will this really make a difference?

[happyclown]

for 8 bucks plus shipping i figure you cant go wrong, but does anyone know if this will really make a noticable difference in handling?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 02581&rd=1

thanks

[Nd4SpdSe]

I swear by mine! I really missed it when i did the KLZE swap until re figured out no to get it on, the IM sits higher than stock, so we went behind it

[MarkMoore]

in a word... yes... it's one of the few low-cost performance mods you can do that will actually work and that you will notice (for the most part, performance increase costs BIG $)... i just put my front strut tower bar on a couple days ago... works great... you'll notice you have more confidence in your car, especially make fast, hard turns... i think these things are a must have... i'll eventually get one for the rear too

[neutral]

for 8 bucks plus shipping i figure you cant go wrong, but does anyone know if this will really make a noticable difference in handling?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 02581&rd=1

thanks

You will be pleasantly astounded at the handling improvement in the twisties, overall improved steering response and handling over uneven road surfaces, especially the reduction in annoying "bump steer," the unwanted tendency for your steering to change/react to road surface irregularities. Do a before-and-after driving test by taking your MX-3 at safest max speed on a familiar curve, then install the bar, and try that curve again. Bet you'll notice at least 10 mph higher max speed to the car's road handling capabilities.

Be sure to install with the car parked on a level surface. The bar should be installed absolutely snug via the adjustable threaded ends but must also be "neutral", ie ya don't wanna accidently change your strut alignment by over-tightening the tension on the bar ends.

[andyvich]

is getting an ebay one of these. like the one in the first post ok, or should one stick with say corcksport??

[neutral]

Mine came from ebay for 3 different cars I've installed them in. It is the Toucan manufactured type as are most of the ones offered on ebay and other websites. The Corksport type is heavier duty but I'm not convinced it's worth the extra $$ unless you are doing some serious competitive driving. Anyways, hard to believe 10x the price is still worth spending for it at CS.

[Gro Harlem]

You will be pleasantly astounded at the handling improvement in the twisties, overall improved steering response and handling over uneven road surfaces, especially the reduction in annoying "bump steer," the unwanted tendency for your steering to change/react to road surface irregularities. Do a before-and-after driving test by taking your MX-3 at safest max speed on a familiar curve, then install the bar, and try that curve again. Bet you'll notice at least 10 mph higher max speed to the car's road handling capabilities.

Be sure to install with the car parked on a level surface. The bar should be installed absolutely snug via the adjustable threaded ends but must also be "neutral", ie ya don't wanna accidently change your strut alignment by over-tightening the tension on the bar ends.

no comment

[neutral]

The inherent (and undesirable) flexibility of unibody construction is pretty much accepted as is the stiffening of a car chassis for improved handling which has been done for many years by automakers and tuners. My 92 Celica GTS came with a factory front upper strut brace as did the European-sold MX-3 GS.

[TsiMiata]

The thing about these bars that always comes into my head is they have zero strength in compression. If the strut towers are trying to move closer together these bars do nothing. They only have an effect if the strut towers are being pulled apart. The bar woud be in tension then and would stiffen up things.

I've never measured how the strut towers move under cornering. It could be that they are always pulling apart and the strut tower brace would be stiffening all the time, I just don't know.

Someone else mentioned making sure the bar is snug. I would suggest making sure the bar is snug, pulling the towers together.

It would be nice to a triangulated welded strut brace made for our cars. Probably would be very tough to fit though.

[jschrauwen]

I have the exact same type, front and rear. Aside from K&N, best bang for the buck I've spent on the car. At those prices, can't go wrong.