Science behind the different strut bars?

[MisterSheep]

Has there been a thread yet that goes over all of the differences between the strut bars that are available for this car? I saw the TRD carbon fiber one and starting thinking to myself.. Wouldn't that not create much of a difference? I know it's carbon fiber, while carbon fiber not being flimsy like paper, but would it perform less than lets say the Cusco bar where it's thicker, probably sturdier, and has more points of contact to the strut towers. I'm guessing it's another, pay for the name, part huh?

[jawn]

It's a pretty small improvement, regardless. The tiny strut bars that we have from the factory do a pretty good job. I went with the Grimmspeed because it was priced right, and has an almost OEM look about it.

[go_a_way1]

Originally Posted by MisterSheep

Has there been a thread yet that goes over all of the differences between the strut bars that are available for this car? I saw the TRD carbon fiber one and starting thinking to myself.. Wouldn't that not create much of a difference? I know it's carbon fiber, while carbon fiber not being flimsy like paper, but would it perform less than lets say the Cusco bar where it's thicker, probably sturdier, and has more points of contact to the strut towers. I'm guessing it's another, pay for the name, part huh?

Well I can tell you that you want something that goes completely around the strut tower. I think you want ones with hinges too for performance, but honestly this part makes such a little difference in handling I haven't looked much into them lol

[cdrazic93]

tortional flex on the carbon one will be better (stiffer) but points of contact are probably just as important as material used.

[DAEMANO]

Hysterisis...

I've posted this a few times. It goes into some detail about the thoughts behind the BRZ tS (including its' strut bar).

http://www.motortrend.com/news/subar...s-first-drive/

....Hysteresis is the lag between when the steering wheel of a vehicle is turned and when the vehicle actually begins to turn. Reducing hysteresis has been achieved in sports and race cars by increasing body rigidity via traditional braces and stiffeners. Slop in the chassis from soft springs and rubber bushings can be lessened via harder durometer substitutes, including solid mounts or metal spherical bearings (which the tS also has in the rear suspension linkage). These provide little to no give whatsoever but then introduce other problems, chiefly harsh ride quality, as road vibrations have nowhere to dissipate but up through the seat, steering wheel, and ultimately the driver’s fillings.

This is where the innate flexibility of the BRZ’s chassis and the controlled flexibility of the tS parts seem to work together. STI engineers explained that the flexible strut tower brace and draw stiffeners promote rigidity only in certain directions. The spherical bearing equipped strut tower brace apparently adds structural support across the shock towers for great steering response while also allowing for a bit of vertical movement that is key for maximum tire contact, and a smooth ride...

[mav1178]

^^ that engine bay looks familiar...

[DAEMANO]

Originally Posted by mav1178

^^ that engine bay looks familiar...

You get all the good shit.


So jelly...

[NLSP]

I haven't tried others, but I have the TRD bar, and I can say there's a positive difference in feel and response.

I'd imagine it'd be quite difficult to compare, measure, or even feel the difference between different brands. Only way to find out is to try them all back-to-back lol. I'd just get any one that you can trust is a quality piece, such as GrimmSpeed, Beatrush, Cusco, STI, or TRD.

[boredom.is.me]

Originally Posted by go_a_way1

Well I can tell you that you want something that goes completely around the strut tower. I think you want ones with hinges too for performance, but honestly this part makes such a little difference in handling I haven't looked much into them lol

You would want a strut without hinges... Drive a car with a Grimmspeed vs Cusco, and you can tell a difference. I have a Grimmspeed bar.

[Ultramaroon]

I don't ever plan on running a bar because I am firmly in the placebo camp.

That being said, don't even bother considering anything that doesn't transmit the axial load in a perfectly straight line with the least possible moment couple between the tower and bar end. The mounts must be super stiff in reaction to the cantilevered load.

[ryoma]

I had always thought that strut tower bars over the engine is pretty much useless since you have the engine bolted in there. am I wrong?

[Kostamojen]

Originally Posted by ryoma

I had always thought that strut tower bars over the engine is pretty much useless since you have the engine bolted in there. am I wrong?

Drivetrains are not part of the structural rigidity of most cars.

[boredom.is.me]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

I don't ever plan on running a bar because I am firmly in the placebo camp.

That being said, don't even bother considering anything that doesn't transmit the axial load in a perfectly straight line with the least possible moment couple between the tower and bar end. The mounts must be super stiff in reaction to the cantilevered load.

I'm big on the placebo thing too. Most people put a filter on and feel like they just got a shot of nitrous. I honestly can't say the same for the GS STB though. Just being honest. No it's not a, "OMG NO WAY, THIS IS TOO REAL!!!!"

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by boredom.is.me

I'm big on the placebo thing too. Most people put a filter on and feel like they just got a shot of nitrous. I honestly can't say the same for the GS STB though. Just being honest. No it's not a, "OMG NO WAY, THIS IS TOO REAL!!!!"

Haha... I'm with you. The GS looks legit; straight and to the point. It won't transform the chassis into an Ariel Atom but I'm sure it's noticeable.