Opinions on strut tower brace? 1 link vs 3 link?

[Ernest72]

I have the GS brace. At first I thought that it maybe had a little bit more understeer, but I took it off to check and it was tough to tell around some twisties. So I put it back and it’s likely just bling.

No autox or track, so I can’t comment if it would work there.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Ernest72

So I put it back and it’s likely just bling.

Minimalist and by far the most rigid GS bar also makes an excellent handle when leaning in. I'd almost install one just for that.

[Tristor]

Front is yes, rear is pointless. Neither is essential.

[Aluma007]

I felt a huge difference crossing railroad tracks, taking corners on the streets and autoX. GS is cheap and simple.

[Stomachbuzz]

Originally Posted by ActionMaxon

If you are looking for a feel of rigidity, you might consider stiffer sway bars. If you already have that a strut bar might be a good add on. Or stiffer struts.

Yes, good point, with the sway bars especially.
I am considering these as well.
Just one of those 'where do I even start?' types of things that makes your head spin.
I only considered the DC 1-link because it was $85 shipped to my door. Just click 'buy now' and here it is! I'm quite happy. It's a well-built piece and looks almost never installed. And then someone local is selling an equally mint condition JDL triangular brace.

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

I'd recommended changing suspension bushings long before I added an aftermarket strut tower brace. The stock bushings are deflecting way more then .02 of an inch, and over a much shorter area.

Another good point.
My car is a 2013 with 52k miles now. Bushings definitely aren't destroyed, but swapping to new and firmer style would be a big change.
The bushings on the tops of my strut towers are showing some superficial cracks. Not a big deal, but just a reminder that it's not invincible. It's a machine that suffers wear and tear when being thrashed on.

[Racecomp Engineering]

In terms of where to start...assuming you're already on good tires, a proper sports alignment is crucial. Camber bolts up front and a capable alignment shop will make a dramatic difference far beyond a strut tower bar.

- Andrew

[wparsons]

OP, save your money. You'll get a lot more deflection from the bushings in the suspension than the strut bar will prevent.

If you look at the GS graph the difference is ~18/1000", that's a tiny difference.

Originally Posted by Aluma007

I felt a huge difference crossing railroad tracks, taking corners on the streets and autoX. GS is cheap and simple.

I'd bet that's more placebo than reality.

[mrhayes1]

I am no expert but it was always my understanding that strut braces are largely pointless and mainly for looks, especially on a car like this that has such a good chassis from the factory. You are better off doing bushings or sway bars as others have mentioned. Also, another thing to point out is that for a street car, stiffer isn't always better. There is no doubt in my mind that adding a strut brace would make the front end stiffer, but do you really want that? For a daily driven car like mine there is no need to reduce body roll or make the car stiffer for me which is why I never bought one. In fact, I would argue anyone that adding strut bars could very much decrease performance on a street car, especially in bumpy corners or on uneven pavement.

"Loose is fast" - Days of Thunder quote

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

I liked the difference in feel after getting the GS strut bar.

[DandoX]

I bought the expensive hotchics triangle. I say I notice it, but it is probably just placebo effect. It looks cool, and you know what I would get it again, because sometimes buying car parts is not rational. On the other side, having any sort of strut bar through the middle is actually pretty handy when you want to lean over the engine you have a great place to put your weight on.

[Ernest72]

Originally Posted by DandoX

I bought the expensive hotchics triangle. I say I notice it, but it is probably just placebo effect. It looks cool, and you know what I would get it again, because sometimes buying car parts is not rational. On the other side, having any sort of strut bar through the middle is actually pretty handy when you want to lean over the engine you have a great place to put your weight on.

You officially have the mod disease. I have it as well.

My only advice is be sure you want to really stiffen the car up.

I have changed literally every bushing on my 04 WRX to Group N or poly. I have multiple braces, stiffer springs, group n top hats, etc. The car handles great but go over railroad tracks and you might lose a filling. The whiteline antilift kit and the front control arm poly bushing are the culprits and put insane harshness into the car. Even with my soft sidewall snow tires. I love it for twisties, spirited driving and smooth roads, but for DD when you are tired after work and the roads suck around here it is defintely harsh. It makes my 16 BRZ feel like a Lexus.

Therefore I am not doing the same thing on the BRZ because it really does not need it for DD.