My car came with a factory strut bar. I see some people have bought aftermarket ones so my question is whats the difference between a factory strut bar and aftermarket or what makes one better than the other?

 

Probably nothing. Save ourself some money and just paint it.

 

Under tq the car flexs, what do i mean flex, the body/frame of the car PHYSICALLY bends, flexs, when you gun it.



Strut bar, including stock, by supporting the top of the "struts" of the car, reason why strut bar is located where it is, connects the driver and passenger front strut/coilover depending on what you have, it reduces/prevents those points from flexing.



Why is it important for those to points not to flex?: Because the struts/coilovers are responsible for the handling of the car, so you really want both of them to be on the same page while spirited driving.



Why do aftermarket? Stock works great... until it doesn't. Under tq and while turning the car flexs more. So a strong bar, with high grade steel along with being bolted, or welded or Locktite, will prevent even MORE flex.

 

No need to get anything better than stock IMHO. You can take the stock on off and not really notice a difference. The strut towers are pretty close to the firewall so there is little natural flex. I was thinking of taking mine off just for the weight savings. If I were to go out on the track I would put it back on......

 

Psh





Remember that you are still dealing with a car that has rubber strut tops, rubber shock mounts, rubber control arm mounts, rubber subframe mouts, rubber engine mounts, a steering damper, rubber gear shifter bushes, and rubber sway bar mounts.





I don't think 0.01mm of flex in one of the strongest parts of the car is going to make any noticeable difference at all. Also the stock strut bar will have been designed to actually work with the rest of the car in a big frontal collision.



Save your money.