Tanabe or Cusco tower bar?

[efactor84]

I'm trying to get everyone's preference on both brands. I'm trying to do my first mod, but can't decide. I was thinking going to Tanabe because of the price plus they are steel made. I could get the brake master cylinder from Grimm Speed to add to be more effective on braking response later to save $60. But, then it comes to Cusco offering the LHD Master Brake Cylinder, but I think Cusco is aluminum instead of steel. Which one would you go with or what experience have you guys had with either brand? Thanks

[JoeBoxer]

I'm going with the Tanabe, i don't think you will tell a lot of difference between brands on something like this unless you went with a full 3 point bar like the Hotchkis or FT86SpeedFactory ones.

Whiteline makes a nice one too but it's not out yet however the price is pretty competitive, i can get any of those except the FT86 one so just let me know!

[efactor84]

I notice with Tanabe's tower bar, they have it inside the engine bay either way. I don't know if it something special or for preference for show.

[JoeBoxer]

I think you posted the same pic twice, it can be used with some other bars too i think Rene @86design is running a Tanabe and a cusco bar.

[efactor84]

Originally Posted by JoeBoxer

I think you posted the same pic twice, it can be used with some other bars too i think Rene @86design is running a Tanabe and a cusco bar.

Made correction while I was doing the image boxes

[JoeBoxer]

I would do it on the back since you have the factory braces going to the front bolts but might as well try it both ways and see if you can tell any difference.
@whataboutbob how is yours mounted and did you notice any difference?

[whataboutbob]

I mounted mine on the back. Didn't even think of the front option. I'm thinking of geometry right now and torsional loading, but I can't think of a good reason to mount it either way at this point. Not sure I really noticed the difference between not having it and having it mounted. In all honesty I got it quite a while ago.

[whataboutbob]

Originally Posted by efactor84

I notice with Tanabe's tower bar, they have it inside the engine bay either way. I don't know if it something special or for preference for show.

@JoeBoxer If you look close here, there are 2 different mounts. It looks like depending which mount you have it goes in the front or the back. Mine had the mounts for the back, which is probably why I mounted it that way.

If you look at the image linked on the Tanabe website here http://www.tanabe-usa.com/other/files/312_img2.jpg it shows the one with mounts like mine. Although this one http://www.tanabe-usa.com/other/files/312_img1.jpg shows the bar with the other mounts.

[JoeBoxer]

Maybe the picture of it mounted towards the front was when still being designed, towards the rear makes more sense and looks better to me.

[efactor84]

Originally Posted by JoeBoxer

Maybe the picture of it mounted towards the front was when still being designed, towards the rear makes more sense and looks better to me.

xD.

[jumbaco]

Tanabe tested two different designs but I think they're going with this one only. That's what shows on the website anyway. The Tanabe one has adjustable preload which is nice. I like the polish finish on the cusco though.

[efactor84]

With money being no object which one would you guys go with? Tanabe or Cusco w/MBC (master brake cylinder)

[whataboutbob]

I have a Grimmspeed MCB and I think it definitely improves the brake pedal feel. I don't have any complaints about the Tanabe bar.

If money was no object, I'd probably buy the Cusco one with the MCB.

[JoeBoxer]

I still like the Tanabe over the Cusco along with a Grimmspeed, Perrin, or TIC MC Brace.