2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
#1
2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
I was just wondering how you guys felt about a 3 point front strut bar that mounts to the shock towers and firewall, compared to a 2 point that only bolts to the shock towers. This is obviously for cars that did not come stock with a 3 point strut bar.
Is it safe to run a 3 point on a car that's your DD? I ask because I was reading about 3 point strut bars eliminating your crumple zones and bending your firewall, even in a small accident. Should I opt for a 2 point solid bar instead, or is the extra rigidity of a 3 point worth the added risk?
Is it safe to run a 3 point on a car that's your DD? I ask because I was reading about 3 point strut bars eliminating your crumple zones and bending your firewall, even in a small accident. Should I opt for a 2 point solid bar instead, or is the extra rigidity of a 3 point worth the added risk?
#3
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
My guess is that the bar will move a bit under normal use.I also am under the impression that if you get into an accident bad enough to bend a frame rail enough for the bar to bend or damage the firewall that will be the least of your worries but I too am going to check back in this thread to see if anyone has first hand experience.
#4
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Nowhere and Everywhere
Posts: 29,531
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
47 Posts
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
Considering that there are cars that have 3-point bars stock, I wouldn't say that 3-point bars are totally terrible.
Also when you consider that a 3-point bar on a car that didn't come with one will bump you up to a higher competition class in SCCA Solo-II autocross, they must be at least somewhat more effective than 2-point bars.
Also when you consider that a 3-point bar on a car that didn't come with one will bump you up to a higher competition class in SCCA Solo-II autocross, they must be at least somewhat more effective than 2-point bars.
#5
Ek Forever y0!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Beating people with a stick, GA
Posts: 16,712
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
Considering that there are cars that have 3-point bars stock, I wouldn't say that 3-point bars are totally terrible.
Also when you consider that a 3-point bar on a car that didn't come with one will bump you up to a higher competition class in SCCA Solo-II autocross, they must be at least somewhat more effective than 2-point bars.
Also when you consider that a 3-point bar on a car that didn't come with one will bump you up to a higher competition class in SCCA Solo-II autocross, they must be at least somewhat more effective than 2-point bars.
#6
Honda-Tech Member
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
its only useful if the 3rd point it "braces" to is actually a firm anchor.
the firewall on a honda is not a firm anchor point. a 3pt would be more to brace the firewall, than the other way around... so its fairly useless.
fender braces would be more effective in what the 3rd point is trying to accomplish.
the firewall on a honda is not a firm anchor point. a 3pt would be more to brace the firewall, than the other way around... so its fairly useless.
fender braces would be more effective in what the 3rd point is trying to accomplish.
#7
Ek Forever y0!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Beating people with a stick, GA
Posts: 16,712
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
its only useful if the 3rd point it "braces" to is actually a firm anchor.
the firewall on a honda is not a firm anchor point. a 3pt would be more to brace the firewall, than the other way around... so its fairly useless.
fender braces would be more effective in what the 3rd point is trying to accomplish.
the firewall on a honda is not a firm anchor point. a 3pt would be more to brace the firewall, than the other way around... so its fairly useless.
fender braces would be more effective in what the 3rd point is trying to accomplish.
I'm pretty partial to the funky neuspeed brace.
Trending Topics
#8
Honda-Tech Member
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
Forgive my idiocy...just trying to get my facts straight, since I seem to want an front strut bar so bad (don't ask why):
What you guys are essentially saying is that a 2 point bar has the same affect as a three point front strut tower bar since it fastens to a $hitty thin layer of sheet metal in the fire wall??? Perfectly logical, why would I not think of this
From what I seem to understand an upper strut tower has a minimal effect on a cars body roll, correct?
I was so set on thinking a three point bar is the way to go???
What you guys are essentially saying is that a 2 point bar has the same affect as a three point front strut tower bar since it fastens to a $hitty thin layer of sheet metal in the fire wall??? Perfectly logical, why would I not think of this
From what I seem to understand an upper strut tower has a minimal effect on a cars body roll, correct?
I was so set on thinking a three point bar is the way to go???
Last edited by PreyStayShun; 04-07-2011 at 03:57 PM.
#9
Ek Forever y0!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Beating people with a stick, GA
Posts: 16,712
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
Patrick says that bars like the Neuspeed are arguably the best because they mount into the UCAs or something. Not exactly sure. But it's one of the few bars that mounts like that.
