ngoti 8tor
11-07-2005, 09:50 AM
Megan Racing Aluminum Strut Bars (Front Upper, Rear Upper, Rear Lower)
Price: I paid $99 shipped to my door for all 3 bars from eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8007858301&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AAAQ%3AUS%3A1
I took a chance ordering these bars, because nobody can tell you what bars will fit on a 2005 LX at this time. So I thought I'd buy an inexpensive set to start and try the fit out.
I thought the bars would have been a lot more sturdy, because all the adds state 3/4" thick billet aluminum. When I got these bars, I found they are actually only 1/4" aluminum shaped like a 3/4" I-Beam. I could twist it a bit by hand, so they didn't seem all that solid to me (not as solid as I wanted, anyway).
It only took me about 30 minutes to install the FU and RU bars. They were advertised for a 01-04 Civic, but still fit mine. I had to move a reservoir (looks like a reservoir for brake fluid) lower a bit to fit underneath the strut bar. When I had the FU bar installed, I noticed there was only about 1/16" clearance between the bar and the air box cover. When the engine is revved a bit or shakes a bit, this airbox cover hits the strut bar. Also, the FU bar will not allow the installation of a CAI or SRI at a later date since it goes directly over top of the throttle body.
There wasn't any problem with the RU bar, it fit perfect, and just had to cut a small slit in the trunk carpet for both ends.
I haven't installed the Rear Lower bar yet, because I'm going to remove the FU and RU bars and look for some other brand that is more solid, with more engine clearance.
I haven't decided which bars I'll end up keeping yet, it all depends what I can find that fits and is more solid. I'll end up just giving whatever bars I don't use away.
On a positive note, I did notice a bit of improvement in handling. I didn't notice a lot, but some with the FU and RU installed. It seems to take corners a bit better, and the steering is a bit better. I would definitely say strut bars are worth it.
Here's some pics:
Price: I paid $99 shipped to my door for all 3 bars from eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8007858301&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AAAQ%3AUS%3A1
I took a chance ordering these bars, because nobody can tell you what bars will fit on a 2005 LX at this time. So I thought I'd buy an inexpensive set to start and try the fit out.
I thought the bars would have been a lot more sturdy, because all the adds state 3/4" thick billet aluminum. When I got these bars, I found they are actually only 1/4" aluminum shaped like a 3/4" I-Beam. I could twist it a bit by hand, so they didn't seem all that solid to me (not as solid as I wanted, anyway).
It only took me about 30 minutes to install the FU and RU bars. They were advertised for a 01-04 Civic, but still fit mine. I had to move a reservoir (looks like a reservoir for brake fluid) lower a bit to fit underneath the strut bar. When I had the FU bar installed, I noticed there was only about 1/16" clearance between the bar and the air box cover. When the engine is revved a bit or shakes a bit, this airbox cover hits the strut bar. Also, the FU bar will not allow the installation of a CAI or SRI at a later date since it goes directly over top of the throttle body.
There wasn't any problem with the RU bar, it fit perfect, and just had to cut a small slit in the trunk carpet for both ends.
I haven't installed the Rear Lower bar yet, because I'm going to remove the FU and RU bars and look for some other brand that is more solid, with more engine clearance.
I haven't decided which bars I'll end up keeping yet, it all depends what I can find that fits and is more solid. I'll end up just giving whatever bars I don't use away.
On a positive note, I did notice a bit of improvement in handling. I didn't notice a lot, but some with the FU and RU installed. It seems to take corners a bit better, and the steering is a bit better. I would definitely say strut bars are worth it.
Here's some pics: