Threxx

If they put these things on every car out of the factory it would seem like they would get much closer to the BMW "feel" without actually making the ride any worse... heck, it'd be better because it wouldn't feel as "loose" over bumps.

And considering it's just a piece of steel, it realistically wouldn't cost them any more than 50-60 bucks for all of those parts together total. And on a 50k dollar car, that's not much considering the benefit.

Lexus puts the holes in place from the factory for mounting the chassis braces... and they know darned well a STB is just a 5 minute process away...

So can anyone answer this question:

What's the downside to chassis braces and strut tower braces? Why wouldn't lexus make them standard from the factory when they've already made the holes there to place them?

I'm not much of an engineer but it just seems like something that would be very inexpensive for Lexus to do and very cost-beneficial... especially when they get nonstop reviewers saying they like the way BMW feels "tight" through the curves.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Cost/benefit is always a challenge. How many ACTUAL GS owners would even know (or care) if the car had a strut bar - very few I'd say.

The 'holes' are there to allow the struts themselves to be mounted. They're not just for a brace.

The down side is that you have to take it off to get the engine cover off which adds labor to things like spark plug changes.

BMW's handling has a lot more to do with steering, springs, and shocks than it does a strut brace. I don't believe BMW's come with strut braces either.

Threxx

Well then what's the story with the holes for the chassis braces?

I'm pretty sure those holes have no relation to the struts... right?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

there is ALREADY a front lower brace on the GS, so the front brace is replacement.

for the rear, the holes are not just there, there are bolts already there bolting in other parts.

LexFather

As Rominl stated, the GS has front and rear sways standard (many cars do)they are more tuned for comfort though. The front has a LCB as well, but no where as sturdy as the TRD or TOMS one. The new ES 300 has a factory STB and you will notice many new cars (350Z, EVO, new Caddy SRX SUV) have them now. But they look, well factory and do not provide the performance an aftermarket part does.

Also one of Lexus main selling points is it's comfy ride that 99%of owners love and don't want to change. Thus Lexus won't add these parts (they stiffen the ride and make the ride less comfy). We are the minority (and a cool one it is).

bravo261

iTrader: (1)

i think the RX has one too

chanmannyhc

If Lexus installed the 6- piece brace as original equipment, then Tom's nor TRD would be able to sell them as accessories. That or the price of the car would rise a sustantial amount.

kodai

Cusco has a front lower replacement bar for the GS 3/4 and 430. I will post a picture next week after the install. The picture is that of the TOm's unit but the cusco bar looks the same but it's blue.

Threxx

So would you say it's stiffer\more-effective than the Tom's brace or less expensive or what?

kodai

The two bars are alomost the same. The stiffness is the same. The price for the cusco bar is around $170. The cusco bar is call lower arm bar Ver. 2. As far as effectiveness, there is no noticable difference over stock. Sad but true. It looks good however..haha