Hey guys. Pondering getting a front strut bar from rrm and wanted to ask the question. How much difference will this make? I know it will depend on driving style .. but I was just curious who thought it made what kinda difference. I see lotsa people have em ... so someone hasta have opinions on front strut bars.

Thanks.

 

On your first left of right turn at any speed youll notice the difference. Best mod i ever did.

 

It does make a difference in most cars.. Cars destined for the streets are excercises in compromise. Sacrifices in rigidity are made for day-to-day ride quality, and the ability to quickly and easily service a car. A strut bar can help tighten up responses to steering input on severe turns and even bumps.. However adding rigidity can have some adverse affects also (bumps rattles, creaks) If you've already upgraded your suspension and wheel/tire combo, then a strut bar would be fairly noticable in handling.. If its your first mod, you may not notice any difference.

Jack

 

no disrepect to malibujack but a front strut bar was my first modification to my then stock oz. It alone made a huge difference in the entire feel of the car. For the Lancer it is a big difference maker.

 

I think you were directing that to me.. And I do agree, some cars it will make a huge difference.. However its a seat of the pants feel.. I think the biggest improvements will be in wheels/tires as a first step.. Then springs, then the strut bar..

 

I have the super RMR strut bar, and it rawks. Any of the strut bars helps a TON, and believe me, you can feel the difference.

 

thanks for the replies guys. definately gnna get one

 

i just added the strut bar today and it fills a lot better it even reduced the amont of noise my lowering springs were making great mod

 

I have considered this for a while, BUT i guess i have too make one by my self.
(not much aftermarket support for my Mazda)
Just wonders, could any one measure the distance betwin the bolts on your i guess its 4 of them, rigth?

 

A front strut bar is very cost effective way to upgrade your suspension performance. Due relative low cost get this mod first then save up for a full sus. on a side note be careful on selection... some products out there are made from nice and shiny but very low grade material. Yes, you want the bar to be light but strength of the is MORE important. Also I have found that 3pt. (triangle) works better than straight "T" (2pt)


PS. Don't forget the rear...most people do...PEACE

 

sway bar is a much more functional piece that changes the handling of the car. it actually torques the inside tire down to maximize contact patch, which improves cornering. strut bar is more of a "feel" mod, meaning it will make the car feel different but actual performance change will be only slightly noticeable. i'd say change the sway bar first, then worry about the strut bar when you go for shocks and springs.

 

Well, I took my RRM strut tower bar off today. Haven't driven on the freeway, yet, but I'm heading up to Berkeley tomorrow. I'll post my impressions of strutbarlessness to this thread.

 

What exactly are you attempting to modify in your suspension? Strut tower bars increase rigidity of the vehicle to a small degree for an extremely cheap price.

Personally though I think the money is better spent on sway bars or springs though.

 

No strut bar = bouncy but less noisy.

Handling is not that different, less stiff, of course, I can feel each shock contracting individually instread of the whole front end taking hits as a unit. Progress springs don't creak have as much as before and I'm not sure if that's as comforting as it sounds.