I had my plenum spacer installed about 1 month ago. We couldn't put the strut bar back on since we didn't have a wrench to expand it to fit back on. Well, while installing my popcharger I also had the strut bar put back on using the spacers provided in my package. At first, I thought I thought I was imagining things when I heard a grinding/buzzing kind of noise as I was testing out the intake. But then it occurred to me that it doesn't sound right at all, and maybe it was the engine hitting the strut bar under load.

I came home (20 mile drive) popped the hood, and there was virtually no clearance - even with the spacers installed. I removed the strut bar and thought it was odd that it didn't clear. :\

So perhaps I got a 1/2 spacer by accident, as opposed to a 5/16? Any thoughts here, guys?

 

did you try measuring it? if you don't have the engine cover on you should have easy access to it.

also check your reciept and shipping invoice.

I got an incorrect part before (not from motordyne) and then was charged the price difference for it later on...

 

I got the plenum from a vendor - picked it up from his house, since he's practically a neighbor, so I'll have to look if there's a receipt inside the box, but I don't think there is.

And I was going to measure it, but I just have so much work to finish up before the day ends.

 

A ruler will answer your question.

 

haha, yeah, just measure it. How can we know it's 1/2 or not.

 

I suppose, but I just gotta' finish all of this work before going outside. I just thought it was too weird for the strut bar to not clear even with the spacers.

 

I'm gonna have to agree....

 

Took a second in between batch uploading to go outside...and it looks like it isn't 1/2. So now I have no idea why the strut bar didn't clear. :\

 

do you have a leak? check around the oil cap and the perimeter of the spacer to make sure it is sitting flat... you'd have a leak if it was not flush though. maybe you got extra gaskets in place or something?

 

No leaks here. Everything is whisper quiet and performs as it should (knock on wood). I can live without the strut bar. Saves me a 25lbs of weight from the car. Hahaha

 

that bar is not 25lbs, is it? feels like less than 10.

also, you said you didn't adjust it? I think they all need adjusting. and I've seen the gap vary from car to car, unexplained.

 

Did you install the strut bar as per the instruction manual? It will show you how to put it in and make all the adjustments.

Basically just turn the tensioner bolt about 1.7 turns from the relaxed position. From there you can adjust it up or down as needed.

 

also, not trying to make you sound like an idiot, but did you put the spacers under the strut bar so it actually lifts up? I know some has put spacers on top of the bolts which doesn't do anything at all..lol.

 

I wasn't the one to pop it on. We did the intake, I walked down to get some food, and when I came back the car was ready and all. It didn't occur to me to check. My shop is honest anyways, I'll call them. He'll either redo the install or refund the money.

SuperBlack: Yeah, they were underneath. LOL

Motormouth: 13lbs. I exaggerated.

 

It sound like the shop may not have read all the instructions.
they probably just put the bar back on and didn't adjust the tensioner bolt.

You can fix it real quick with a crescent wrench.

Standing in front of the car, put the wrench on the bolt and pull the wrench towards you. You will see the strut bar move upward.

Crank it 1.7 turns and that will get you in the ball park.

 

Okay, looking at the bar now...there are three bolts to twist located on the left. The one in the center expands the strut bar, correct? So which one raises it - left of center, or right of center?

Sorry for the million questions.

 

the middle raises... the other two are to lock it where it is at

 

yeah, you only need the smaaaaalest amount of room to not let it hit when the engine moves.

also, a engine dampener helps.. (more excuses to buy parts)!!!

 

Even when you do adjust that nut 1.7 turns, its still gonna be really close, it just shouldnt rub.

 

Hmmm, alright. I'll give it another shot.