Strut Tower Bars...
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 45
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From: Baltimore, MD
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Republic of Korea
it doesn't make a difference that it only bolts up to one point. it does the job of keeping the 2 towers from flexing at all, especially by also mounting up to the center. if you added different ends that mount to all 3 bolts instead of just the one you wouldn't notice a difference because all those 3 bolts go to the same strut.
while that may be true, doesnt it seem like an awful lot of stress on just those 2 front bolts during hard cornering? it seems that there would be less stress (or more evenly applied stress) if it attached to 2 or maybe all 3 bolts.
Evolving Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: YYC, Ab, Ca
$118.00 from my dealer, shipped from japan with crazy japanese writing on it. Too bad it was a sticker and didnt last. When I grab it with my hand or put a fair amount of force on it, it doesn't flex so I am not worried, it is definitely better than not having one at all.
I'll take a picture later if you like
Last edited by the_cosworth; Apr 14, 2008 at 06:17 AM.
Evolved Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 633
Likes: 0
From: DC
Ive been thinking about the RRM compared to the stock and I don't know about the single bolt connection either.
I think overall they are similar in overall performance. They achieve this using slightly different tactics. Now for one, I have not read anywhere or found any indication that the center screw in the engine bay is designed to take that type of load. I strongly believe that having a single screw point is not the right way of tyeing one side to the other. If there was body flex, that mounting point just looks like it would want to snap. I would believe a strut tower brace that connected flat to the top of the tower, made a center connection like the RRM and had no adjustable parts ( weak points ) would be the best approach if that center point was designed for mounting.
Before RRM, I had never seen a tower bar with one mounting screw per tower. Using one screw instead of the entire top plate doesn't seem to take advantage of the cars natural ability to resist flex nor does it distribute the load which also reduces flex. I don't know. The question isn't whether it flexes when you press on the center of it. Its whether it flexes when attached horizontally.
Like I said, I really don't know. They both have something that bugs me. Perhaps RRM can chime in on the logic behind their's.
I think overall they are similar in overall performance. They achieve this using slightly different tactics. Now for one, I have not read anywhere or found any indication that the center screw in the engine bay is designed to take that type of load. I strongly believe that having a single screw point is not the right way of tyeing one side to the other. If there was body flex, that mounting point just looks like it would want to snap. I would believe a strut tower brace that connected flat to the top of the tower, made a center connection like the RRM and had no adjustable parts ( weak points ) would be the best approach if that center point was designed for mounting.
Before RRM, I had never seen a tower bar with one mounting screw per tower. Using one screw instead of the entire top plate doesn't seem to take advantage of the cars natural ability to resist flex nor does it distribute the load which also reduces flex. I don't know. The question isn't whether it flexes when you press on the center of it. Its whether it flexes when attached horizontally.
Like I said, I really don't know. They both have something that bugs me. Perhaps RRM can chime in on the logic behind their's.
Last edited by elpoole; Apr 14, 2008 at 11:44 AM.
It is added stress, but I don't forecast those two bolts snapping off or anything. It's just not a well-distributed load.
Evolving Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: YYC, Ab, Ca
actually it isn't, I had both there when my order came in.
It looks pretty damned close but the amount of flex is really reduced.
Higher quality metals maybe
I'm still not a big fan of that design style either. While it's beefier than the stock GTS bar, there's still just two little pieces of metal holding the crossbar to the ends.
RRM's design seems more solid to me. I just wish they'd add extra attachment points so it hits two bolts per side...
RRM's design seems more solid to me. I just wish they'd add extra attachment points so it hits two bolts per side...
NO advantage for adjustment. Only if it is super beefy is is OK. Our rear strut bar has one adjuster but it is 1/2 thick thread pieces and has no flex at all. Most of thes bars you see our of ebay are very much adjustable only for the sake of fitment and the y create a weak point. That is bad. FYI our front bar is extremely stuff. 3 mounting points is fine because of the configuration. Call us and we will gladly explain the benefits.
ROAD/RACE
ROAD/RACE