strut bars stiffin the front end when going into turns and give you better traction with less bodyroll

 

i wouldn't say less body roll...

it links the top of the front suspension so there is less deflection between the two tops = better traction, more consistant turning, potientially more understeer as well though.

 

Not to rain on anyone, but with the strut towers being so close to the fire wall (which is already reinforced), will there be any real benifits of having a strut tower brace besides looking nice?

 

We have a winner!!

Yeh, it'll look badass, dress it up, add weight (meaning slower!), give bragging rights, ect...........

 

Cool, finally selling points that mean something to me! Gotta add at least 5-10HP too!

 

try this test... tie a fishing line to the inner bolts of the strut towers, and tie it pretty taut... then take it out for a hard autocrossing and then come back here and say the line isn't broken.

i don't care if the strut towers are next to the fire wall - connecting them in a REAL way will help with cornering and steering input.

as far as weight is concerned... are you joking? get a lightweight battery and you'll be back to square one...

 

I'll keep that test in mind the next time I do some hard autocrossing in my HHR. I've had a front and rear strut tower braces in my old 95 Acura Integra Hatchback, it was very much benificial for cornering as the the front strut towers were at least a foot away from the firewall.

A strut tower brace made with an aluminum bar and steel mounts weigh in at around 5 lbs., if that. All steel will be about 10-15 lbs.

 

Only with decals, Mike!!

BTW, hadn't spent much time here lately, but want to say that your car looks awesome in the pics I've seen and likely much better in person!!

You have the right to be proud of the work you've done!

 

As an ex chassis engineer and someone who was involved in racing for many years, I have to ask what # test fishing line to use to test your theory?

 

I would love one just to lose some of the torque-steer.