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Viva Strut Tower Brace vs Strut Bar Conversion

7012 Views 22 Replies 18 Participants Last post by  stealthS60AWD, 
A
I was looking at the Viva Strut Tower Brace http://www.vivaperformance.com...d=773. At the same page Viva also referred to their Strut Bar Conversion kit http://www.vivaperformance.com...d=587 as an additional installation.

However, it looks like what the conversion kit is doing is basically turning the engine bar into a strut bar. I wonder why I should install the Strut Tower Brace at all? Aren't these two products creating the same result?

Does anyone have suggestions of other brands of strut bars with comparable or even better quality?

Modified by andersh67 at 11:55 PM 5-14-2009

Modified by andersh67 at 11:59 PM 5-14-2009

Modified by andersh67 at 12:01 AM 5-15-2009
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K
Doing the mod does seem to make a little difference...but if you look at how the engine brace is mounted to the chassis, you'll quickly see how an actual strut bar would be/is superior.
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J
Re: Viva Strut Tower Brace vs Strut Bar Conversion (andersh67)

Quote, originally posted by andersh67 »
I was looking at the Viva Strut Tower Brace http://www.vivaperformance.com...d=773. At the same page Viva also referred to their Strut Bar Conversion kit http://www.vivaperformance.com...d=587 as an additional installation.

However, it looks like what the conversion kit is doing is basically turning the engine bar into a strut bar. I wonder why I should install the Strut Tower Brace at all? Aren't these two products creating the same result?

Does anyone have suggestions of other brands of strut bars with comparable or even better quality?

I did the QBM conversion first, and it helped somewhat.. nice result. Cheap. They ViVA got the UR strut bars and that made an even bigger difference. If I got another R, I would do both again. It really was worth it.
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Re: Viva Strut Tower Brace vs Strut Bar Conversion (Jeremy7o2)

Quote, originally posted by Jeremy7o2 »


I did the QBM conversion first, and it helped somewhat.. nice result. Cheap. They ViVA got the UR strut bars and that made an even bigger difference. If I got another R, I would do both again. It really was worth it.

+1 - Same situation for me and with both installs I could feel a difference.
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Re: Viva Strut Tower Brace vs Strut Bar Conversion (juve021)

I did the strut bar conversion and it does tighten things up nicely. That being said, it does TIGHTEN things up. Couple that with a poly engine mount, you will feel every niggle of the engine during idle inside the cabin. I've gotten used to it, but I was tempted (still am) to undue the conversion and maybe invest in a strut tower brace later on. Or just revert to stock and leave it alone.
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Re: Viva Strut Tower Brace vs Strut Bar Conversion (andersh67)

I have both. You want to talk about front grip. Wow is the word for it.
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D
hell, i did the 30 dollar IPD bushings that you stick around the bolts to make the bar firm. well well worth the 30. steering is tighter, shifting is cleaner, car feels stiffer. might not last as long as a metal bar, but for 30 bucks i can change then every other year.

http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-S6...1-866/
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C
They will BOTH help.

I have just the strut bar Coversion. I had the drivers side of the car raised about 9". I had some serious issues un-screwing the Over the Engine bar off one side.

The body flexes that much.
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Re: (chinaonnitrous1)

Anyone have the rear one? Never knew this one existed...
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Re: (b1gtime)

Quote, originally posted by b1gtime »
Anyone have the rear one? Never knew this one existed...

That would be Mad Matt.
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C
Love my Viva bar. For me it was either the QBM conversion kit OR the Viva bar. I chose the bar and am very happy with it, steering is much tighter and precise. I have more confidence going into turns.
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Re: (b1gtime)

Quote, originally posted by b1gtime »
Anyone have the rear one? Never knew this one existed...

I've heard that the rear bar is a bogus mod, because its mounting points and design dictate that it has no stiffening effect. YMMV.
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Re: (JoeLvo)

Quote, originally posted by JoeLvo »


I've heard that the rear bar is a bogus mod, because its mounting points and design dictate that it has no stiffening effect. YMMV.

I can see that side of the argument makes sense but the rear bar solved some minor side hop issues I was having and also feels like the rear end is firmer when driving aggressively. It is not a rear strut bar, it is a rear brace. Just my thoughts on it.

Modified by mad matt at 12:36 PM 5-15-2009
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Re: (mad matt)

Another option, although I've read some scraping complaints:
http://forums.swedespeed.com/z...83298


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IVe got the rear bar, plan on slapping it on this weekend. I just figured wth, if it does something, then good.. if not oh well..
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3
Re: (skibum0627)

Quote, originally posted by skibum0627 »
Another option, although I've read some scraping complaints:
http://forums.swedespeed.com/z...83298





Those look like they have scrape written all over them
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Re: (b1gtime)

Quote, originally posted by b1gtime »
Anyone have the rear one? Never knew this one existed...

Yeah.. that was a fun experience. You can see the specs on my car, and After I but the front and rear bars on, i was able to start to bring the rear around on the track. Before, it just wouldn't do it. Now it was more over steer then neutral.

I would also do this on another R too. Very very nice kit.. and CHEAP too. http://********************/smile/emthup.gif
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JRL
Re: Viva Strut Tower Brace vs Strut Bar Conversion (andersh67)

Of all the chassis combinations I have tried, I feel the strut bar (stiffening) conversion is the best.
The Viva brace is helpful (looks good!
) and a good add on but do the strut bushings first.
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Re: (b1gtime)

I have it and my car was stiff before now it is even stiffer. I could really tell a difference with all the stuff I have doen to my suspension then adding the rear bar last!
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Re: Viva Strut Tower Brace vs Strut Bar Conversion (JRL)

Quote, originally posted by JRL »
Of all the chassis combinations I have tried, I feel the strut bar (stiffening) conversion is the best.
The Viva brace is helpful (looks good!
) and a good add on but do the strut bushings first.

Can you elaborate on why you prefer the stiffer bushings over the QBM strut bar conversion kit?
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