STi Flexible Tower Brace

[Sentinel]

OK, the name itself should cause enough discussion, but it's correct.

When enquiring about the old Titanium STi Strut brace (see below), I was told by STi that's no longer made due to their engineers finding a better solution through their rally program. A flexible one...

STi Titanium Strut Brace.jpg (205.63 KiB) Viewed 6264 times

Anyway, so without further a do, here it is:

STi Brace 1.JPG (95.19 KiB) Viewed 6264 times

STi Brace 2.JPG (87.61 KiB) Viewed 6264 times

STi's response is theoretically captured in a video - http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/flexible_tower_bar/#/movie

An info bulletin was realised for dealers. It basically says:
"New to the STi Sport Parts Range is the Flexible Tower Brace for the Forestor and Liberty range. Quick and easy to install, improving vehicle dynamics.
The Flexible Tower Brace links both strut tops to ensure body rigidity and also enhancing handling, stability and comfort. The rubber incurred ball-jointed fitting located in the center of the brace allowing the Subaru intelligent chassis to work independently. The brace is made of light-weight aluminum and it's surface is given an alumite treatment that has a strong visual appeal. It will not change the effectiveness of the intercooler."

Another STi tech sheet recommends that the brace be used in conjunction with the lower 'flexible' arms to get the best gains from the brace.

There's plenty of stuff on the net about it but I thought I might put it up here for discussion.

Logic suggests that the towers can now flex inward (toward each other) or concurrently in the same direction, but cannot pull away or apart from each other. It supposedly aids better turn in feel, especially under braking....

I sold one to GTB Liberty in WA who has now fitted his and has driven with it. Seats of the pants stuff I'll leave to him to comment. I've got another on order for another member so we'll see what he says on receipt.

So, what does everyone think? Theory on flexible v stiff braces...

[GTB Liberty]

Well my "seat of the pant" analysis went from NO bar to flexible. Never had a stiff brace.

Essentially, what I noticed is the braking. Well more braking under cornering. It felt more compliant to steering input during braking in a corner. It also just felt more solid , didn't seem as influenced by vehicle load. The steering seemed more accurate, better turn in.

All in all I'm glad I have it. I might keep my eyes out for a 2nd hand SOLID strut bar and install for comparison one day.

[Lib 3.0LR]

Hi Steve whats the price on the STi Flexible Tower Brace
Cheers George

[teK--]

My belief is that just installing the strut tower brace by itself is not going to give anywhere near as much benefit as installing the underbody brace at the same time. Think of a basic square frame; if you butt the top 2 corners but not the bottom two, then it doesn't make that much difference to the strength when you try to push it into a trapezoid shape.

Cusco, AVO are just two makers of the front underbody braces I have seen and they actually aren't that expensive at around $300.00.

Bear in mind also, that the rest of the suspension will have unwanted compliance too, such as bushes and also how soft your suspension is, tyre pressure, sidewall height and rigidity. IMHO adding just a strut brace adds visual appeal (and weight) but if pushing the car hard, it won't be nearly as effective until after addressing the other issues.

[Sentinel]

There is now STi 'flexible' lower arms that compliment the flexible strut brace. They were designed to work with the brace.

George - I'll PM you.

[GTB Liberty]

There is now STi 'flexible' lower arms that compliment the flexible strut brace. They were designed to work with the brace.

George - I'll PM you.

Yep and that flexible lower arm is one of the next things I want.

Until my Lib handles - I can do without the extra horses. The strut top and sways have gone a long way BUT still not quite right.

[Sentinel]

There is now STi 'flexible' lower arms that compliment the flexible strut brace. They were designed to work with the brace.

George - I'll PM you.

Yep and that flexible lower arm is one of the next things I want.

Until my Lib handles - I can do without the extra horses. The strut top and sways have gone a long way BUT still not quite right.

Let me know when you want em mate!

[GTB Liberty]

My belief is that just installing the strut tower brace by itself is not going to give anywhere near as much benefit as installing the underbody brace at the same time. Think of a basic square frame; if you butt the top 2 corners but not the bottom two, then it doesn't make that much difference to the strength when you try to push it into a trapezoid shape.

Cusco, AVO are just two makers of the front underbody braces I have seen and they actually aren't that expensive at around $300.00.

Bear in mind also, that the rest of the suspension will have unwanted compliance too, such as bushes and also how soft your suspension is, tyre pressure, sidewall height and rigidity. IMHO adding just a strut brace adds visual appeal (and weight) but if pushing the car hard, it won't be nearly as effective until after addressing the other issues.

Tek,

I would agree BUT that mentality would lead you to do nothing UNTIL you can do everything. I am dealing with the aspects of the car's handling I don't appreciate and can afford to remedy over time.

The brace is aluminium (I think) but regardless is very light in comparison to other braces I have dealt with . . . and YES I did buy it for some bling (can you see the Sti logo LOL). Also nice having something very different.

My suspension man Barry Curnow also lectured me on 38-40 Psi in the tyres or I was wasting my time (was previously 2 Psi above Subaru recommendations). Wonder what Subaru thinks of that BUT it's there now and what a difference . I recommend everyone try it out.

[teK--]

^^ Agreed; some of the items I suggested are either free (tyre pressure) or close to free (wheel alignment) which should all be checked even before the strut brace can offer any improvement. I.e. no point fitting a strut brace if bushes are worn, tyres are flat/out of alignment etc.

Ideally I too would fit every single bit of suspension kit I wanted all at once, but I can not afford it, and there is no fun in a project that doesn't occur in stages .

Re tyre pressures I run 42psi/40psi F/R, that is measured cold after car is parked overnight. On the RE050A 215/45/R17 it gives very good road feedback.