Strut Bar Opinions

[Zed Head]

Must have been my mis-spelling. I wrote "Amy" instead of "Any".

CG240Z's re-animation of the thread though, Post #20, was about experience with the rear tower brace. Same company Mike W mentioned in Post #18, TEP, but different end of the car.

[Dr. 240Z]

So I have the Top End Performance 3 point bar up front and am very happy with it. I believe that it definitely helps to control body flex and as a result the car just feels like it handles better to me. It is also well made and was powder coated nicely in black

As for the mounting, it is pretty straight forward. The sides each mount to the top of the strut towers using 2 of the existing studs from the strut assembly. As for the third mounting point, there are 2 tabs that are welded to the bar that slip under the front of the cowling and the frame piece that it is secured to. To secure it in place, it is best to move the wiring harness that runs along that part of the firewall out of the way first. This gives you more room and you won't risk drilling through some wiring when you drill the mounting holes. Drilling the holes was actually the only tricky part ensuring that you get them in the right place. In the end it was not very difficult.

I was a little concerned at first that this area was going to be too thin and eventually with movement the bolts would become loose and even start to elongate the holes, but after more than a year of use, it is still rock solid.

About the only issue that I have had with it is that for any maintenance that requires removal of the valve cover you have to remove the bar first. This used to be a PITA as getting the nuts started on the cowl mounting bolts usually took some finesse and could be time consuming. We solved that problem by welding nuts to the underside of the strut tabs. Now removal and reassembly is a breeze.

I've attached some pictures of my install as well as some closeups of the mounting area near the cowl. I believe that the OP was requesting these at some point in this thread.

Hope this helps.

Hi,

Purchased my TEP 3 point front strut bar six months ago and regretfully just installed it...wish I had gotten to it sooner.

Followed Mike's approach and concur 100% with his observations....it really is a piece of functional steel (as well as eye candy).

Cheers,

George