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How much of a difference does the OEM strut bar make?

Old Feb 5, 2004 | 02:31 PM
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daytona350zr
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Default How much of a difference does the OEM strut bar make?

Well in a week or so I will be getting my crawford plenum. As everyone knows this means I can no longer use my OEM strut bar. I have decided not to go with the crawford strut bar for now. I know the strut bar is there to reduce body flex during high stress situations. Do you guys feel that I will miss having this piece? Keep in mind that I don't track my car but I somtimes drive faster then I should. Anyone with this setup please let me know what you think of the Z's performance w/o the strut bar.

Bottom line, is the crawford strut bar worth paying $200 for?
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Old Feb 5, 2004 | 03:44 PM
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imo, the struct bar in our Z does absolute NOTHING... other than add weight and looks cool.

The way it's mounted, I just don't see how it makes any difference for normal street driving... but I don't track so I wouldn't know if it performs better on the track... I would think SWAY BAR does more than STB...

btw, I removed my stb last week after I replaced my spark plugs, and I haven't install them back yet... I have been driving, and there is NO difference..
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Old Feb 5, 2004 | 03:51 PM
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I think all strut bars are installed at the top of the spring mounting point. and most seem to feel that there is a definite benefit for a car that will be driven rapidly.

When I have installed strut bars on older cars (i.e. Datsuns) I don't notice any difference on the street. After installing the bar, the improvement was more apparent during autocross or high speed driving on a track. improvement in handling and in recorded time.
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Old Feb 5, 2004 | 04:11 PM
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Originally posted by jackwhale
I think all strut bars are installed at the top of the spring mounting point. and most seem to feel that there is a definite benefit for a car that will be driven rapidly.

When I have installed strut bars on older cars (i.e. Datsuns) I don't notice any difference on the street. After installing the bar, the improvement was more apparent during autocross or high speed driving on a track. improvement in handling and in recorded time.
I think it depends on the car. Rear wheel drive with close to 50/50 weight distribution, not as important, front drive, very important. All of my installs have been on front drive, noticed the difference immediately, BIG improvement. The faster you drive around corners, the more important the strut bar is for me. I won't take mine off for any mod. Buy the bar, $200 is nothing.

Last edited by Boomer; Feb 5, 2004 at 04:14 PM.
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Old Feb 5, 2004 | 05:17 PM
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You will notice a bit more body roll through turns. I bought the Crawford Strut bar and truly believe it does a better job than the stock strut bar since it is straight and not curved, plus it simply looks better.
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