I know there are posts like this all over the net, but I have to ask. Is the front strut tower bar/brace worth it for a G37- or even more specifically an X since they have an extra 180lbs up front? I could care less about making the engine bay look better, so I'm not looking for that. I currently have hotchkis sway bars and swift springs.

I've read numerous posts here and at other forums where people say they feel an immediate difference and an improvement in low speed turns. There are other posts who say it makes minimal difference and some other forums (Miata specifically) who say it can be a detriment and increase push/understeer through sharp turns; however, those cars are much more balanced from the start. The best argument I've heard to get a front strut bar is that the Zs come with them from the factory, so they must have some solid/noticeable effect on a G...?

So what do yall think?

Also, I've found several other suspension braces from GT Spec for the X sedan, and they can all be had for under a grand. Anyone else tried these? Though it's a coupe, I saw Blackbetty mention he had several suspension upgrades- was extra bracing included?

 

There actually is an immediate difference felt at very low speeds and quick turns. For example, launching the car hard from a dead stop into a turn is one of those situations... like being the first car under a light, waiting for a gap in on-coming traffic, so that you can make a fast left turn. Another entirely valid application: Auto-Cross. Naturally, having the right kind of tires comes into play here, too. (Actually, high performance tires is a vastly more important handling mod.)

All that said, the difference with a FSTB is minimal, and even less so in an AWD vehicle. And since you're not into engine bay bling, that's a whole component of the mod that becomes irrelevant.

While I'm very content with mine, my advice is to not bother, because you have an AWD G, and you don't care how the engine bay looks.

However, if you want to improve your car's handling overall, with a similarly small cost, get a set of aftermarket swaybars.

 

I'm of the mindset that any perceived difference is a placebo effect.

But they're cheap and easy enough to install. If you absolutely must have one, I'd wait and pick one up on the classifieds.

 

This is actually not a bad video that explains it. We have a double wishbone suspension so the benefit of the front strut bar is less than a macpherson setup but there is a benefit. I personally would like a rear strut bar to help reduce wheel hop but I don't think anyone sells one.

 

^^^
Mechanical Engineering, FTW.

 

Nice video, Didn't think about the idea of hitting a bump and the force will be transitioned into both strut towers with the strut bar. Sure I have an X model, but i tend to think it helps even with a minimal extent. Most importantly , it sure looks good in the engine bay.

 

Does the 370Z still come with a strut bar stock? Similar car to ours. Not sure why Nissan uses it on the Z and not on our cars.

 

I think Nissan needs to differentiate the Z from the G. I believe the Z is regarded as more sporty, so that theme resonates more with that car.

IIRC, the Z bar has two additional chassis attachments close to the windshield. Is anyone doing this for the G?

 

Because race car.

I think the Z also has a rear cross brace too.

 

Thanks, Rochester. I already have sways, and they're great. I autocross, so that's why I wanted more info about the strut bar. If it will indeed be a noticable improvement for autox' slowish tight turns, then the bar with be worth it to me.

Yea, Xtreme, the Z does have a three point strut bar. I haven't seen any like that available for the G though. I am definitely willing to get all the available braces for the X sedan if they'll actually make a substantive difference on a track.

 

It would be more noticeable if you didn't have the sways. But if you're taking your sedan to Auto-X events, you should definitely get a FSTB, particularly since your sways have already bumped you into a modified class. In for a penny, in for a pound.

 

From a performance standpoint, a front strut bar is almost useless unless it has three points of contact. For engine bling, they look good shiny and symmetrical.

 

I bought it purely to dress up my engine bay. Plus it's a nice cheap mod.

 

I really want to fabricate mounts for the 370z nismo strut bar.

370Z shock tower brace on G37? No go? | DrivingEnthusiast Blog

 

I didn't realize that the Z's bar doesn't attach at the strut towers, rather beside them. Is this better, worse, or about the same as having it directly on top of the strut?

I see a much simpler fix for aftermarket manufacturers is to modify their existing strut bars which mount on the strut towers, and then adding additional bracing which then attaches under the windshield.