2nd Gen STB recommendation?

[kman]

hey guys, I am in the market for a strut tower brace but not sure if there is any difference between brands. Does anyone have any recommendations and their experience with before and after? I really appreciate. Thanks in advance!

 

[meme405]

I'm not sure but I think the GT-Spec STB might be your only option. I'm sure the factory that makes them also sells them on the side re-branded as something else.

 

[kman]

Thanks for the follow up meme405! The general feeling on the STB from what I've been reading is positive. (I didn't mean to make it sound like a disease :p).

 

[PMG 705]

I have the GT-Spec and have had no issues. Thee difference in handling is noticeable, but more so when you get the other pieces.

PMG

 

[jbaker1121]

GT-SPEC but I think you can only buy off-brand copies now (or same factory, less quality examples)

 

[kman]

Thanks guys! I've seen the other pieces too. looks like I'll be doing STB soon. PMG, what other pieces do you have? And, where did you notice the biggest difference? Looks like I'll be needing to add items to the shopping list...

 

[jbaker1121]

STB tightens up the front and steering. Rear tie tightens up back. The rest just add to stiffness which to be honest unless you really want/need the extra stiffness all it does is make the ride worse. If anything I would get the STB and rear tie and that's it. I had all of the ones avail on my first gen. Those + eibachs = stiff ass ride but handled like a small sports car...

 

[kman]

JBaker, You're the MAN!! Shopping list has been updated! Thank you for your input.

 

[GEE50FX]

I had a GTspec strut bar for my 09FX35 and it was crap, did not fit properly, the pieces that bolt down on to your inner fender would not sit flat so you could bolt it down onto your front strut bolts. I could not even get a full nut on the strut bolts.. I threw it out, would never buy another.

 

[kman]

Sorry to hear this GEE50FX.... Do you think it was a defective unit? Has anyone else come across this too?

 

[GEE50FX]

Sorry to hear this GEE50FX.... Do you think it was a defective unit? Has anyone else come across this too?

Well I did see the same problem on another members ride but they thought it was alright even though the 3 nuts on the strut bolts were not on a full nut.
The plate was hitting a raised boss on the inner fender and not allowing it to sit down (see picture with arrow pointing to blue spot where paint was rubbed off from the bracket.) I ended up trying to raise it up with washers and grinding down the bracket where it was hitting..

 

[neitjnf]

I got a gtspec replica from ebay for my FX50, fit just fine.

 

[kman]

No worries.... It is what it is and I will deal accordingly. Thanks for the input and hopefully fitment is a non-issue. Will post with follow up.