Are all strut tower bars the same???
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Full Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 118
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From: Mile high
Are all strut tower bars the same???
I am looking for a strut tower bar for the engine bay....many companies make them and prices range from 69 to 350!! any suggestions!!
Also, I saw a rear strut bar...what are these, where do they go and are they of any help in autoX?
Also, I saw a rear strut bar...what are these, where do they go and are they of any help in autoX?
Full Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 175
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From: Bethpage, NY, USA
whats up...
I picked one up from Corksport for 69 bucks. I honestly didn't notice much of a difference in the handling. But im sure that at high speeds, it helps stablize the car a little. I did 150mph and the car was real stable and smooth. I dont know how different this strut bar is any differene than the 350 dollar ones.
I picked one up from Corksport for 69 bucks. I honestly didn't notice much of a difference in the handling. But im sure that at high speeds, it helps stablize the car a little. I did 150mph and the car was real stable and smooth. I dont know how different this strut bar is any differene than the 350 dollar ones.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2001
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I got the Cusco one from Corksport. Corksport has their own but when I called, they recommend the Cusco. It's about $135.
Most FD owners have Cusco as aftermarket. It's a solid piece and it improves front end stiffness. I notice that when the road is uneven (L and R), the front end holds together better. In turns, the front end also feels tighter. Since it's such an easy piece to put on, I recommend it.
All FD has a rear bar, it's got a black or tan plastic on it so it blends in with the cargo divider. Some chose to upgrade it with a thicker one but most aftermarket ones aren't compatible with the cargo divider due to its added thickness.
Some lower priced strut bar ($60-100) are not as thick or use lighter gauge alum. The weaker ones just aren't as stiff. Also, get one that has 3 bolt holes on each side to increase support points. I wouldn't spend more than the Cusco bc others like the GAB, are just as effective but more costly.
Most FD owners have Cusco as aftermarket. It's a solid piece and it improves front end stiffness. I notice that when the road is uneven (L and R), the front end holds together better. In turns, the front end also feels tighter. Since it's such an easy piece to put on, I recommend it.
All FD has a rear bar, it's got a black or tan plastic on it so it blends in with the cargo divider. Some chose to upgrade it with a thicker one but most aftermarket ones aren't compatible with the cargo divider due to its added thickness.
Some lower priced strut bar ($60-100) are not as thick or use lighter gauge alum. The weaker ones just aren't as stiff. Also, get one that has 3 bolt holes on each side to increase support points. I wouldn't spend more than the Cusco bc others like the GAB, are just as effective but more costly.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 403
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From: Tampa, FL
Tower Strut
I looked at as many as I could;
Cusco; GAB; Ractive; Greddy(Cusco with red ends); Top End; and OEM.
The R1 OEM when you can find one, sells for about $250 and it's used.
I chose the Cusco D-shape, because of the mounting bracket and the higher quality alum. Price was $140.....
I thought the Ractive looked kinda cheesy
Greddy is Cusco with red ends and higher price
Don't know much about Top End
Do the math.....it doesn't need constant maintenance and was $110 cheaper.
Cusco; GAB; Ractive; Greddy(Cusco with red ends); Top End; and OEM.
The R1 OEM when you can find one, sells for about $250 and it's used.
I chose the Cusco D-shape, because of the mounting bracket and the higher quality alum. Price was $140.....
I thought the Ractive looked kinda cheesy
Greddy is Cusco with red ends and higher price
Don't know much about Top End
Do the math.....it doesn't need constant maintenance and was $110 cheaper.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,392
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From: Mechanicsburg, PA USA
I got the RP strut bar (black ends) for $75 (new). It's a high quality piece and seems very durable and stable. I haven't installed it yet as I pick my car up tomorrow with streetported engine 
The guys email was "partsforsale9@hotmail.com" if anyone is interested.
The guys email was "partsforsale9@hotmail.com" if anyone is interested.
