I currently have the old VRT (RA) strut bar because I bought it back when it was the only game on the market. Want to get something that is a little less cumbersome and easier to take on and off, plus give me a little more room for future mods as well as clearing my 3/8" spacer.

TBH, I haven't paid much attention to the new front STB offerings so I could use some help and feedback on which spacer might work best.

I've done some searching and it looks like these are the current offerings

ARC - I really don't need baller status on my STB.
VRT/RA - What I already have
Richie's - Replica of the ARC bar, V2 seems to have the best fitment compatibility.
Stillen - Similar to their rear STB, not sure if it would clear my spacer?
Kinetix - I think I'll pass.

Is this it? Anybody have any feedback they can provide? I think right now I'm deciding between Richie's and Stillen. TIA.

 

There is also the circuit sports bar which is 1 piece welded aluminum. I have it and I like the design better than the Arc style bars with attachable ends

 

Do you have a link to it? Thanks.

EDIT: NM, found it. Forgot to mention I'd like to keep access to adjust my front settings on my KW's, so that makes the Circuit Sports bar harder to use.

 

it takes less than 5 mins to install/uninstall so thats not a huge issue imo

 

Ok, that's cool, because my current bar is a nightmare in that regard.

 

i just installed the powerlab 3/8" spacer and I have the circuit sport STB. clears no problem. 1 piece design is the way to go.




http://www.rogueengineering.com/Merc...uct_Code=RE_RB

"What to look for in a strut tower brace?
When looking at a strut tower brace to give you the most benefit, it should have the following features:

-Sufficient protection of the strut tower top (to prevent "mushrooming")
-No pivots or heim-style joints to allow the bar to flex or bend, but adjustable, to allow for intention suspension changes.



-Center bar with minimal bends or kinks (straighter is stiffer!)
-Provide adequate underhood clearance (so not to dimple the hood)
-Allow for suspension changes (for those that frequent the track)
-Made from the best materials available (for lightweight, coefficient of thermal expansion)
-Even BMW applied many of these traits to their own strut tower braces when they offered them. For the E36 and E46 models, both used cast aluminum strut tower plates and matched them to tubular steel center bars. "

 

Does the circuit sports bar work with coilovers? Is there sufficient room the adjust the **** or would you have to take the bar off each time?

 

that rogue bar looks awesome. I wish they made something like that for our cars.

 

Circuit Sports is a nice solid design, but doesn't provide enough clearance if you have coilovers. I highly recommend the Richie's V2 (or NRG version).

 

Richie's over-cleared my engine and rubbed the hood. I drilled the holes lower on the brackets, but haven't put it back on. I don't think I really want to either... I was hoping I could get my hands on one of those VRT bars.

 

^ yeah my NRG did that also. drilling the holes down was a major PITA!

 

Sweet, I'm not the only one!

 

Circuit Sports here:

http://phase2motorsports.stores.yaho...barbraces.html

 

Hmmm... I wonder if this is enough clearance for the ****...