#11
Honda-Tech Member
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
Seems to make sense...secures in the right places. "Honda / Acura Applications will bolt to the upper control arm bolts in the engine bay." Price isn't bad... found one new for $135 shipped. This makes perfect sense to me I suppose:
As opposed to:
As opposed to:
#13
Honda-Tech Member
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
I owe an apology, Google shopping said shipping was free but then when i clicked on the link shipping is only free on orders os $150+... http://shop.group5motorsport.com/i-168582.aspx
These guys are doing it for $127+Shipping...however orders over $100 are subject to $10 off. I would imagine after checking out this site would end up right around $135
http://www.customcarscentral.com/neu...a--94-01-.html
These guys are doing it for $127+Shipping...however orders over $100 are subject to $10 off. I would imagine after checking out this site would end up right around $135
http://www.customcarscentral.com/neu...a--94-01-.html
#14
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA, United States
Posts: 7,539
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
A strut bar (which is a terrible name for this part on most of our cars), upper or lower, has no affect on body roll.
They can only affect chassis deformation.
My stock front shock tower brace is notched like the red one pictured above to clear GC extended upper shock mounts. Considering that I can't tell the difference while autocrossing the car with it there or not, I think the only reason I keep it on the car is because I lack storage space for it off the car.
#16
Honda-Tech Member
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
Incorrect.
A strut bar (which is a terrible name for this part on most of our cars), upper or lower, has no affect on body roll.
They can only affect chassis deformation.
My stock front shock tower brace is notched like the red one pictured above to clear GC extended upper shock mounts. Considering that I can't tell the difference while autocrossing the car with it there or not, I think the only reason I keep it on the car is because I lack storage space for it off the car.
A strut bar (which is a terrible name for this part on most of our cars), upper or lower, has no affect on body roll.
They can only affect chassis deformation.
My stock front shock tower brace is notched like the red one pictured above to clear GC extended upper shock mounts. Considering that I can't tell the difference while autocrossing the car with it there or not, I think the only reason I keep it on the car is because I lack storage space for it off the car.
#17
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Nowhere and Everywhere
Posts: 29,531
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
47 Posts
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
A more correct term would be shock tower brace. The Neuspeed bar is pretty much the only one I've ever seen that actually directly braces and ties together the upper control arm mounting bolts. Some call it a 4-point bar. However this is only on 92-95 Civic and 94-01 Integra applications (not sure about Accords or other Hondas). Since the 96-00 Civic's UCA bolts attach to the sides of the shock towers, the 96-00 Civic Neuspeed bar application (picture above) mounts to the shock's upper mount bolts like most other bars.
The OEM brace and a few other aftermarket braces attach to the OEM studs (or studs that you add) outboard of the shock mounts, while most aftermarket braces attach to the upper shock mounts. In theory the one attaching to the UCA bolts should be the most effective, but in reality they're really all about the same, however effective or ineffective it may be, due to the close proximity in the sheet metal of all mount options.
And no, there will not be any effect whatsoever on body roll from a shock tower brace. The brace only serves to prevent lateral movement of the upper shock towers with respect to each other during hard cornering, which can prevent unwanted changes to the front wheels' camber curves while cornering. But the body roll itself will still be the same unless you change out springs, roll bars, tires, etc.
The OEM brace and a few other aftermarket braces attach to the OEM studs (or studs that you add) outboard of the shock mounts, while most aftermarket braces attach to the upper shock mounts. In theory the one attaching to the UCA bolts should be the most effective, but in reality they're really all about the same, however effective or ineffective it may be, due to the close proximity in the sheet metal of all mount options.
And no, there will not be any effect whatsoever on body roll from a shock tower brace. The brace only serves to prevent lateral movement of the upper shock towers with respect to each other during hard cornering, which can prevent unwanted changes to the front wheels' camber curves while cornering. But the body roll itself will still be the same unless you change out springs, roll bars, tires, etc.
#18
Honda-Tech Member
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
A more correct term would be shock tower brace. The Neuspeed bar is pretty much the only one I've ever seen that actually directly braces and ties together the upper control arm mounting bolts. Some call it a 4-point bar. However this is only on 92-95 Civic and 94-01 Integra applications (not sure about Accords or other Hondas). Since the 96-00 Civic's UCA bolts attach to the sides of the shock towers, the 96-00 Civic Neuspeed bar application (picture above) mounts to the shock's upper mount bolts like most other bars.
