Cusco's strut tower bars were the first part I added to my 240SX. There really isn't much to this product review. The parts are good, solid, and well-made. They installed easily and were such a good fit that it took a little bit of working back and forth to fit them over the shock tower bolts. The rear bar is made to fit through the two removable sections of rear hatch trim. At the time I found that while the bar would fit, it was too awkward to get a socket wrench through the opening to lock the bar in. Equally difficult would be removing the two nuts and placing them back over the shock threads. With such a narrow space to work with, dropping a bolt into the area between the chassis and the trim could happen easily and would be very annoying. Because of this, I opted to simply take a dremel tool and grind out a larger area to work with. Done right it can still be fairly smooth looking. This is something to be aware of when installing a rear strut tower bar on an S13 240sx fastback.

These products have passed the test of time as they are still on my car today and of course in fine shape.

As for driving, I feel that the strut tower bars have stiffened up the chassis slightly, but that understeer tendency is also slightly increased. I don't believe that daily driving cars or sport tuned (bol on) street cars need strut tower bars at all (functionally speaking), however I feel they are an excellent choice for a driver interested in autocrossing or drifting, as they fortify the shock towers against warping. Once you increase your spring rates I believe strut tower bars serve a justifiable purpose.

I am completely happy and satisfied with my Cusco strut tower bars, but in hindsight I believe these are parts that you may want to consider the price value for. Being that simple welding is all it takes to make a good strut tower bar I might suggest that more prudent tuners opt for a less expensive brand. If, on the other hand, you are looking to go wild and be proud of the tuning as well as the name brands of your car, Cusco's strut tower bars certainly won't dissapoint.


By: Ben C.

STATEMENT OF NON-LIABILITY

The author of this website does not encourage reckless driving on public roadways. The driving techniques and vehicle modifications shown in this webpage are intended for off-road use only and some of the modifications may make your car illegal for public road use. If you want to learn about drifting: more power to you but keep it safe and off of the streets; there are many on-track events for drifting, search for one in your area.

This website is about improving the performance and technique of the car and driver, mainly in respect to vehice handling. It deals with exploring the maximum ranges of tire traction, and in the case of drifting, pushing beyond that limit for extended periods of time. The closer a car comes to the limit of traction and the further it moves beyond the limit of traction the greater the chances of crashes when an error in judgement occurs.

If, while attempting to apply any of the ideas, procedures, or advice contained in this website, you should encounter any unfortunate or undesired circumstance, you will have done so through your own conscious descision. I disclaim responsibility for your actions, AND for your accident.