Man hole cover vs. Cusco lower strut bar
07-27-2008, 12:05 AM
#1
Man hole cover vs. Cusco lower strut bar
Washing the car...
Took it out and down the street to get a quick snack...
Right before turning back into the dealership, kablam.
Pardon the few cell phone pics... My camera was in the car... which was 8ft off the ground...
Normal...
Not normal...
Luckily, I was able to get it onto the lift and get the crap off... doing that on the ground w/ a jack would have been near impossible... Maserati of Baltimore is a life saver. <3 That bolt was on there tight! The impact gun couldn't even get it off.
I scrape all day long, so don't mind that.
Snapped in 1/2 at the welds... and completely mangled the mounting bracket and bent it over the big bolt that keeps the bar on the car. I had to use a mallet to bend the bracket backwards to get access to the bolt.
Cusco was smart in using allen bolts on one side... seeing as how all the rubbing against pavement sort of rounded off the bolt side
I'm debating on whether or not to replace it. Driving around without it on, I honestly can't say I feel a negative difference. I totally felt the gain when I installed this when I only had springs... But w/ coilovers, I didn't feel it at all. On the other hand, the bar protects the downpipe/cat and transmission -- so that's a plus... however, if in protecting that stuff the bar snags even worse and bends the under carriage frame, ick -- don't know if it's worth it at that point...
Took it out and down the street to get a quick snack...
Right before turning back into the dealership, kablam.
Pardon the few cell phone pics... My camera was in the car... which was 8ft off the ground...
Normal...
Not normal...
Luckily, I was able to get it onto the lift and get the crap off... doing that on the ground w/ a jack would have been near impossible... Maserati of Baltimore is a life saver. <3 That bolt was on there tight! The impact gun couldn't even get it off.
I scrape all day long, so don't mind that.
Snapped in 1/2 at the welds... and completely mangled the mounting bracket and bent it over the big bolt that keeps the bar on the car. I had to use a mallet to bend the bracket backwards to get access to the bolt.
Cusco was smart in using allen bolts on one side... seeing as how all the rubbing against pavement sort of rounded off the bolt side
I'm debating on whether or not to replace it. Driving around without it on, I honestly can't say I feel a negative difference. I totally felt the gain when I installed this when I only had springs... But w/ coilovers, I didn't feel it at all. On the other hand, the bar protects the downpipe/cat and transmission -- so that's a plus... however, if in protecting that stuff the bar snags even worse and bends the under carriage frame, ick -- don't know if it's worth it at that point...
07-27-2008, 01:21 AM
#2
Wow bummer shite yikes
OK- so now we look at the facts- that bar saved your cat!!
Better to push over an object/ raise the car over it like a launching ramp- than take a direct hit on a really expensive part- think of it as an 85$ cow catcher-- like on a railroad engine.
If you want to run low there is a price to pay- this is it!
YOu may want to cross dips and bumps with more angles so the car goes over better
Its not stronger than the frame rails as you can tell- so not an issue of- its going to damage my car.....that didnt even require the cutting torch! Worst case- it sacrafices itself!
Send a link to this thread to Marcus at MrHeelToe
He may be able to hook you up a little bit on the price- not much profit on such a reasonably priced part, but try coupon code: acurazinerocks- see if that still works
Yes it does make a big differance!!, especially with the new coilovers-
it locates the lower suspension to itself in relation to space and time by locking the 2 frame rails together- right where a normal car would have a cross member for support- we have an open cradle for the engine -trans unit. SO much better with a crossbar
The car has a stock upper shock tower bar to locate them in relation to each other and the firewall/frame.
Some of us add another bar to that!!
When you turn there are lateral forces applied to the frame which cause it to flex.
The car must react to that before it can transition into the turn- braking- accelleration etc.
Every time~
When you installed the lower bar it reduced that sway and flex- made the car a quick lane change machine! right- remember back then!
You may not feel it around the block- but first time you go to enjoy the car, and it just not as good as it was before---
with the suspension able to move - the alignment changes all the time while in motion....
I think its the first mod everyone should do, and still one of the best for the buck
OK- so now we look at the facts- that bar saved your cat!!
