[STIstud2k7]

I was wondering of putting a front and rear strut bar. Do i need one? Does it help in handling?

I've searched for the best strut bars f/r and didn't find anything. Which f/r strut bar is the best?

[Szumita]

front is not needed, just cosmetic.

the rear does help a little.

people like the cusco ones, jdm sti ones, etc.

there are alot.

[USNSTI]

The ebay ones are realllly cheap. You could get those just to try them out...

[azndrgnkid]

Most people will say it is not needed, or at least it is the least helpful part(s) for the money on suspension. I personally have done it and think the result are good. But at the same time I added the strut bars together with sway bars in combination and most people will contribute it to the sway bar doing making most of the difference. I got Tein bars (front and rear) because they are fairly cheap and does the job, but there alot out there. Search some more and I'm sure you can find some details on it. Brands like Cusco, SPT/Sti, Tein, are all fairly common and easy to get your hands on.

[CGMDan]

Unless you really autoX your car and have other serious suspension mods (stiff coilovers, etc.) a front strut bar will do LITTLE for you. As far as the rear, they do have an effect but the best thing you can do to the rear is get an X-brace. I have yet to hear a single bad thing about them and you notice it right away.

[disturbed1]

what does the X-brace do ?

[STIstud2k7]

Basically, I don't need any Strut bars if I am not into AutoX?

I don't need a strut bar set if I don't aftermarket coilovers, right?

THe rear strut bar will make a difference and the front strut bar won't make too much of a difference?

I'm not into AutoX racing but I will like to make the handling better as in when switching lanes with a little turn. I'm not sure if anyone understands what I am trying to say. EVO's have a stock Strut bar and their handling is really stiff, it turns better when going 40MPH. Did I make it understandable?lol

[twiSTies]

STi Suspension Buyers Guide

[fourseasonsandles]

Originally Posted by STIstud2k7

Basically, I don't need any Strut bars if I am not into AutoX?

I don't need a strut bar set if I don't aftermarket coilovers, right?

THe rear strut bar will make a difference and the front strut bar won't make too much of a difference?

I'm not into AutoX racing but I will like to make the handling better as in when switching lanes with a little turn. I'm not sure if anyone understands what I am trying to say. EVO's have a stock Strut bar and their handling is really stiff, it turns better when going 40MPH. Did I make it understandable?lol

Look into some sways, they will make much more of an impact

[gosu]

^^ I agree

A buddy put a front strut bar on his car and have yet to feel a difference in handling. Cusco is nice bling though

Save your money for sway bars

[mdefalco25]

I bought a Cusco Ti bar mainly because they were discountinued as of recent. While it does not contribute a lot I do believe it helps stiffen the body a little.

[CARLAB STi]

Originally Posted by disturbed1

what does the X-brace do ?

To answer your questions frankly, the X-Brace works - very well in fact.

Strut braces are basically made for every single vehicle that has the slightest performance intentions (i.e. Corolla). Strut braces are cheap to make, cheaper to install, and look cool. That does not mean that they work in every case.

The STI (or Impreza) is just this case. Typical strut braces, as well as the recent C-Pillar braces, do not work - sorry. Take a look at the front strut towers on your car, they are adjacent to and part of the firewall - an area that is already very well structurally reinforced. Compare this to a 350Z, 3 Series, or Corvette where the struts are much further forward - in this case, a front strut bar is crucial and lends to a big improvement in torsional rigidity.

The rear strut bar faces a similar fate in case of the Impreza thanks to a terrifically built chassis and rally racing intentions.

On some vehicles the additional "X" would just be added weight; however, with the Impreza the X-Brace is the required design to achieve optimal torsional improvements (11%).

Quite simply: think of the X-brace as the rear strut bar for a WRX/STI.

Thats it.


This video shows what happens without an X-Brace (notice the brace is unbolted). Watch the movement of the chassis which is effectively eliminated by the brace.

CARLAB Development - X-Brace

[Turninconcepts.com]

Originally Posted by CARLAB STi

To answer your questions frankly, the X-Brace works - very well in fact.

Strut braces are basically made for every single vehicle that has the slightest performance intentions (i.e. Corolla). Strut braces are cheap to make, cheaper to install, and look cool. That does not mean that they work in every case.

The STI (or Impreza) is just this case. Typical strut braces, as well as the recent C-Pillar braces, do not work - sorry. Take a look at the front strut towers on your car, they are adjacent to and part of the firewall - an area that is already very well structurally reinforced. Compare this to a 350Z, 3 Series, or Corvette where the struts are much further forward - in this case, a front strut bar is crucial and lends to a big improvement in torsional rigidity.

The rear strut bar faces a similar fate in case of the Impreza thanks to a terrifically built chassis and rally racing intentions.

On some vehicles the additional "X" would just be added weight; however, with the Impreza the X-Brace is the required design to achieve optimal torsional improvements (11%).

Quite simply: think of the X-brace as the rear strut bar for a WRX/STI.

Thats it.


This video shows what happens without an X-Brace (notice the brace is unbolted). Watch the movement of the chassis which is effectively eliminated by the brace.

CARLAB Development - X-Brace

You guys wouldn't happen to have done any shaker tests with various other parts have you? I'm curious if we can finally end the argument back and forth on stuff like strut bars.

[CARLAB STi]

Originally Posted by Turninconcepts.com

You guys wouldn't happen to have done any shaker tests with various other parts have you? I'm curious if we can finally end the argument back and forth on stuff like strut bars.

We have tested the torsional rigidity using "shaker tests", of more than 8 different designs. This included an oversized front strut bar (so big the hood would not close), horizontal rear strut bars, v-braces, and various undercar braces.

This is the only design that we have tested that supplied noticeable results (on paper and in the arse).

Note: We have not tested the fender braces, which based on the reviews we have read - likely does work.

[flat4t]

The video does show some conclusive evidence that there is pretty good movement going on there without the bar bolted in.