I'm not really breaking new ground here, since this was already posted in the last few years: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...strut-bar.html

But just for the sake of adding data points... I installed my carbing STB just as described in the above thread. You do have to jack one side up to get it on, I also had to remove the cover on the passengers side to access the 3rd bolt to move the fusebox out of the way for the install. Also, I removed the oem spacers. Very easy install despite the instructions being in Japanese, lol.


I really liked the 1 piece welded design over the cusco one that's bolted together. Another thing that jumped out at me is how light this bar is because its aluminum. It doesn't feel like it weighs anything, which is good because this car is... uhh... "big boned" already.

I got mine from Andy's Autosport, they will sometimes work with you on price if you find it cheaper somewhere else. I've interacted with their customer service a couple times now and they're always very accomodating.

Part #6210370


Haven't driven it yet because I have other projects in progress... I'll update the thread when I give it a spin.

Curious if anyone ever successfully modified the tower covers to accommodate the bar, there was talk of it on the old thread, but I don't know if it ever happened. I'm not sure if I really care that you can see the bolts, lol.

 

i bought rubber caps & put them over the exposed threads on the bolts

 

Would you mind taking a pic?

 

Can you get the engine cover off without removing the brace? I was looking at the Cusco because it could be unbolted from one side. But now with the additional information of having to lift the car, that may not be realistic either. Thanks.

Paul

 

Good question. It looks like you can, but I'll confirm that.

Don't be put off by having to lift the car, the jack in the trunk works great, takes like 30 seconds max to get the car up in the air.

 

The CUSCO Strut Bars allowed me to put the plastic caps on.

 

Not sure about the "Carbing Strut Tower Brace", but with the Cusco, I managed to removed the top engine cover w/o open up the Cusco. It's a little tight but doable.

 

I can confirm, you cannot take the engine cover off without removing the bar.

 

Thanks Joe.

Paul

 

I must admit, it's a little bit of a bummer, but I don't regret my choice. The carbing bar is a work of art under the hood, the welds are beautiful. Many people like the cusco bar as well, so I don't think you can really go wrong with either.

 

BIG CORRECTION:
While I had my car at the shop today, I asked them if they had to remove the STB to get the cover off. It turns out, you do NOT have to remove it. You just need to remove the 2 10mm bolts for the oil filler cap, then you can kind wiggle/rotate it out.

 

I'm working with a Russian guy to try and have this rear lower chassis brace and strut tower brace made and shipped state side.

I'll let you know how this venture goes. Even with international shipping, still affordable.

If not, I have a welder and will try manufacturing something at some point.

 

$45 for the front & rear strut towers
$80 for the lower rear
that's really really good price.

 

wow, that's great. I highly recommend a rear STB, I'm so happy I managed to snag one.

 

Does the oil fill tower seal with a paper gasket or an o-ring?