Arcadian

I have a 2000 GS4 all stock.
I want to get a strut bar before I replace the shocks and strut mounts (OEM, already bought).
I see some are hinged and some are rigid. Some are about $150, some are $350. Given that I have to stay with stock ride height and shocks, due to the road conditions here, is the cheaper one the way to go?

Thanks for your input.

PHML

iTrader: (33)

First of all....you have a GS400....so many strut bars will fit over the GS400 engine cover...since this engine sits relatively low in the engine bay....the GS300 and GS430 sits high...and finding a strut bar that clears the engine cover is a challenge.

Secondly, regarding your question on the hinged vs rigid design of strut bars. I had both the RMM (hinged) and Carson-Tuned (rigid)....and I can tell you both does its job in keeping the body from flexing, esp during spirited cornering....BUT it seems that the rigid design STB does a better job in overall stiffness...makes sense since does not move.

Arcadian

Thanks for that great information, gained from real experience. Based on that and my own plan for my car, I am going to go with the cheaper hinged bar to gain some of the benefits and to have more coin to spend on other upgrades (stainless brake lines are next). Thanks again for the reply.

PHML

iTrader: (33)

ummmmmm....stainless steel lines on oem caliper/pads? why?

Arcadian

I've read other posts that say the SS lines reduce ABS chattering. Since I drive in snow and ice for a solid 6-months I thought this might be a good thing. However, your experienced voice is appreciated, would upgrading brake pads be more benefit?
Thanks again for the input.

ZippyGuy

iTrader: (9)

Stainless steel brake lines are generally tied to a component of a stage 1 brake upgrade that would include lines, upgraded pads, and maybe upgraded rotors. Stage 2 would include all of the above with upgraded rotors that are slotted and/or drilled and DOT4 brake fluid. I may not have the particulars of these upgraded correct but you get the idea.

Stainless steel lines will give you better pedal feel and will "slightly" decrease ABS clatter. I would consider it to be a nice update/upgrade from OEM, fwiw.