Hi,

I'm considering buying the Front Strut Tie Bar accessory with the hope that it may improve the handling of my xA, especially when driving winding country roads.

I'd like to know...

1) Does it improve the stability of the xA when cornering? If so, how noticeable is the improvement?

2) Are there any negatives or reasons not to buy the Front Strut Tie Bar?

Thanks

I myself am considering this mod for my xA, but after asking around have been told that in addtion to the strut bar, you'd want better tires/wheels for your car to improve cornering. Our cars roll just a little and the strut bar will help that, but if your tires (stock) don't grip well it's not gonna do much for you. I took a turn at 45 today and my stock tires felt like they were gonna lose their grip at any second! Time to save up a grand for some 18s :)

I'll probably get a a strut bar for the front sooner or later...It won't help cornering as much as sway bars would. The strut bar will stiffen your car. The sway bars will help keep your tires on the ground.

My car is completely stock. It's been raining here in South Florida...I took two turns already and lost traction. Nothing like scaring the ____ out of the car in front of you when you're sliding and your front wheels are steering everywhere as you search for some traction...lol damn Grade H tires...

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=17591&highlight=front+strut+tie+bar

From the above thread it seems the xA really wont need an FSB (front strut brace). The struts are located really close to the firewall so an FSB is not needed.

See how far the strut towers are from the firewall on this civic? See also the FSB?
http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/other/1072666795/1072666795pa.jpg

The Corolla XRS FSB looks more upscale than our FSB. Looks like a gas shock is used on the front passenger side strut tower. Wont fit on the Scions.
http://t.wieck.com/PV/2003/11/04/TYT2003110459827_PV.jpg

I had this on my Civic, same kind of Civic has that red one...

http://www.fourthgenhatch.com/photos/mods/mods-neuspeedstrutbar.jpg

I'm getting one mainly because they look cool 8)

Thanks for the information. I wonder if I can put both a strut brace and a sway bar on the xA at the same time?