I'm thinking about getting the front strut brace for my maxima but I had a few questions about it. First, does it matter which one you get and from where because I see prices ranging from about $50 on courtersyparts.com to $180 on stillen.com for my 03 GLE. Also does it really improve handling that much. If so then in what way? Any input, suggestions, and/or pics would be much appreciated.

 

read other threads before you post. This topic has been covered a million times.
No, it doesn't matter which one you get..they dont "improve" handling much..some, but not much

 

lol they are Flaming you cause i asked the same question and its really under the name RSB question or somthing like that.. it is on this page or the next

 

You need to team it up with an RSB and you will feel the difference. Go even further with Illuminas and Eibachs or maybe even JIC D2Racing or Tein coilovers.

It's a good start. Just build on it.

 

Basically a cosmetic mod. Many can't tell any diff at all. I would almost guarantee I could put it on and remove it and you'd never notice. I'd suggest spending your $ on a RSB and springs/struts instead.

 

I disagree about it not being that helpful. I didn't feel like spending $150 on one (Stillen) so I went with Otto ($52). It has greatly reduced the torque steer on WOT from a stop. It was well worth the money.

 

Hey, Gas.....the front shock tower brace was a 'must have' on the Gen4 Maxes (the 95-99 models) because they had a pretty flexible chassis. When Nissan built the Gen5, although the chassis is essentially unchanged, they added substantial metal to the structure and the Gen5 chassis is much, much stiffer than the Gen4's so the need for a FSTB is deminished. The Gen5's weigh about 200 lbs more than the Ge4's and most of that increase was increased heft in the chassis.

That said, if you lower your car through stiffer springing, add cornering capability thru RSBs, bigger/fatter tires, etc, and/or you drive hard on rough roads, the FSTB will tighten up the car a bit by reducing what little flexing remains in the Gen5's front chassis structure.

Plus it looks good

 

Some people say they can tell the difference and some people say they can't tell the difference. IMO, mostly decoration.

 

If your drive your car like granpa you wont see the difference you will feel the difference when cornering or changing lane at higher speed. I think the FSTB with the RSB it worth the money for the " sporty driver"

AA

 

i guess that will be my next investment then!!! i drive like a Cop in a high-speed chase.

My car loves to run! shes unhappy sitting in the garage

 

My FSTB removed 90% of the torque steer and hard corner turn-in is much better...

 

It is worth the money. If you drive like a grandma, then you won't feel it of course. But if you drive the car hard into corners then, yes, it's worth every penny. Just don't buy a $tillen.

 

I got a very cheap polished one off eBay, IIRC like 30 or 40 sheckels. It looks good, and I figure it's a bit better than NOT having one. I can feel a very slight stiffening upon hard driving, and as said above reduced torque steer. Well worth the low price I paid