Better to push over an object/ raise the car over it like a launching ramp- than take a direct hit on a really expensive part- think of it as an 85$ cow catcher-- like on a railroad engine.
If you want to run low there is a price to pay- this is it!
YOu may want to cross dips and bumps with more angles so the car goes over better
Its not stronger than the frame rails as you can tell- so not an issue of- its going to damage my car.....that didnt even require the cutting torch! Worst case- it sacrafices itself!
Send a link to this thread to Marcus at MrHeelToe
He may be able to hook you up a little bit on the price- not much profit on such a reasonably priced part, but try coupon code: acurazinerocks- see if that still works
Yes it does make a big differance!!, especially with the new coilovers-
it locates the lower suspension to itself in relation to space and time by locking the 2 frame rails together- right where a normal car would have a cross member for support- we have an open cradle for the engine -trans unit. SO much better with a crossbar
The car has a stock upper shock tower bar to locate them in relation to each other and the firewall/frame.
Some of us add another bar to that!!
When you turn there are lateral forces applied to the frame which cause it to flex.
The car must react to that before it can transition into the turn- braking- accelleration etc.
Every time~
When you installed the lower bar it reduced that sway and flex- made the car a quick lane change machine! right- remember back then!
You may not feel it around the block- but first time you go to enjoy the car, and it just not as good as it was before---
with the suspension able to move - the alignment changes all the time while in motion....
I think its the first mod everyone should do, and still one of the best for the buck
07-27-2008, 02:01 AM
#4
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
Wow bummer shite yikes
OK- so now we look at the facts- that bar saved your cat!!
Better to push over an object/ raise the car over it like a launching ramp- than take a direct hit on a really expensive part- think of it as an 85$ cow catcher-- like on a railroad engine.
If you want to run low there is a price to pay- this is it!
YOu may want to cross dips and bumps with more angles so the car goes over better
Its not stronger than the frame rails as you can tell- so not an issue of- its going to damage my car.....that didnt even require the cutting torch! Worst case- it sacrafices itself!
Send a link to this thread to Marcus at MrHeelToe
He may be able to hook you up a little bit on the price- not much profit on such a reasonably priced part, but try coupon code: acurazinerocks- see if that still works
Yes it does make a big differance!!, especially with the new coilovers-
it locates the lower suspension to itself in relation to space and time by locking the 2 frame rails together- right where a normal car would have a cross member for support- we have an open cradle for the engine -trans unit. SO much better with a crossbar
The car has a stock upper shock tower bar to locate them in relation to each other and the firewall/frame.
Some of us add another bar to that!!
When you turn there are lateral forces applied to the frame which cause it to flex.
The car must react to that before it can transition into the turn- braking- accelleration etc.
Every time~
When you installed the lower bar it reduced that sway and flex- made the car a quick lane change machine! right- remember back then!
You may not feel it around the block- but first time you go to enjoy the car, and it just not as good as it was before---
with the suspension able to move - the alignment changes all the time while in motion....
I think its the first mod everyone should do, and still one of the best for the buck
OK- so now we look at the facts- that bar saved your cat!!
Better to push over an object/ raise the car over it like a launching ramp- than take a direct hit on a really expensive part- think of it as an 85$ cow catcher-- like on a railroad engine.
If you want to run low there is a price to pay- this is it!
YOu may want to cross dips and bumps with more angles so the car goes over better
Its not stronger than the frame rails as you can tell- so not an issue of- its going to damage my car.....that didnt even require the cutting torch! Worst case- it sacrafices itself!
Send a link to this thread to Marcus at MrHeelToe
He may be able to hook you up a little bit on the price- not much profit on such a reasonably priced part, but try coupon code: acurazinerocks- see if that still works
Yes it does make a big differance!!, especially with the new coilovers-
it locates the lower suspension to itself in relation to space and time by locking the 2 frame rails together- right where a normal car would have a cross member for support- we have an open cradle for the engine -trans unit. SO much better with a crossbar
The car has a stock upper shock tower bar to locate them in relation to each other and the firewall/frame.
Some of us add another bar to that!!
When you turn there are lateral forces applied to the frame which cause it to flex.
