So, I decided to spend a few bucks and update my engine bay with a couple new parts. Nothing too exciting, just an ARC cooling panel and oil and radiator caps, a Carbing strut tower bar with the master cylinder damper, and a Motordyne 5/16" plenum spacer for a bit more power.

Here are a few pics, mostly of the strut bar, as I couldn't find many pics of it when I was deciding whether or not to buy this one. Also, the strut bar works great with the 5/16" plenum spacer, which was something I couldn't find out before I bought it.

All comments are welcome, good and bad. Thanks for looking.

First, here are a few pics showing the details of the strut bar, taken before installation. It really is a beautiful piece!













In this pic you can see the ARC cooling panel and radiator and oil caps, and the upper and lower plenum removed:



Closeup of the ARC logo on the cooling panel:





Here are the pics of the installed bar:









In these pics you can see the little piece of plastic I cut for the master cylinder brace to fit correctly. It's a tiny piece and very easy to remove and cut.





And here's the finished pic. I guess I forgot to take any of the plenum spacer itself, but there really isn't much to see.

 

is that metal part on the strut bar the master cylinder damper? whats it do?

 

This part is the master cylinder damper. It sits next to the master cylinder and reduces the flex when you're braking, which should result in better brake feel and possibly more braking force, but this is just what I read. I really didn't drive it hard and try it out after I installed it, so I can't comment on the real world noticability of this feature.

 

damn, nice piece, no pivoting points. I may have to buy this also. Someday

 

Hmm very interesting...killing two birds with one stone...might have to look into this strut tower brace.

 

I forgot to mention that this brace is LIGHT! It weighs SIGNIFICANTLY less than stock!

 

How does the ARC cooling plate attach??

I just ordered one myself

 

If I remember correctly it just attaches using those little push-clip thingies at the top of the bumper. And it has a couple strips of double sided tape that goes on the bottom. It's an easy install.

 

i have that same Carbing strut bar too!

 

very nice.

 

Nice engine bay, I have a little something like it myself.

 

Nice piece. Those are some nice welds.

 

+1

 

looks great

 

Nice looking bar. If I didn't have the Stillen brake brace already, I'd consider that bar.

 

ive been looking for that carbing strut bar...where did you get that from?

 

I got it from Louis over at Invision Performance. I've ordered from him a couple times and the service has always been great, and fast. Here's the link to their thread about the bar in the marketplace:

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=235400

 

LOL any more pics w/ different angles of the strut bar?

 

Did you still have to use the spacers that came with the 5/16" spacer for the strut bar? Also how was fitment on install, the stock one is a pain to put back on with the spacers.

 

No we didn't. We actually used them at first, and we couldn't get it lined up right, and the hood wouldn't shut. But it works perfect without those spacers!