I recently installed the RRM K-bar and I'm interested in the lower tie bar, rear strut bar, and the trunk bar....

I have a few questions though.

What does the lower tie bar do? I have heard that it makes the rear unstable at higher speeds. I know RDD makes a sub friendly rear strut bar...does anyone have a picture of this and how it works? I want a rear strut bar but not if I have to get rid of my subs. And one more question about the RS style trunk bar. What does that do, where does it install and is it worth it?

thanks. i tried reading through the RDD bar thread but got through 7 or 8 pages and still hadnt found anything i was looking for so i figured I'd ask and try to ignore the "search n00b" responses

 

I found this in the registry. It is pgmike's car. I hope this helps a little.

 

The lower tie bar ties together the lower suspension mounting points. If you look under your car from the back and you see the two links from the suspension both bolt the a big solid box. The tie bar bolts across that solid piece to the bolt points on each side. (no idea if anyone can understand this but i have no picture).

As for being unstable, I dont know about that, it mainly works to tighten up car and reduce body flex when cornering... its like a strut bar on the bottom.

I have the RRM/Progess rear sway bar, and the RDD lower tie, rear strut and RS style trunk, the rear isnt unstable, but more apt to produce understeer in cornering than before.

Could be wrong, but this is my understanding of suspension and how these changes have effected my car in an autox environment and on the street.

 

Here are a few pics I found from the RDDesigns thread.

Sub friendly Trunk Bar:


Lower Tie Bar:




RS Style Trunk Bar:




I have bought these bars from Rob and I like them alot. Easy to install and work great. I hope these pictures help.

 

I this don't know how you can call that bar sub-friendly...it would still be in the way of my box. I actually prefer my non-sub friendly one; my box is angled like the back of the seats and fits great right again the strut bar.

 

what kind on results did you see from the trunk bar alone? (not the rear strut) i don't understand what type of flex that is designed to stop do our bodies really flex that much inside our trunks?...i heard a while ago that the lower tie bar made the car kind of squirlly as well. any complaints?

 

that last trunk bar is overkill. there is no way our cars flex enough, that far back, for the bar to make a difference

 

Akasirlancelot you will be missed... B.I.P 1/10/06 ???

twisty why does ur sig say this? whats B? in peace

 

banned

 

again .. wow ... i guess some people never learn haha .. cool .. i like that B I P haha

 

Banned. Use your noodle.

The lower tie bar is meant to sort of do the job of a thicker sway bar without actually changing or installing a sway. I haven't heard anything about it making the car squirrely at high speeds though, except when installed in conjunction with a thicker sway bar. On a side note, your tires, shocks and springs (pretty much in that order) will be the determining factors as to how your car handles in most situations. If you're serious about handling, tires are more important than chasis rigidity.

Damn, I wrote this post and left it without clicking "Post Reply" for like 20 minutes.

 

Alcheimist and Urban were the ones who mentioned the tie bar being squierlly. here's a link:

Autocross Suspension Mods

i know it is mentioned on the bottom of page one. i didn't care to read much further than that though since i'm worried about a turbo right now and not suspension mods. hopefully this will answer some questions about the tie bar, or atleast point those interested in the right direction.

 

With coilovers. It seems like they're harmless on their own though. I'd probably opt for one over the thicker sway just because I know my sway's mounting brackets would break. With my luck they'd catch on fire too, and cause the car not to start or something.

 

WHAT??? hahahahaha

such a silly kid you. personally i'd do either both, or just the sway bar. the tie bar is pretty sweet cosmetically. if they both do the same thing, guess start with the tie bar since it's cheaper.

 

I already have the upgraded sway bar with the stock perches...probably upgrade those too.
And TEIN basics.
I need to decide whether to get a sub friendly or non sub friendly rear strut bar heh