Using washers to space a strut tower bar upward?
#1
Original Gangster/Rotary!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (213)
Using washers to space a strut tower bar upward?
Pretty newb question here, but I'm in a bit of a conundrum
I have a nice new Cusco Titanium front strut tower bar and I can't install it as-is b/c it hits my Greddy elbow. Between the aftermarket motor mounts and my GZ LIM, my motor sits up a big higher.
I was able to use a pair of washers (3/16th inch thick each so 3/8th inch thick total) to space the strut tower bar up a bit to clear the greddy elbow, and I verified the hood closes. The washers are only necessary on the driver's side.
Ideally I'd have some spacer plates made but would rather not mess with them if I don't have to.
My question is, will the setup be safe with the washers? What kind of stresses will the mounting studs be subjected to when cornering? I definitely do not want to half-*** anything but at the same time I'd most likely have to send the strut tower bar out to a friend to have the spacer plate(s) made and want to avoid that unless necessary.
Dr Geesaman, Mahjik, DaveW, input requested
I have a nice new Cusco Titanium front strut tower bar and I can't install it as-is b/c it hits my Greddy elbow. Between the aftermarket motor mounts and my GZ LIM, my motor sits up a big higher.
I was able to use a pair of washers (3/16th inch thick each so 3/8th inch thick total) to space the strut tower bar up a bit to clear the greddy elbow, and I verified the hood closes. The washers are only necessary on the driver's side.
Ideally I'd have some spacer plates made but would rather not mess with them if I don't have to.
My question is, will the setup be safe with the washers? What kind of stresses will the mounting studs be subjected to when cornering? I definitely do not want to half-*** anything but at the same time I'd most likely have to send the strut tower bar out to a friend to have the spacer plate(s) made and want to avoid that unless necessary.
Dr Geesaman, Mahjik, DaveW, input requested
#3
Racecar - Formula 2000
You should be OK, as long as you still have enough threads to get the proper torque on the nuts. If the nuts loosened, I'd be worried about putting the studs in bending and breaking one off.
Dave
Dave
#4
Original Gangster/Rotary!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (213)
Yup, I'm actually using some non-oem nuts (I have like 20 more if anyone needs some) that are threaded all the way down to the bottom and I'm able to get the nuts all the way on the studs so I actually have more threaded contact than the factory setup, if that makes sense.
#5
Urban Combat Vet
iTrader: (16)
I have the same issue due to my oil pan brace. Also just on the driver's side due to the Greddy elbow. I've been lazy this winter and not yet pulled the motor-mount arms to get them milled.
I don't have any way of machining anything out of steel, but I've got some sheet aluminum approx. 1/8" thick (old street sign). I was thinking of tracing out a couple of quick spacers out of that.
I don't have any way of machining anything out of steel, but I've got some sheet aluminum approx. 1/8" thick (old street sign). I was thinking of tracing out a couple of quick spacers out of that.
#7
Original Gangster/Rotary!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (213)
Garco, the washers are thin enough that you can't tell they're there just by looking at them.
Are you suggesting I send you the bar so that you can make some for me ?
Are you suggesting I send you the bar so that you can make some for me ?
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#9
needs more track time
iTrader: (16)
Rich - I can make one for you also if you need it. I have a similar problem with the coupler on my car against the stock R1 bar.
I'm actually considering welding a 2" section to the Elbow so that the coupler is extended to an area where it doesn't interfere with anything.
I'm actually considering welding a 2" section to the Elbow so that the coupler is extended to an area where it doesn't interfere with anything.
#11
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You'll be fine, the strut top bolts are predominantly to maintain location and stop them dropping out under extension - If it was a Mac strut affair i'd worry a little more, but the strut only really takes predominantly vertical loads due to the double wishbone design
#13
Mr Sparkles
iTrader: (12)
Pretty newb question here, but I'm in a bit of a conundrum
I have a nice new Cusco Titanium front strut tower bar and I can't install it as-is b/c it hits my Greddy elbow. Between the aftermarket motor mounts and my GZ LIM, my motor sits up a big higher.
I was able to use a pair of washers (3/16th inch thick each so 3/8th inch thick total) to space the strut tower bar up a bit to clear the greddy elbow, and I verified the hood closes. The washers are only necessary on the driver's side.
Ideally I'd have some spacer plates made but would rather not mess with them if I don't have to.
My question is, will the setup be safe with the washers? What kind of stresses will the mounting studs be subjected to when cornering? I definitely do not want to half-*** anything but at the same time I'd most likely have to send the strut tower bar out to a friend to have the spacer plate(s) made and want to avoid that unless necessary.
Dr Geesaman, Mahjik, DaveW, input requested
I have a nice new Cusco Titanium front strut tower bar and I can't install it as-is b/c it hits my Greddy elbow. Between the aftermarket motor mounts and my GZ LIM, my motor sits up a big higher.
I was able to use a pair of washers (3/16th inch thick each so 3/8th inch thick total) to space the strut tower bar up a bit to clear the greddy elbow, and I verified the hood closes. The washers are only necessary on the driver's side.
Ideally I'd have some spacer plates made but would rather not mess with them if I don't have to.
My question is, will the setup be safe with the washers? What kind of stresses will the mounting studs be subjected to when cornering? I definitely do not want to half-*** anything but at the same time I'd most likely have to send the strut tower bar out to a friend to have the spacer plate(s) made and want to avoid that unless necessary.
Dr Geesaman, Mahjik, DaveW, input requested
I have run something similar on my race car for years with no issue. Just make sure you are getting good thread engagement on the shock tower studs.
One trick I have found that my help is to loosen up the PPF and adjust which way the motor leans. The front lower holes on the PPF are slotted for adjustment.
Dan
#14
Original Gangster/Rotary!
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Thanks for all the input guys
Dan, it's funny, Ihor and I have done that on customer's cars for turbo fitment issues but I never thought to try it in this instance. Doh! I'll give it a shot next time my FD is on the left.
Garco, I just might send you my strut tower bar, I'll keep you in mind
Dan, it's funny, Ihor and I have done that on customer's cars for turbo fitment issues but I never thought to try it in this instance. Doh! I'll give it a shot next time my FD is on the left.
Garco, I just might send you my strut tower bar, I'll keep you in mind
#15
94 Single Turbo FD
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If u look at the strut bar does it appear to be higher on the turbo side ? trying turning the strut tower bar end for end, leaving the brackets on there respected sides of course. my cusco seemed to have more clearance on the turbo side of the engine bay. so i turned it around to give more clearance on the greddy elbow.
#17
Original Gangster/Rotary!
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If u look at the strut bar does it appear to be higher on the turbo side ? trying turning the strut tower bar end for end, leaving the brackets on there respected sides of course. my cusco seemed to have more clearance on the turbo side of the engine bay. so i turned it around to give more clearance on the greddy elbow.