I’m not sure if anyone here has previously installed a strut tower bar on their 3GS, I definitely couldn’t find a post about it, so here it is mine… I believe only Tom’s has a strut tower bar for the 3GS: http://www.tomsracing.co.jp/comp/lex...680-tgs80.html

I ordered my strut tower bar from Luis at Carlson Toyota, he made sure the right part was ordered (the bar for the 450h with APSSS), no, the real pain in this process is the time it took to get the part in, I placed my order mid December and received it Friday 21 march, around 13 weeks after placing my order! Waiting was indeed a bit on the long side !

Installing the bar was really a simple job (keep in mind this is for the 450h with APSSS)
- remove the left and right engine cover
- remove the protections on top of the strut tower (APSSS only)
- unplug the APSSS electric actuators
- remove the screws on top of the towers
- reroute the actuator cable trough the strut tower bar
- jack up the front wheels on jack stands (I read somewhere that the front wheels needs to be off the ground to properly install theses strut tower bar)
- plug in the APSSS electric actuators
- install the bar itself
- torque the screws that hold the bar
- done (do not forget to unjack before a test drive...)

Here are some pictures of the finished installation. After a short test drive the car does feel more composed and the steering feel more precise and consistent, I will report more tomorrow after I have the opportunity to drive the car more.

 

Awesome

 

Looks nice. Might order one for myself.

 

Looking good! quick question, what is APSSS btw?

 

Looks nice seems like it drives nice as well....

 

Nice to know it fits over the AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension) control modules. Now the question is, will it fit over Tein's EDFC controllers.

 

Not sure what that is, but **** is Lexus' acronym for Active Stabilizer Suspension System.

 

Why would you put this on the car? Does it really change the handling that much?

 

Active Power Stabilizer Suspension System
Working in conjunction with sensors and a computer that detect the amount of force needed to help keep the vehicle flat in a turn, the active stabilizer system increases roll resistance by twisting the stabilizer bars. Which pre-loads them to help them behave like thicker sway bars without having to compromise a smooth ride.

 

Thats a beautiful looking piece

 

i am waiting for sway bars. Looks great though. rare piece

 

looking at 3rd picture, i say unlikely

 

theoretically it tightens up the chassis thus improving handling. realistically, it probably tightens up the steering feel and marginally help the handling. but i won't say it's night and day difference (comparing to stuff like coilovers or sways)

 

these strut bars are to increase chasis ridgidity thefore decraesing changes or flex in the chasis that can negatively affect suspension geometry and therefore translates into better traction. There will generally be no real measurable affect on the street for the most part. In my experience they help kore on older cars with weaker chasis or more flex secondary to age

 

I have been debating if I should get TOM'S strut tower bar, but did not really know if is really worth it without upgrading other moving parts also (ie. coilover).

So can you tell the difference in performance after the installation, please let us know.



Thank you in advance!!!