Which strut bar should i buy?

[GrandMasterSnipe]

Alright so I've been reading all about strut bars in here. I've seen the Import Shark one that's cheaper but isn't a solid piece and then the luxon one which is but costs twice as much. Now i understand why the luxon is better but nobody can really seem to answer the question of which one is the better buy. I want a handling upgrade and could car less about the cosmetics of the bar (I like the looks of the luxon better but that's not why i'd buy it). I don't really plan to AutoX with this car (I mean I might at some point but...) so I'm thinking the IS bar, but i don't want to feel i'm cheating myself of performance by not getting the luxon and likewise i'd like to know if there really is any upgrade in buying the IS one as opposed to no bar at all. So should I go for the IS bar or the luxon?

[GreyGhost12]

What does your wallet tell you? In all out max performance, the solid bar without pivot points will perform better than the "hinged" bar. However, in order to notice a difference with the solid bar over the 3 piece bar you will need to do other chassis upgrades including super sticky tires, lowering springs/shocks, etc. I personally made a one piece bar and did notice a bit of improvement over not having one at all. But I haven't done any other chassis mods to maximize the reinforcement effect of this bar.

[turbosocks]

Unless you plan on racing out getting a bunch of other stuff like chassis bracing, real sticky tires,etc i would go with the is bar and save 200 for other mods..

For the price of the luxon bar you could get the is bar and both tb braces which i would be willing to bet give you more for the money.

Sent from my SPH-D700 using AutoGuide.Com Free App

[GrandMasterSnipe]

Looks like the IS bar is probably the way to go then. $90 is much more forgiving than $250 lol. Do those tb bars help with pants-on-head retarded rear suspension or do they work more with steering in some way?

[Curmudgeon]

As I've stated here before, I bought the IS bar for aesthetics and value. I don't AutoX, so the bar has never been tested to the max, but with my style of driving I know through observational testing (with resin solder inserts) that the bar is not moving around.

As to what structural effect it may having on the V, I have one observation that may be entirely subjective. That is, prior to installing the bar I noted a slight creaking sound from the right firewall/cowling area on every occasion of turning through a particular intersection with an odd camber that was putting torsional stresses on the V's body. On the first occasion of driving the same intersection after the bar installation (and continuously thereafter), I have never heard the creak again.

[only1db]

something is always going to be better then nothing...

[rcpcdude]

If you plan on getting serious into autocrossing it at some point you may want more and more ends up costing lots is the problem. Another thing to consider is if you were to compete, most would do it in a stock class and stock class doesnt allow upper bars, just one lower (I believe the V is H stock but somebody correct me if I'm wrong). Modified classes end up making the car not so much of a daily driver anymore if you really get into it and put the time and money into the right places.

For a daily driver to add some rigidity and save some bucks just go with the IS one, its a good deal and you will not likely notice the difference from that to a solid bar especially with the stock tires that will give out before you will notice flex in the bar lol.

[GrandMasterSnipe]

Thanks for the help everyone! I'll definitely be getting the IS one soon

[tombowlus]

Just installed my Luxon strut bar. While I have not been able to really put it to the test, yet, initial driving results show a noticeable improvement in how the car tracks through turns.

[Curmudgeon]

Thanks for the help everyone! I'll definitely be getting the IS one soon

Good choice!

[BluMeanie]

The Luxon looks like you could lift the fargin' car with it - it's a girder! A bit Overkill possibly, but effective both functionally and visually.

[2uniq@uniqper]

I have the Luxon on my Genesis coupe and love it

[Goose]

I just noticed this thread and am considering the Luxon bar.

Did you remove/reinstall the plastic cover(s) at the base of the windshield to install the bar? I ask because I've seen pictures of some Luxon installs where the plastic was cut back(!) to gain access to the rearmost strut nut. If you did the plastic remove/reinstall, was it a big process?

[short circuit]

I just noticed this thread and am considering the Luxon bar.

Did you remove/reinstall the plastic cover(s) at the base of the windshield to install the bar? I ask because I've seen pictures of some Luxon installs where the plastic was cut back(!) to gain access to the rearmost strut nut. If you did the plastic remove/reinstall, was it a big process?

Good question - I've wondereed this myself. Does the bar come with instructions if you need to do this?

[GrandMasterSnipe]

Good question - I've wondereed this myself. Does the bar come with instructions if you need to do this?

I bought the I.S. bar and didn't need to, and you shouldn't have to with the luxon, because it wouldn't make sense.

[tombowlus]

I just noticed this thread and am considering the Luxon bar.

Did you remove/reinstall the plastic cover(s) at the base of the windshield to install the bar? I ask because I've seen pictures of some Luxon installs where the plastic was cut back(!) to gain access to the rearmost strut nut. If you did the plastic remove/reinstall, was it a big process?

Not sure, as I had the dealer install it. Yes, I could have done it myself, easily, but as I plan on having this car a long time, I prefer to have my dealer "in" on all potential mods, so as to minimize the risk of any warranty issues.

[MA1tR!X]

There was no way I could have installed my Luxon bar with out cutting back the plastic (Dremel made the job easy).

[ajp2k3]

Get the Luxon strut bar from luxonmall on ebay. Best Pricing. Also its the only solid 1-piece bar that i know. I didnt need to use a dremel, just use a wobbler.