The car must react to that before it can transition into the turn- braking- accelleration etc.
Every time~
When you installed the lower bar it reduced that sway and flex- made the car a quick lane change machine! right- remember back then!
You may not feel it around the block- but first time you go to enjoy the car, and it just not as good as it was before---
with the suspension able to move - the alignment changes all the time while in motion....
I think its the first mod everyone should do, and still one of the best for the buck
07-27-2008, 03:18 AM
#6
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
Its not stronger than the frame rails as you can tell- so not an issue of- its going to damage my car.....that didnt even require the cutting torch! Worst case- it sacrafices itself!
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
The car has a stock upper shock tower bar to locate them in relation to each other and the firewall/frame.
Some of us add another bar to that!!
Some of us add another bar to that!!
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
When you installed the lower bar it reduced that sway and flex- made the car a quick lane change machine! right- remember back then!
You may not feel it around the block- but first time you go to enjoy the car, and it just not as good as it was before---
with the suspension able to move - the alignment changes all the time while in motion....
You may not feel it around the block- but first time you go to enjoy the car, and it just not as good as it was before---
with the suspension able to move - the alignment changes all the time while in motion....
Originally Posted by rob-2
Raise it an inch? That would greatly reduce the chances of snagging again.
07-27-2008, 05:54 AM
#7
tires and rims have nothing to do with frame flex- thats what we are working on with the cross bar.
You should see the one for the TSX- 4 mounting points- a big square and such- but not for us- we can only get a plain jane 1 piece unit,,,, but it certainly works
I built and drove race cars - the roll cage is all about mounting the suspension- nice solid stationary point from which things can operate-
BUT
they really need to be stationary.
If 1.3 tanks of gas money is a big deal right now- leave the bar alone.
If $85 isnt going to make you choose between your medicine and the car- order a new one, and when its installed you will feel the differance right away.
This is assuming you are a driver attuned to what the car is doing all the time- plotting the correct line thru corners- know the braking and turn in points to most of the corners from home to normal errands and work...instead of the easy way straight roads home- you find yourself using the back way home--- thru the residential-- as your own autocross course ...
The PillowTops are what give you that solid feel in the steering and shock/road feedback.
To deny 1200 worth of shocks a known good product for a steady work platform.....
Thats my opinion
You should see the one for the TSX- 4 mounting points- a big square and such- but not for us- we can only get a plain jane 1 piece unit,,,, but it certainly works
I built and drove race cars - the roll cage is all about mounting the suspension- nice solid stationary point from which things can operate-
BUT
they really need to be stationary.
If 1.3 tanks of gas money is a big deal right now- leave the bar alone.
If $85 isnt going to make you choose between your medicine and the car- order a new one, and when its installed you will feel the differance right away.
This is assuming you are a driver attuned to what the car is doing all the time- plotting the correct line thru corners- know the braking and turn in points to most of the corners from home to normal errands and work...instead of the easy way straight roads home- you find yourself using the back way home--- thru the residential-- as your own autocross course ...
The PillowTops are what give you that solid feel in the steering and shock/road feedback.
To deny 1200 worth of shocks a known good product for a steady work platform.....
Thats my opinion
Trending Topics
07-27-2008, 05:58 AM
#8
Let me be clear:
I in NO way meant to imply that anyone here was on any medication ~for any reason~
It was a generic comment such as heard on the news- with gas prices- many people are forced to decide gas or....
I in NO way meant to imply that anyone here was on any medication ~for any reason~
It was a generic comment such as heard on the news- with gas prices- many people are forced to decide gas or....
07-27-2008, 02:19 PM
#10
One question, how did you get your TL in a room full of those exotics? Even out the door more are waiting.....i give you props foresure just by being able to be somewhere like that......and thats right our 2nd GEN TL belongs with the rest of those cars lol....... 
07-28-2008, 04:39 PM
#16
Wow! Bummer! Well, thing is, when you are low this kinda stuff happens. It sucks when you lower your car 2" and it doesn't even appear low. Some Hondas are this way. 90-93 Integra is another example. Slam it and you are barely getting close to the tires.
