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4 point strut bar installation question

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Old 08-09-03, 07:09 PM
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Question 4 point strut bar installation question

I got the poor man's 4 point strut brace from CP Racing - no hardware or instructions, just the brace.

How am I supposed to get this thing attached to the firewall? Screws? I don't think I can get behind there to get a nut on.

Can someone who's installed one of these help me out?

Thanks.
Old 08-11-03, 10:26 AM
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I didn't get the 4 point brace for my 89 GTU, but the one that mounts only to the strut towers. The brace came with little instructions and the main problem is you have to cut the fan blades for clearance. I put a new motor mount on the exhaust side and after doing so the fan blade rubbed the brace even after cutting more plastic off the fan blades. I took the brace off and will try it again to see if it is still rubbing. Just be aware of the fan blade cutting to install the brace on the 89 models, since it is not mentioned in any of the CP Racing advertisements.
Old 08-11-03, 10:37 AM
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i don't see any currently on ebayto look at, but if the brace is high enough on the firewall you can access the top 6-8cm of it through the access for the windshield wiper motor/arms.
Old 08-11-03, 12:14 PM
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I bought the 4 point bar for the rear and it doesn't fit a convertible. Not even close. CP says it does. Also I have heard people have had fittiment probs with the front as well.
Old 08-11-03, 12:41 PM
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Remove the wipers, then remove the cowl trim and snap off the plastic covers. Instant access to benhind the upper firewall. Drill, then bolt.
Old 08-11-03, 12:50 PM
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like Aaron said- but it's a PITA and becareful not to cut yourself on the edge.

Not nearly as bad as an engine brace though.
Old 08-11-03, 01:50 PM
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thanks guys, .....the engine brace is on its way....thanks for the encouraging words! lol
Old 08-11-03, 07:26 PM
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mine has fitment issues, it doesn't fit my s4 very well at all. The clutch fan hits the front, and the rear brace doesn't even touch the firewall, its a good 1/4 to 1/2 inch away. Shitty bar if you ask me fitment wise. The rear bar is pretty crappy in quality too. Theres a good 1/2 inch on either side of the rear bar too between the strut towers. Im thinking of selling both and getting a real bar.
Old 08-12-03, 07:19 AM
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I haven't really tried to fit mine yet, I know it hits the clutch fan, no biggie, but if it doesn't touch the firewall I'll have a whole bunch of shitty things to say about CP.

Have you tried heating it up with a torch and bending it a little?
Old 08-12-03, 07:38 AM
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has anyone ever got the CP rear bar to fit?
Old 08-12-03, 12:07 PM
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All the CP Racing bars are made in a jig, so they are all pretty much the same. I find it hard to believe that the bars themselves are so far out. I've watched these bars being made, and great car is taken to keep all dimensions the same.

The problems are probably occurring because every car is slightly different. Different engine mounts, slightly bent, etc. You will probably experience the same result with any non-adjustable bar.

I should say that my CP Racing bar fit fine, though the fuse box cover interfered. This is apparently due to the difference in the older fuse box mounting bracket. I modified my bracket and the problem disappeared.
Old 08-12-03, 12:32 PM
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....Mr. Cake, that's good to hear. I'll update this post when I install the brace.

also, you would think a little tension in the installed brace would be a good thing.....maybe.
Old 08-12-03, 01:22 PM
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Still waiting for my rear strut bar for my FB or a reply to my emails.

Been almost 4 weeks now.
Old 08-12-03, 01:38 PM
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Front bar fit well across the top, ok on passenger's but a cm or so off on driver's side at the firewall. Car's probably bent a wee bit.

It also interfered with the fan, by maybe .5 to 1 cm. I considered cutting it, but ended up going with an e-fan. I'd been considering this anyways, to clean up the engine bay a little.

Rear fit A1. I was wondering what's up with the pre-tapped holes in the car floor, though. The brace just bolts right in. Can't imagine what they were for. Maybe tie-downs or sumpin'?




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