What's the real deal on these things? I know some people have them and say it makes all the difference in the world, then others say they do nothing.

I thought I'd come in here and find out from some knowledgable people.

As of now I don't do any autox, just street driving, but I'd like to get into it. Car sees trips to the track every other month or so. But lowest possible ETs aren't the only thing I care about. I want a good handling car that can hold it's own anywhere. On my car I've done mostly suspension mods so far. Eibach springs, sfcs, panhard bar, relocation brackets, LCAs.

Is this thing worth the extra weight over the front end? Will I notice anything with it? Autox drivers use it? Recommended for just some spirited street driving?

 

It makes a difference, but subframes are even better.

 

Yes, yes, yes and yes.

 

Extra weight? Mine has got to be around 4 pounds, its worth it.

 

I just put a BMR strut tower brace on my car a few weeks ago and thought there was a pretty noticeable difference. My car should have subframes (BMR) on it this weekend-or next if I don't have time.

 

Here's my two cents, if the strut tower brace wasn't there, then wouldn't the fenders hit the hood when you are cornering hard?

I totally see how it structurally could be beneficial though by sort of boxing in the front suspension.

 

the amount of travel you're trying to prevent is probably less than .25 inch. but good drivers can feel the difference if it moves even less than that

 

Even on the freeway it was noticed very much so, in regular driving you will also notice. The stiffer your springs/shocks are going to be, the more it will hurt handling without the STB. This is yes because the shock towers flex, which is going to change your alignment, and means that your body is your suspension, when your springs and bar should be doing the work.

So in reality on a moderately sprung car it may only be a minute "lap time" difference, its nice to have, and its another way to avoid those squeaks and rattles that older cars will get at some point in thier lives. Since its a cheap mod I think it should be on most anyones list at some point, I went with the Hotchkis because its easy to remove and I have to admit, I liked how it looked.

 

The best way to describe it IMO is to think of a U-shaped piece of metal and a boxed piece of metal. Which one would be easier to bend in your hands?

- Brent

 

A straight bar is also recommened and much stronger. IF you grab a BMR or Edelbrock one you can move it back and forth. I have one from TPIS and its VERY strong. Noticed an immediate difference. The aluminium ones are a total joke.

 

weird, the only ones I recall seeing were mild steel, of course it's been ~3 years since I bought my Hotchkis STB so I really don't pay attention to them now.

It's only 5 lbs, and it does tighten up the front a bit. Anything you can do to prevent camber loss (whether its a 35mm sway bar, or a STB) is beneficial.

 

You must be really strong. My BMR brace seems plenty stiff to me.

 

I've had my Granatelli 3 point for about 7 years.
So far, so good!

Kurt

 

Your car is alot stronger.......buy a curved one I guess and let it flex. I would have bought a 3 point unit, but SCCA doesn't allow them.