Well after replacing my kaboom plenum, I haven't put my oem strut brace on yet because I want to see if I need to get one when I get my crawford plenum. Well, let me be short and sweet and say yes, the front strut bar is needed! I can definately tell a difference in just driving around the city and some spirited backroad driving. Turn in is now much less crisp; it feels like it takes more steering wheel effort to turn the car. Also, chassis flex on larger bumps is more evident (although it does make the ride a bit softer). Just thought I'd post for those interested.

 

It's very noticable at high speed. When you replace the bar, make sure it's torqued properly.

Sorry to hear about your Kinetix. In my opinion, Kinetix released too early. There have been too many people having problems with cracks and your problem, despite the fact that you could have done something about it, shouldn't have happened. Hopefully, you will at least get a refund. But, I would be surprised if they pay for your towing. If they do, I would be genuinely impressed.

Crawford is the better designed plenum. If they could figure out how to fit it under the stock strut brace, it would be the choice.

 

What are the torque specs for the stock bar? Unfortunately during one of my MANY plenum swapouts I stripped one bolt on each side, so I only have 3 holding it down on each side (that is, until I make a trip to home depot).

 

Torque spec is roughly 40 ft/lb for the strut tower bar.

 

KarmaMag, the FSM states 18-23 ft-lbs!
The bar is 47-59 ft-lbs. Not sure how you tighten that one but I never rotate it so it should be ok.

 

That is correct. I drove with the STB removed at VIR earlier this year, and the car definitely had more flex through the high-speed esses (average about 105-120mph through there). At low speeds (less than 60mph), you really won't notice much of a difference.

 

I have been driving without it for about a week while I am evaluatiing my new V4 plenum ... and yes ... I have noticed the flex in the ride and the slowness to react to my inputs on canyon roads ... after about another week, I will be putting it back on once I feel Kinetix wont crack.

Jim