So in my quest to get some better handling from the R without doing major surgery, I went ahead and ordered Viva's Front Strut Tower Brace (http://www.vivaperformance.com...d=773). Here's my mini review:
To preface, my suspension/relevant mods are:
-Powerflex upper engine mount ( http://www.vivaperformance.com...d=389)
-QBM lower transmission mount (http://www.vivaperformance.com...d=589)
-IPD Engine Stabilizer Upper Poly Bushing Kit (http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-S6...-866/)
-Stock Springs
-18" Pegs
Fit/Finish/Install:
When I first received the bar, the packaging was solid and it looked like it had arrived A-OK with lots of padding/bubble wrap where it was needed. Upon inspection the welds look nice and the powder coat is a nice glossy black. It seems very solid and sturdy but yet lightweight (~6lbs).
The install was simply EASY. It is actually easier to install this bar than it is to clean out my BMC air filter (yeah it takes some force to wedge the filter back onto the MAF connector!). Literally took 5 minutes to install using a 13mm socket/ratchet (I also used a few inch socket extension) to loosen the 4 nuts total (2 per side). When installed, I checked for hood clearance issues and I am happy to report that the bar clears the hood without a problem. Also, Viva's website recommends the QBM Strut Bar Conversion Kit (http://www.vivaperformance.com...d=587) for clearance to the stock oem bar. With my current setup there is plenty of room, probably 1/8-3/16" clearance between the new bar and the oem. It really fits nicely and looks like it should be there!
Test Drives:
#1---
56 degrees
sport mode
Car feels more solid upfront. Even going over bumps, the frontend seems "as one." Turning also feels much better and you get the feeling the car is more confident on the turn at higher speeds. This might be just me but I also feel like there is is less body roll.
#2---
approx 35 degrees
sport mode
With the colder weather these past few mornings, I wanted to test out the new bar. As we all know, our Rs (and many cars) tend to vibrate and provide more "feedback" to the driver when the car is cold. So the bar added, IMO, A LITTLE more vibrations but still nothing unbearable. Keep in mind that I also have a stiffer upper engine mount bushing along with the bushings from IPD to make the stock oem bar more rigid. I noticed the same findings, obviously, as the initial ride regarding the more solid feel and just overall better frontend planting.
The Bottom Line:
For the price of the bar you can't go wrong with this mod. You CAN feel the difference with this and anyone with a socket/rachet can install it. Also, you must factor in Viva (George's) customer service which I've found to be one of the best around. Thanks George for bringing us this great product http://********************/smile/emthup.gif http://********************/smile/emthup.gif
PICS:
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Modified by juve021 at 11:22 AM 4-14-2009
Modified by juve021 at 9:23 AM 4-19-2010
To preface, my suspension/relevant mods are:
-Powerflex upper engine mount ( http://www.vivaperformance.com...d=389)
-QBM lower transmission mount (http://www.vivaperformance.com...d=589)
-IPD Engine Stabilizer Upper Poly Bushing Kit (http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-S6...-866/)
-Stock Springs
-18" Pegs
Fit/Finish/Install:
When I first received the bar, the packaging was solid and it looked like it had arrived A-OK with lots of padding/bubble wrap where it was needed. Upon inspection the welds look nice and the powder coat is a nice glossy black. It seems very solid and sturdy but yet lightweight (~6lbs).
The install was simply EASY. It is actually easier to install this bar than it is to clean out my BMC air filter (yeah it takes some force to wedge the filter back onto the MAF connector!). Literally took 5 minutes to install using a 13mm socket/ratchet (I also used a few inch socket extension) to loosen the 4 nuts total (2 per side). When installed, I checked for hood clearance issues and I am happy to report that the bar clears the hood without a problem. Also, Viva's website recommends the QBM Strut Bar Conversion Kit (http://www.vivaperformance.com...d=587) for clearance to the stock oem bar. With my current setup there is plenty of room, probably 1/8-3/16" clearance between the new bar and the oem. It really fits nicely and looks like it should be there!
Test Drives:
#1---
56 degrees
sport mode
Car feels more solid upfront. Even going over bumps, the frontend seems "as one." Turning also feels much better and you get the feeling the car is more confident on the turn at higher speeds. This might be just me but I also feel like there is is less body roll.
#2---
approx 35 degrees
sport mode
With the colder weather these past few mornings, I wanted to test out the new bar. As we all know, our Rs (and many cars) tend to vibrate and provide more "feedback" to the driver when the car is cold. So the bar added, IMO, A LITTLE more vibrations but still nothing unbearable. Keep in mind that I also have a stiffer upper engine mount bushing along with the bushings from IPD to make the stock oem bar more rigid. I noticed the same findings, obviously, as the initial ride regarding the more solid feel and just overall better frontend planting.
The Bottom Line:
For the price of the bar you can't go wrong with this mod. You CAN feel the difference with this and anyone with a socket/rachet can install it. Also, you must factor in Viva (George's) customer service which I've found to be one of the best around. Thanks George for bringing us this great product http://********************/smile/emthup.gif http://********************/smile/emthup.gif
PICS:
Modified by juve021 at 11:22 AM 4-14-2009
Modified by juve021 at 9:23 AM 4-19-2010
