The main reason why you would want to install a strut tower bar is to keep the strut mounts from flexing.  By connecting the opposing strut towers with a rigid link, this minimizes the flex in the in and out direction.  When installed correctly, this yields stiffer and better chassis feedback, especially going through off-camber transitions - turning with a change in altitude.

The majority of strut tower bars that you have probrably seen are the front upper strut tower bars.  This front upper strut bar is easily seen in the engine bar by opening the hood; this bar spans the width between the two front strut towers over the engine.  These bars are easily installed by removing the four 14mm nuts that secure the front upper strut mount to the front upper strut tower, dropping the bar adjusting for clearance of the studs, and then tightening the nuts back resepctively.  Some popular brands are Racing Beat, GReddy, GAB, and Cusco.

(insert pic of front upper strut bar)

Very rare is to spot a rear strut tower bar on an FC3S.  Currently, only Cusco imports their rear strut tower bar into the US.  This is not a very popular mod in the US due to the fact that one has to cut a hole into the rear strut tower (that holds the stock speakers) and the surrounding carpet!  This bar yields better traction in the rear, as the rear strut towers are known to be a weak point in the chassis.  Drag racers take note, as this increases traction to the rear wheels on a hard launch!

(insert pic of rear upper strut bar)

Little folks know that there is also a front lower bar that is avaiable.  Currently, Cusco is the only company I know that is bringing this into the US.  This bar is easily installed by removing two nuts on the lower chassis (under the car), fitting the bar in place, and replacing the nuts.

(insert pic of Cusco front lower bar)



Questions?  Comments?  Send mail to:  reted@fc3spro.com

10/05/2003