Strut Tower Bar clearances
01-23-04, 11:12 AM
#1
Strut Tower Bar clearances
I am going to be purchasing a front strut bar shortly, and I would like to know what you folks recomened. Mainly because I hear about clearnce prblems when you swap in the FD alternator, and I would like to know what will fit with no clearamce issues..
Last edited by eyecandy; 01-23-04 at 11:15 AM.
01-23-04, 11:34 AM
#2
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I got the $16 e-bay brace.
Any brand will be tight.
I have 3/8" over the stock alternator, and 1/4" below the hood insulation.
With an FD alternator, you might need a shorter belt..
Any brand will be tight.
I have 3/8" over the stock alternator, and 1/4" below the hood insulation.
With an FD alternator, you might need a shorter belt..
Last edited by SureShot; 01-23-04 at 11:37 AM.
01-23-04, 11:54 AM
#3
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I just installed one from Ractive on my 1991 N/A.
The plates fit fine, the bar is slightly bent (as they all are) so you have to be carefull to position it so it sits forward of the alternator and as low as possible.
When I first put it on I had it set to go above the alternator, a big NO NO! It was very obvious that this would hit the hood big time. So check the clearance before you drop the hood to close it!
It took a little fiddling but its on now...looks cool
The plates fit fine, the bar is slightly bent (as they all are) so you have to be carefull to position it so it sits forward of the alternator and as low as possible.
When I first put it on I had it set to go above the alternator, a big NO NO! It was very obvious that this would hit the hood big time. So check the clearance before you drop the hood to close it!
It took a little fiddling but its on now...looks cool
01-23-04, 12:08 PM
#4
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the Trust bar will not fit an NA without a little coaxing, it's made for a TII in japan where the rad. cap is in a different location. We heated mine up a made a few very small bends, you can't tell 
01-23-04, 12:09 PM
#5
Originally posted by asherwood
I just installed one from Ractive on my 1991 N/A.
The plates fit fine, the bar is slightly bent (as they all are) so you have to be carefull to position it so it sits forward of the alternator and as low as possible.
I just installed one from Ractive on my 1991 N/A.
The plates fit fine, the bar is slightly bent (as they all are) so you have to be carefull to position it so it sits forward of the alternator and as low as possible.
I put one of these on my 86.
There is no real issues with alternator clearance - as long as you have it positionned correctly as asherwood said.
Any fitment issues you may have would probably be solved with a shorter alternator belt.
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01-23-04, 12:32 PM
#8
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Originally posted by eyecandy
Sureshot, what is the quality like of the ebay strut bar?
Sureshot, what is the quality like of the ebay strut bar?
After installing I bent the brackets up about 1/4".
The bar is rotated about 20deg forward.
01-23-04, 12:54 PM
#9
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Other than rezizine the bracket that attaches to the tower, i have no issues installing. As a mater of fact I have plenty of clearance at the alternator. Mine is a cheapo ebay bar. for my limited driving skills I do notice a difference.
01-23-04, 05:14 PM
#12
I have yet to hear of any clearance Issues with that of a FD Alternator and the use of a Strut Bar. There was speculation, as Is this thread I'm assuming, but thats It. I have had a Reactive Strut Bar (at on point), and now a Cusco Bar on - both clearing all peripherals.
01-23-04, 05:17 PM
#13
Originally posted by asherwood
I just installed one from Ractive on my 1991 N/A.
The plates fit fine, the bar is slightly bent (as they all are) so you have to be carefull to position it so it sits forward of the alternator and as low as possible.
When I first put it on I had it set to go above the alternator, a big NO NO! It was very obvious that this would hit the hood big time. So check the clearance before you drop the hood to close it!
It took a little fiddling but its on now...looks cool
I just installed one from Ractive on my 1991 N/A.
The plates fit fine, the bar is slightly bent (as they all are) so you have to be carefull to position it so it sits forward of the alternator and as low as possible.
When I first put it on I had it set to go above the alternator, a big NO NO! It was very obvious that this would hit the hood big time. So check the clearance before you drop the hood to close it!
It took a little fiddling but its on now...looks cool
01-23-04, 06:47 PM
#15
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I used to have the GReddy unit, and I've changed over to the Cusco one. One of the big problems I had was the coolant filler neck fitting to the overflow reservior. It tended to snap the plastic end real quick due to the tight space. I've had to flip the coolant filler neck backwards to make sure it stopped breaking.
-Ted
-Ted
01-23-04, 07:06 PM
#16
i am legendary
Originally posted by SureShot
I got the $16 e-bay brace.
Any brand will be tight.
I have 3/8" over the stock alternator, and 1/4" below the hood insulation.
With an FD alternator, you might need a shorter belt..
I got the $16 e-bay brace.
Any brand will be tight.
I have 3/8" over the stock alternator, and 1/4" below the hood insulation.
With an FD alternator, you might need a shorter belt..
i think my strut tower bar is the same one as yours (not sure though, last owner put it on) and i had to tilt mine a little like you (it appears) it was pretty damn close i can tell you that
01-23-04, 07:31 PM
#17
Lives on the Forum
Originally posted by RETed
I used to have the GReddy unit, and I've changed over to the Cusco one. One of the big problems I had was the coolant filler neck fitting to the overflow reservior. It tended to snap the plastic end real quick due to the tight space. I've had to flip the coolant filler neck backwards to make sure it stopped breaking.
I used to have the GReddy unit, and I've changed over to the Cusco one. One of the big problems I had was the coolant filler neck fitting to the overflow reservior. It tended to snap the plastic end real quick due to the tight space. I've had to flip the coolant filler neck backwards to make sure it stopped breaking.
-Ted
01-23-04, 08:43 PM
#18
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I have a CP Racing bar, its awsome reinforcement but to fit it you have to cut the corners off the fan, they ran it there instead of by the alternator belt. I love it and only takes like 5 minutes to cut the fan and i got mine exact so its balanced.
