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I just found out about the cusco strut bar upgrade. People seem to like this upgrade, but does it make the ride to stiff when combined with the sway bar upgrade? I found one inexpensive at
Thanks. So you don't think the bar has any actual benefits and it is mainly for looks? I admit I like how it looks, but it would also make taking off the engine cover a pain..
Yup...that's the correct one for the SC430 ....
188 540 A
Toyota - Soarer/Lexus SC430 - UZZ40 - 2001/04 - 2005/07 - Front
it's the same one I got for my 2008 . Great price too, I paid $180 for mine about two months ago!
Be aware - the cross brace itself is silver, not blue. The blue color is from a transparent tinted tape they use for shipping. The Strut tower mounts are blue however.
It does NOT make the ride stiffer, just more "planted" feeling. I think it actually makes the car much more comfortable to drive - no more wandering on the highway - and it corners like its on rails.
I would never drive the car without one now....the best bang-for-the-buck mod I've tried so far.
Thanks. So you don't think the bar has any actual benefits and it is mainly for looks? I admit I like how it looks, but it would also make taking off the engine cover a pain..
Easy to take the engine cover off - just undo one of the cross-brace bolts (and loosen the other one) and flip the crossbar up - engine cover pops off easy-peasy...
Oh I meant that since the bar goes over the engine cover, it will be a pain and another step in getting the cover off. I take off the cover quite a bit for maintence, detailing, and dress up. But it now I'm convinced it's worth it, but the blue and chrome with accent the colors in my engine bay
It only takes a few seconds to flip the bar up, and it doesn't really interfere with anything.- if it does, just take a few more seconds, remove the other bolt & take it off completely. - some pics:
(If you notice, the bends in the crossbar fit the angles of the engine cover perfectly - a sure sign of a well-crafted accessory)
LexBrett - I looked at this site as well and they state will usually ship 11 days after payment. Not sure how long of a trip from Japan. Also didn't list shipping costs but their site says they answer email questions within 15 min.
Like others, I ordered from FRSport in CA. Very professional staff when I called with question and follow up. Took less than a week for delivery at $179.99. Still, a pretty large potential cost difference...
Please let us know total cost and delivery time if you go this route. Good to know for future parts and projects.
I use the Carbing Strut Tower Brace this is a solid connection between the 2 towers no flex like the Cusco.. the flex in the 430sc body dose not flex enough so you really don't feel it.' the Tom's lower brace will tighten the bottom of the car. now the tower bar will make the car be tight. I use the Carbing tower bar and was going to install the Tom's lower brace but at 71 years old make no sence. I need to stop playing with the car and just drive and enjoy it. but its hard to.
I paid close to $180 and it arrived 3 days after confirmation of order (not after you sent the order). I saw the departure stamp from Japan and arrival in the US. Technically 1 day, since Japan was almost a day ahead.
Mod Binge- Cusco Bar too?
