For the thousandth time: to strut bar or not to strut bar?
#1
For the thousandth time: to strut bar or not to strut bar?
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?
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?
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MStrike (12-08-2020)
#2
Administrator
iTrader: (9)
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.
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.
Last edited by Rochester; 01-29-2015 at 09:17 AM.
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Bravo at (02-01-2015)
#4
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.
#5
Administrator
iTrader: (9)
^^^
Mechanical Engineering, FTW.
Mechanical Engineering, FTW.
#6
Registered Member
iTrader: (2)
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.
#7
Super Moderator
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.
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abrecos (05-28-2022)
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#8
Registered User
IIRC, the Z bar has two additional chassis attachments close to the windshield. Is anyone doing this for the G?
#10
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.
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.
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.
#11
Administrator
iTrader: (9)
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.
#15
Registered User
I really want to fabricate mounts for the 370z nismo strut bar.
370Z shock tower brace on G37? No go? | DrivingEnthusiast Blog
370Z shock tower brace on G37? No go? | DrivingEnthusiast Blog
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.