Has anyone installed "Front Strut Tower Bar" for 3rd Gen IS ?
01-18-22, 07:56 AM
#46
Advanced
Let me share my experience.
I have one installed in mine and I love it.
I knew before getting one that a front tower strut bar does less for you on cars like ours with double wishbone suspension as compared to macpherson struts, but I got a good deal on mine and figured why not.
Now, I will say I don't notice a ton of difference in the overall handling of the car, maybe a little bit better steering responsiveness (but to be fair I haven't really pushed my car in any twisties or tracks since I've had the bar).... BUT I do notice A LOT of reduced flex from the front of my car, which is the entire point of a tower brace.
My car is lowered and my driveway is semi-steep so I have to cut it pretty hard backing out of my driveway to prevent the front lip scrapping. Prior to the front tower bar I could literally hear the front end flexing and creaking when doing this. After installing the front tower strut bar my front end does not flex anymore, at least not as noticeable. Zero creaks and at one point in the sharp turn I am literally on 3 wheels whereas prior to the bar my front would flex so much that I never noticed one of my tires not making contact. Now it's much more rigid and solid.
To me, in my situation, the front tower bar was worth the install alone just for the reduced flex in my front end when taking inclines at an angle.
As far as I'm concerned the tower bar is doing it's job as the whole point of one is to make your front end more rigid and I can confirm it is doing that. Anyone who claims is does absolutely nothing I am calling that false. if I pushed my car harder on some turns I'd likely notice at least a little bit of difference there too.
I have one installed in mine and I love it.
I knew before getting one that a front tower strut bar does less for you on cars like ours with double wishbone suspension as compared to macpherson struts, but I got a good deal on mine and figured why not.
Now, I will say I don't notice a ton of difference in the overall handling of the car, maybe a little bit better steering responsiveness (but to be fair I haven't really pushed my car in any twisties or tracks since I've had the bar).... BUT I do notice A LOT of reduced flex from the front of my car, which is the entire point of a tower brace.
My car is lowered and my driveway is semi-steep so I have to cut it pretty hard backing out of my driveway to prevent the front lip scrapping. Prior to the front tower bar I could literally hear the front end flexing and creaking when doing this. After installing the front tower strut bar my front end does not flex anymore, at least not as noticeable. Zero creaks and at one point in the sharp turn I am literally on 3 wheels whereas prior to the bar my front would flex so much that I never noticed one of my tires not making contact. Now it's much more rigid and solid.
To me, in my situation, the front tower bar was worth the install alone just for the reduced flex in my front end when taking inclines at an angle.
As far as I'm concerned the tower bar is doing it's job as the whole point of one is to make your front end more rigid and I can confirm it is doing that. Anyone who claims is does absolutely nothing I am calling that false. if I pushed my car harder on some turns I'd likely notice at least a little bit of difference there too.
Last edited by whoismiked; 01-18-22 at 08:40 AM.
05-16-22, 05:59 PM
#48
Let me share my experience.
I have one installed in mine and I love it.
I knew before getting one that a front tower strut bar does less for you on cars like ours with double wishbone suspension as compared to macpherson struts, but I got a good deal on mine and figured why not.
Now, I will say I don't notice a ton of difference in the overall handling of the car, maybe a little bit better steering responsiveness (but to be fair I haven't really pushed my car in any twisties or tracks since I've had the bar).... BUT I do notice A LOT of reduced flex from the front of my car, which is the entire point of a tower brace.
My car is lowered and my driveway is semi-steep so I have to cut it pretty hard backing out of my driveway to prevent the front lip scrapping. Prior to the front tower bar I could literally hear the front end flexing and creaking when doing this. After installing the front tower strut bar my front end does not flex anymore, at least not as noticeable. Zero creaks and at one point in the sharp turn I am literally on 3 wheels whereas prior to the bar my front would flex so much that I never noticed one of my tires not making contact. Now it's much more rigid and solid.
To me, in my situation, the front tower bar was worth the install alone just for the reduced flex in my front end when taking inclines at an angle.
As far as I'm concerned the tower bar is doing it's job as the whole point of one is to make your front end more rigid and I can confirm it is doing that. Anyone who claims is does absolutely nothing I am calling that false. if I pushed my car harder on some turns I'd likely notice at least a little bit of difference there too.
I have one installed in mine and I love it.
I knew before getting one that a front tower strut bar does less for you on cars like ours with double wishbone suspension as compared to macpherson struts, but I got a good deal on mine and figured why not.