This brace is a great performance part, but it clearly is not for everyone. It is hard to enjoy all the looks and performance in one package, which is why the best handling cars are not the lowest, and vice versa.
All that being said, maybe consider this part a disposable one for you. Its not practical for you maybe. Damage to the chassis is definitely possible for a car this low, but it more than possible without it too. Consider the fact that yes the bas has been damaged beyond repair, but if not for that par your actual chassis may have hit the ground causing other potential problems. Thus the plight of the lowrider.
I can't say if I think you should get another one, nor can I say others will or will not have this issue. I do know the part works and if the car is to handle best you'd have one. But if you are just tossing $5 out the window whenever you drive it you have to decide if it is worth it.
Sways actually serve a difference function than braces...
This brace is a great performance part, but it clearly is not for everyone. It is hard to enjoy all the looks and performance in one package, which is why the best handling cars are not the lowest, and vice versa.
All that being said, maybe consider this part a disposable one for you. Its not practical for you maybe. Damage to the chassis is definitely possible for a car this low, but it more than possible without it too. Consider the fact that yes the bas has been damaged beyond repair, but if not for that par your actual chassis may have hit the ground causing other potential problems. Thus the plight of the lowrider.
I can't say if I think you should get another one, nor can I say others will or will not have this issue. I do know the part works and if the car is to handle best you'd have one. But if you are just tossing $5 out the window whenever you drive it you have to decide if it is worth it.
Originally Posted by chewi
not sure but maybe some sway bars will be a good alternative
Sways actually serve a difference function than braces...
07-28-2008, 11:46 PM
#18
I know what it's "supposed" to do... But I'm telling you my experience and what I feel... MYcar handles no worse without the bar. I've driven the same roads at the same speed and it handles the exact same. The only thing that has changed on the car since the first time putting the bar on are coilovers and wheels/tires. This car isn't a race car and I don't treat it as such. It's a big slow mildly attractive boat. No hollowed tubed bar is going to change that. Maybe a 4pt square brace or x-brace like available for TSX's and Civcs would change that...
If Mr. Heeltoe says he has one in stock.. I'll probably pick it up just for spits and giggles.
Sways and poly bushings all around were the very next mod on the list.
Yes, but it's under very very bright white lights... It's actually darker and a richer gold looking in the sunlight.
Rear lip.. yea I know. The WW is gonna be a PITA to get and then paint... and I don't feel like dealing with that now.
I just put the stock wheels back on... and I have this aching feeling the rest of the parts are going to go too.... It's getting boring and isn't worth the time or money to me. :/
Haha, it is kinda cool to say you worked on your car on the same air-powered lift that is used to work on $300k Lamborghinis, Maseratis, and Ferraris. But to answer your question... My car club is friends with the dealership. We put on a show at the dealership on Sunday. On Saturday, we went to talk with them and wash/detail our cars in their washing bays. They are a bunch of super nice people. They treat everyone the same -- Maserati owner or Acura owner. So awesome to experience that. I mean, would your local Mercedes shop let you put your car on the lift? Probably not... I get attitude when I walk into Toyota or Honda dealerships.
Here's the GM using a impact gun to try and get off one of the bolts, haha.
Here are some pics the Guest Services lady took
@ the show
My friend left his bagged truck in the showroom overnight
If Mr. Heeltoe says he has one in stock.. I'll probably pick it up just for spits and giggles.
Originally Posted by chewi
not sure but maybe some sway bars will be a good alternative
Originally Posted by SLaMMeD TL
Is that the stock color on the TL very clean car...
Rear lip.. yea I know. The WW is gonna be a PITA to get and then paint... and I don't feel like dealing with that now.
I just put the stock wheels back on... and I have this aching feeling the rest of the parts are going to go too.... It's getting boring and isn't worth the time or money to me. :/
Originally Posted by JDM Inspired
One question, how did you get your TL in a room full of those exotics?
Here's the GM using a impact gun to try and get off one of the bolts, haha.
Here are some pics the Guest Services lady took
@ the show
My friend left his bagged truck in the showroom overnight
you lucky/unlucky bustard!! 
haha jk
12-03-2008, 08:57 AM
#25
bringin lead
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