbeatcustoms

 

just got an email stating they have shipped my fstb - only two days after i ordered it. we'll see...

 

You all have to let me know how that fstb from streetbeat. The sway drives me crazy. Atlanta has to many turns to feels unsure in. I ordered some Infinity Kappa 652.1 for the rear deck. Well see how it goes, I'll let you all know.

 

The FSTB is worth it, also look into getting a RSB. If you want to save money go with the Addco RSB, but the stillen one is better made and adjustable (but you have to pay more). These two are great mods for an inexpensive amount of money.

 

Street Beat was backordered for a while. They have the stuff in stock now. They carry various FSTB braces, but you don't know which until in arrives. Their previous orders were Matrix. I one I just received is from Vibrant Performance.

 

They're all just the same thought right?

 

I won a bid on ebay for the strut bar from procarparts... i sent out the money order on a friday and they didnt e mail me saying they sent it out till the following thursday and the notice said the delivery date was a week after that day UPS... im in NY and its comin from Cali but still i was surprised that it would take a week... ill see what happens maybe if im lucky it will come sooner

 

Ordered on 2/27, arrived today, so that makes it a total of 9 days including the day I ordered it - not too bad, IMO.

As someone else mentioned, you never really know which type of FSTB you will receive, this one is made by "Vibrant Performance". The bar is ovoid (but not flat), chromed, and the C-attachments are gloss black so it all should look pretty good even though I don't really care since it's under the hood...

There ya have it - now it's time to go play in the garage

 

the Stillen is alot heavier than the others. Other Fstb's are known to be hollow, now would you rather have a light weighing hollow Fstb keeping your Frame rigid or a solid Fstb. You think stillen is expensive, i guess you guys wouldnt shell out 400 dollars for a UUC barbarian Fstb for an M3... and this is considered by some to be a lower class fstb.