Now, I will say I don't notice a ton of difference in the overall handling of the car, maybe a little bit better steering responsiveness (but to be fair I haven't really pushed my car in any twisties or tracks since I've had the bar).... BUT I do notice A LOT of reduced flex from the front of my car, which is the entire point of a tower brace.
My car is lowered and my driveway is semi-steep so I have to cut it pretty hard backing out of my driveway to prevent the front lip scrapping. Prior to the front tower bar I could literally hear the front end flexing and creaking when doing this. After installing the front tower strut bar my front end does not flex anymore, at least not as noticeable. Zero creaks and at one point in the sharp turn I am literally on 3 wheels whereas prior to the bar my front would flex so much that I never noticed one of my tires not making contact. Now it's much more rigid and solid.
To me, in my situation, the front tower bar was worth the install alone just for the reduced flex in my front end when taking inclines at an angle.
As far as I'm concerned the tower bar is doing it's job as the whole point of one is to make your front end more rigid and I can confirm it is doing that. Anyone who claims is does absolutely nothing I am calling that false. if I pushed my car harder on some turns I'd likely notice at least a little bit of difference there too.
06-25-22, 08:06 PM
#51
Hello. Cusco makes the strut bar for 2021 Lexus!!!!!!! Part number is 9A3 540 A. It is RC-F but it does fit. View picture. There might be a minimal adjustment and will need two people. One person will have to push down on the center of the bar and the other person to tighten the bolts on the side. The blue clay represents the indentation when the hood is down. As you can see. There is enough clearance. I test the product on the freeway turns and man what a difference!!!! I am so happy they finally made one!!! Get it while there is supply!!!
https://cuscousainc.com/search/produ...8-0245e2f4d7b7
Last edited by Lexussonic; 06-25-22 at 08:17 PM.
The following users liked this post:
KObjective (06-25-22)
01-11-23, 05:06 AM
#52
wondering if you ended up installing the MR front strutbar and if there were any issues? Seller is saying some reported the hood couldn't close after installation. Just want to confirm it will fit before placing the order. Thanks!
01-11-23, 10:20 AM
#53
Racer
iTrader: (3)
Hello. Cusco makes the strut bar for 2021 Lexus!!!!!!! Part number is 9A3 540 A. It is RC-F but it does fit. View picture. There might be a minimal adjustment and will need two people. One person will have to push down on the center of the bar and the other person to tighten the bolts on the side. The blue clay represents the indentation when the hood is down. As you can see. There is enough clearance. I test the product on the freeway turns and m
I had this on my old 2014 IS350 and then moved it to my 2022 Lexus IS500
Cusco part no, 983 540 a
I have since swapped it out for a TOMs Racing strut bar and packed the Cusco bar away.
01-11-23, 11:14 AM
#54
My hood would not close after installing the strut tower bar and I had to return it. One thing I did notice was the people who had the v6, they posted their Megan Racing bars with the red colored Megan Racing logo. I bought 2-3 bars and they all came with the blue Megan racing logo. I tried installing it both sides, the bar had a super tight fit but the hood didn't close no matter which orientation I put it in.
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cuellooo (01-11-23)
01-11-23, 12:26 PM
#55
For those with the 3IS turbos, HPS does carry front strut bars. Those UR, Megan and Cusco that specifically fits the IS350, won't fit the 3IS turbo, I know coz I bought and had to return it.
03-31-23, 06:21 PM
#56
Bringing this back, I just saw an eBay seller selling the Toms Racing one and said NOT for AWD. Is this valid?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185654365488
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185654365488
03-31-23, 07:28 PM
#57
Bringing this back, I just saw an eBay seller selling the Toms Racing one and said NOT for AWD. Is this valid?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185654365488
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185654365488
04-01-23, 12:41 PM
#58
I have a '18 IS300 AWD and just purchased one on eBay from blackhawkjapan. Did a test fit and looks like it fits properly. Once the weather gets better and I take the car out of storage I'll have it installed and get back to you. I believe if it is part number 53680-TAE30 you should be good, did some research online and seems like it should fit 2014+ to 2020
04-02-23, 09:44 AM
#59
Bringing this back, I just saw an eBay seller selling the Toms Racing one and said NOT for AWD. Is this valid?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185654365488
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185654365488
Last edited by KObjective; 04-02-23 at 09:48 AM.
04-25-23, 10:33 AM
#60
@swaangin I had the strutbar installed today along with my midpipe and it does fit perfectly. I don't have a pic because I am having it powder coated later, but as long as you order the same part number you will have no issues!
The following users liked this post:
swaangin (05-18-23)