How to: Front Tower Strut Bar (speedline/autoexe)

[xraytedjim]

I just installed my front tower strut bar on my 2008 CX7. I followed the very well written instructions from here:

How To - "AutoExe" strut tower bar install


Below is my addition to that thread and post install pics.

Hi,

I bought my strut tower bar from speedline and I couldn't be more happy with it. Handling has greatly improved and the bar seems very well built. Paid around $140 total shipped to my house from Taiwan. Took about a week or so to get it.

Install:

I followed the OP's instructions to the T and everything worked out great. A perfect write up. The instructions that come with the bar don't really tell you much of anything, so it helped to have some further instructions. The worst part of the whole install (as noted in the OP instructions) was that damn windshield wiper molding. It's not that it's hard, it's just time consuming and tedious. Putting the tower bar on is very easy. Just a few washers and re-bolt back on. Another tedious part was the cutting of the plastic. I used a Dremel tool to cut away at the plastic. Once again, it's not hard, just tedious as you are trying to get the cuts right. I don't think mine turned out bad, but definitely could have cleaned them up a bit. I was just getting tired. Putting the windshield molding back on was probably the worst part. It's easy taking everything apart... not so much when you have to remember how to put it all back together again. It got done, however.

Total install time from start to finish: About 2 hours.

The one thing to mention to those who have upgraded their TMIC. The engine shroud is a very difficult fit now going under the bar. I had to come in from the side and finegal it in. It's a very tight fit now. I have the cp-e TMIC which increases the height from the stock 2 inches to 3.25 inches. Attached are my pics:

Thanks again OP for the write up and talking me through it. It's a great addition to my car!! I highly recommend it.

(UPDATE): The tight fit was causing some rubbing/vibrations from the engine cover to the strut bar. I took it all back apart and added a few more washers which gave it the extra height to not touch/vibrate. Awesome now!









After adding a few extra washers to the strut tower bar now the height doesn't rub:

[Black(M)]

damn

now I want to get another thing for my ride

tightens handling, huh?

thanks for the how-to! is there any way to cover up the modded portion? A black rubber shroud/boot maybe?

[xraytedjim]

Originally Posted by Black(M) damn now I want to get another thing for my ride tightens handling, huh? thanks for the how-to! is there any way to cover up the modded portion? A black rubber shroud/boot maybe?

Definitely helps with handling. I'm sure you could find something to cover it up, but, it doesn't bother me much.

[theschrum]

Run by the edges of the plastic trim quickly with a lighter. It will clean them up a bit.