newly installed TRD strut bar
#31
i think everything has a reason and they do if you get the right one and you research it. even a trd radiator cap is meant to withstand a little more pressure and create a better seal over stock. and filter are more of a supporting mod giving better flow. so just research it. and the bar actually helps keep the frame and car stiff and sturdy. over time a cars frame and body naturally twist, very little but it does, especially with "sport" driving.
Last edited by million3g; 10-10-08 at 11:06 PM. Reason: needed more
#32
It should be clear that bolstering my post count is not a concern of mine, as I average about one post a month, over the last 5 years. And, I love the irony of that post, whether intentional or unintentional. Now I do agree with you, that a triangulated bar is superior to this type of strut bar, and I also wish that one was made for the SC.
Now to the OP, I like that bar. Take it down to your local machine shop and have them weld that crack. Then, to get the bar to fit better, order two of the spacers Baoser mentioned from one of our vendors, your local Lexus dealer, or your favorite junkyard. The part number you want to use when ordering is 53723-24010. Keep in mind it is recommended that you use coilovers with longer cap studs, otherwise you may not have enough thread for the nuts to be safely fastened.
Now to the OP, I like that bar. Take it down to your local machine shop and have them weld that crack. Then, to get the bar to fit better, order two of the spacers Baoser mentioned from one of our vendors, your local Lexus dealer, or your favorite junkyard. The part number you want to use when ordering is 53723-24010. Keep in mind it is recommended that you use coilovers with longer cap studs, otherwise you may not have enough thread for the nuts to be safely fastened.
I'm about to install a 2nd Gen TRD STB with Tokico Blue's + NF210s, should I also get longer cap studs or does this not apply to me
#34
there is a difference in 20 and 200 dollar strut tower bars. the crap you buy that is just a link between the two towers isnt much of anything. in order to have a good working bar you need triangulation. google the trd strut tower bar for the st165 celica. the stock celica bar is a simple wide V looking thing that connects the two towers and the firewall. the bar is connected to only two strut hat bolts and the ends are very flimsy. the TRD bar is triangulated, incorporating a straight rod across, over the engine. the ends of the bar connect on all the bolts on the strut hat and are made of thicker and stronger material.
another good example of a good design is the evo8/9 bars. very well made from the factory. again, it is triangulated.
im not looking at it from a "it doesnt do anything and i know because i drift" perspective, but rather as an engineer i see it as a poor design. it is made to be mass produced and economically, thus not being optimum at all.
after seeing the ARC strut tower bar on my buddies evo9 MR i was shocked how chitty it was. the welds did not go around on both sides of the brackets. the back mount that attaches to the firewall was not boxed. it was simply a piece of sheet metal bent to shape, again not a good design. all of these things can easily be fixed and/or prevented at minimum cost if the right design is used.
EDIT: BTW: when you add washers you created increased shear in places where it was not before. the strut bolt is having more load applied to it then it ever should. not a good thing.
DOUBLE EDIT: your link doesnt work
another good example of a good design is the evo8/9 bars. very well made from the factory. again, it is triangulated.
im not looking at it from a "it doesnt do anything and i know because i drift" perspective, but rather as an engineer i see it as a poor design. it is made to be mass produced and economically, thus not being optimum at all.
after seeing the ARC strut tower bar on my buddies evo9 MR i was shocked how chitty it was. the welds did not go around on both sides of the brackets. the back mount that attaches to the firewall was not boxed. it was simply a piece of sheet metal bent to shape, again not a good design. all of these things can easily be fixed and/or prevented at minimum cost if the right design is used.
EDIT: BTW: when you add washers you created increased shear in places where it was not before. the strut bolt is having more load applied to it then it ever should. not a good thing.
DOUBLE EDIT: your link doesnt work
it also clears my Tein Cs nicely! i can also install the EDFC with no mods to the strut bar!! It's perfect for me!
#40
#41
it doesnt really matter because it fits nicely on mine, i had to take off this little black cover but that's it. It's honetly a really good bar. If you are willing to spend 200$ on a bar that LOOKS good, why not spend an extra 100 on one that works?
i saw on another post that someone had to grind down his trd bar to fit edfc... that cant be good for the bar. lol If you have tein and want to go edfc, this is the best bar for you. Your only other option for the edfc would be cusco, but cusco bar is not as good as this one.
i saw on another post that someone had to grind down his trd bar to fit edfc... that cant be good for the bar. lol If you have tein and want to go edfc, this is the best bar for you. Your only other option for the edfc would be cusco, but cusco bar is not as good as this one.
#42
check out http://www.carbing.co.jp/english/pro...rut/index.html , they explain the bar pretty well.
looking at their product list, mine is made for a soarer, explains why it fits nicely
looking at their product list, mine is made for a soarer, explains why it fits nicely
#43
it doesnt really matter because it fits nicely on mine, i had to take off this little black cover but that's it. It's honetly a really good bar. If you are willing to spend 200$ on a bar that LOOKS good, why not spend an extra 100 on one that works?
i saw on another post that someone had to grind down his trd bar to fit edfc... that cant be good for the bar. lol If you have tein and want to go edfc, this is the best bar for you. Your only other option for the edfc would be cusco, but cusco bar is not as good as this one.
i saw on another post that someone had to grind down his trd bar to fit edfc... that cant be good for the bar. lol If you have tein and want to go edfc, this is the best bar for you. Your only other option for the edfc would be cusco, but cusco bar is not as good as this one.
#45
that is a much better design but can still be improved if it is boxed strut mounts. other wise the stress is carried by the sheet metal and the welds. master cylinder stopped is an amazing invention. lol. if anyone is curious what the stopper prevent go out to your car and have a buddy press the brake really hard. you will see the firewall flex and the master cylinder move a few mm's.