JdSwiper

iTrader: (4)

So I'm contemplating getting some strut towers .. I've noticed some guys running them mostly in the front although I've seen them in the rear as well. Is there any real benefit to these either front or rear besides cosmetically ???

NYKnick101

http://www.e30m3project.com/e30m3per...bar_theory.htm

This explains it the best!. The strut tower flex on hard turns or bumps. The tower bar prevents it from flexing

o7iS250

iTrader: (1)

Okay I'm assuming you mean upper strut bars, and yes, they do make a difference. The IS doesn't have much going for it as far as chassis stiffness/body roll, so all the upgrades count. The F sport rear sway bar should be acquired before this though, that's the real difference maker.

JdSwiper

iTrader: (4)

WoW, thanks for the info guys!!!

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

I had the GT Spec front strut bar (the one in the pic above is the Cusco) and F SPort sway bars (front/rear), F Sport chassis brace, Tanabe front lower brace, Jun TW center tunnel brace, GT Spec lower chassis brace. All of them in conjunction work together but I never really raced the car or had done scientific testing. I personally used the front strut bar for looks at car shows. It isn't too expensive and it looks good inside the engine. There are rear bars but I had a very large sound system in the car that wouldn't allow it. Don't know if you really will feel it but I felt the car was stiff with all I had. Hope this helps a bit.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

How would the thin & flexible above strut bars in those pics help keep structural rigidity? I'd bet if you stood in the middle of those bars they'd bend. So how's that helping exactly? Though not made for a 2IS, something like this would actually "work" for its built purpose I'd think :

VTsuckah

iTrader: (1)

For daily driving, you will not benefit much from the strut tower bars. They are more for show. If the isf doesn't need them, an is x50 doesn't either. Just my 2 cents. Save your money and buy some sway bars, which make a vast improvement in handling.

JdSwiper

iTrader: (4)

Ok, thank you for the info! I have the sway bar kit on its way already!

604GSE21

Cusco shows how strut bar work...
http://www.jdm-option.com/eng/pr_CUSCO/towerbar.html
http://www.cusco.co.jp/en/movie/towerbar_en.asx

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

I take a rear sway bar over strut bar. Your daily driving it so there really not point but for show.