The OEM brace and a few other aftermarket braces attach to the OEM studs (or studs that you add) outboard of the shock mounts, while most aftermarket braces attach to the upper shock mounts. In theory the one attaching to the UCA bolts should be the most effective, but in reality they're really all about the same, however effective or ineffective it may be, due to the close proximity in the sheet metal of all mount options.
And no, there will not be any effect whatsoever on body roll from a shock tower brace. The brace only serves to prevent lateral movement of the upper shock towers with respect to each other during hard cornering, which can prevent unwanted changes to the front wheels' camber curves while cornering. But the body roll itself will still be the same unless you change out springs, roll bars, tires, etc.
The OEM brace and a few other aftermarket braces attach to the OEM studs (or studs that you add) outboard of the shock mounts, while most aftermarket braces attach to the upper shock mounts. In theory the one attaching to the UCA bolts should be the most effective, but in reality they're really all about the same, however effective or ineffective it may be, due to the close proximity in the sheet metal of all mount options.
And no, there will not be any effect whatsoever on body roll from a shock tower brace. The brace only serves to prevent lateral movement of the upper shock towers with respect to each other during hard cornering, which can prevent unwanted changes to the front wheels' camber curves while cornering. But the body roll itself will still be the same unless you change out springs, roll bars, tires, etc.
OP- Sorry to thread jack!
#19
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Posts: 541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
a basic ctr or SiR strut bar is suffecient enough without spending ridiculous amounts of money Patrick? or do other brands make that much more of a difference? what brand would you recommend?
edited:
sufficient enough meaning for circuit, auto x etc, or a 3 point is better
edited:
sufficient enough meaning for circuit, auto x etc, or a 3 point is better
#20
Honda-Tech Member
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
2 point will be sufficient, the 3 point strut bars are usually bought by hardparkers cause they look sweet, not saying they're any worse but you won't notice a difference.
#21
Honda-Tech Member
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
im a fan of the neuspeed brace. doesnt have to mount to the actual upper arm anchor bolts or shocks or whatever. that whole area is pretty well reinforced, a few inches away of several sheets of metal is not going to make a difference in how it works. not in our cars at least.
the point is just to reinforce and provide a load path for forces from one side of the engine bay to the other. no different than what a crossmember does.
the point is just to reinforce and provide a load path for forces from one side of the engine bay to the other. no different than what a crossmember does.
#22
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Nowhere and Everywhere
Posts: 29,531
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
47 Posts
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
im a fan of the neuspeed brace. doesnt have to mount to the actual upper arm anchor bolts or shocks or whatever. that whole area is pretty well reinforced, a few inches away of several sheets of metal is not going to make a difference in how it works. not in our cars at least.
the point is just to reinforce and provide a load path for forces from one side of the engine bay to the other. no different than what a crossmember does.
the point is just to reinforce and provide a load path for forces from one side of the engine bay to the other. no different than what a crossmember does.
#23
Honda-Tech Member
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
Btw I will have to say the passwrodjdm style is probably the most effective and simplest design. Its boxed around the shock tower and has a large cross section bar going across.
I'm not saying it justifies the cost, but if I were to make one, that's how I'd do it.
I'm not saying it justifies the cost, but if I were to make one, that's how I'd do it.
#24
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ghent, Flanders Fields, Belgium
Posts: 698
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
Note that the CTR/EK9 OE strut is thicker than the SI/EK4, maybe this also applies to Del Sol/EG SI/ITR struts.
Last edited by kristo; 04-09-2011 at 10:32 AM.
#25
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Nowhere and Everywhere
Posts: 29,531
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
47 Posts
Re: 2 Point VS. 3 Point Front Upper Strut Bar
Yes the CTR/ITR brace is designed differently than the del Sol/Si/GS-R brace. While the ITR brace seems more rigid (strong extruded aluminum bar), it does have 2 bolt points on each end where the aluminum bar bolts to the steel end brackets, which then bolts to the shock tower. The del Sol/Si/GS-R brace is a steel tube welded to steel end brackets, with no bolts on the bar itself. So really who's to say which one is better? You would some how have to be able to measure the bar's deflection during high lateral G-force maneuvers to tell for sure.