Best Front/Rear upper strut bars?

who makes the best ones? i want function, dont care if its polished or looks good. i have a 1997 N/T. thanks for any help guys.

Originally posted by EclipseGS1997
who makes the best ones? i want function, dont care if its polished or looks good. i have a 1997 N/T. thanks for any help guys.

I would recomend RRE's

EclipseGS1997,

I don't think name brand and appearance so much factor into the equation as does the shape of the strut bar itself. I've read that strut bars that are circular in shape tend to flex more during turns, opposed to say an oval or rectangular shaped strut bar. Apparently these shapes stay more rigid ... can anyone back me up on that?

One more thing, not to step on Mike@DSS's toes, but I've heard recent concern that the RRE strut bar may sit a bit high off the engine bay and cause a potential dimple on hoods if you hit a bump hard - but that's just a story I've heard [meaning the guys at RRE are great, and highly recommended].

I have never used the RRE bars. As we sell the generic Taiwan bars. The front Taiwan bar works, but rubs the hood, the rear Taiwan bar (which we don't sell, but I have about 5 of) SUCK. The rear one is for looks. I have seen the RRE bars and they are very strong, looks were not a concern when they made their bars.

Also don't worry about my toes. They can take abuse; my big toe had an engine dropped on it. The toenail hasn't fallen off, but it is dark blue. :-)
(I'm saying that I can take it, and more info is better. If you think I'm wrong, then maybe I am wrong, and I'll re-think it. Just give me a good argument against it. I'm that way.)

Mike, how come you say the rear one does not work?

I have the a gab knock off for the front, same taiwanese stuff probably it does rub the hood a little bit. I can see a bit of gum on a certain spot of the bar. But it is nothing serious to cause dents etc.

The Taiwanese REAR bar doesn’t do anything. The way they mount the bar to the plates is stupid! It can't do anything, and it is very obvious that it dosen't work. The front ones work.

Yes Mike I was adjusting the rear (turning the bar) and the bracket flexed!

So I have to get the RRE Bar then :)

I have the GAB's front and rear. really like them, see very heavy duty and the fit is perfect. you can even adjust the tension of the bar. so far zero complaints. they are kinda pricey as strut tower bars go but i got a nice deal from UPRD. i think alamo motorsports has them on sale or closeout now.....at least one of the two. i highly recommend them. seems to have taken some of the squating and uncertainty out of the rear end when launching hard or cornering hard over imperfect terrain.

brett