Strano Front Bar: First impressions
09-22-2008, 03:08 AM
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Strano Front Bar: First impressions This is gonna be a short post because I'm freakin tired. Anyways - I was kinda concerned because the directions said the endlinks should be loose enough for the spacing tube to be rotated so I left it loose enough for it to be rotated with a little effort.
When I drove the car home all I can say is WOW. I wasn't nearly this impressed after the Konis went in and I haven't even installed the rear bar yet. I don't know if I even will. I really like the feel of the car right now. SO much more confident in the turns now and at higher speeds. I actually feel like I'm USING those 275 GS-D3's up front now. Nose dive has significantly decreased and honestly, it doesn't really feel much harsher in terms of ride quality. In many cases, it feels like the front end is smoother now (probably due to the fresh bushings). What can I say - the hype is true. Thanks Sam for a great product.
P.S. Only trouble I had was the brackets that came to hold the D bushings in place weren't wide enough for the screws to fit into (diameter of the screw was larger than the opening for the screws in the bracket) so I reused the stock ones off the stock bar. Seems to be just fine.
When I drove the car home all I can say is WOW. I wasn't nearly this impressed after the Konis went in and I haven't even installed the rear bar yet. I don't know if I even will. I really like the feel of the car right now. SO much more confident in the turns now and at higher speeds. I actually feel like I'm USING those 275 GS-D3's up front now. Nose dive has significantly decreased and honestly, it doesn't really feel much harsher in terms of ride quality. In many cases, it feels like the front end is smoother now (probably due to the fresh bushings). What can I say - the hype is true. Thanks Sam for a great product.
P.S. Only trouble I had was the brackets that came to hold the D bushings in place weren't wide enough for the screws to fit into (diameter of the screw was larger than the opening for the screws in the bracket) so I reused the stock ones off the stock bar. Seems to be just fine.
09-22-2008, 08:26 AM
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Glad you like it! I installed front and rear sway bars from Strano and was impressed with them but don't remember seeing anything about leaving them loose to slide through. It's been a while since I installed them so I forget the terminology, are you talking about the ends next to the wheels or where it bolts up to the car?
09-22-2008, 01:16 PM
#5
This is gonna be a short post because I'm freakin tired. Anyways - I was kinda concerned because the directions said the endlinks should be loose enough for the spacing tube to be rotated so I left it loose enough for it to be rotated with a little effort.
When I drove the car home all I can say is WOW. I wasn't nearly this impressed after the Konis went in and I haven't even installed the rear bar yet. I don't know if I even will. I really like the feel of the car right now. SO much more confident in the turns now and at higher speeds. I actually feel like I'm USING those 275 GS-D3's up front now. Nose dive has significantly decreased and honestly, it doesn't really feel much harsher in terms of ride quality. In many cases, it feels like the front end is smoother now (probably due to the fresh bushings). What can I say - the hype is true. Thanks Sam for a great product.
P.S. Only trouble I had was the brackets that came to hold the D bushings in place weren't wide enough for the screws to fit into (diameter of the screw was larger than the opening for the screws in the bracket) so I reused the stock ones off the stock bar. Seems to be just fine.
When I drove the car home all I can say is WOW. I wasn't nearly this impressed after the Konis went in and I haven't even installed the rear bar yet. I don't know if I even will. I really like the feel of the car right now. SO much more confident in the turns now and at higher speeds. I actually feel like I'm USING those 275 GS-D3's up front now. Nose dive has significantly decreased and honestly, it doesn't really feel much harsher in terms of ride quality. In many cases, it feels like the front end is smoother now (probably due to the fresh bushings). What can I say - the hype is true. Thanks Sam for a great product.
P.S. Only trouble I had was the brackets that came to hold the D bushings in place weren't wide enough for the screws to fit into (diameter of the screw was larger than the opening for the screws in the bracket) so I reused the stock ones off the stock bar. Seems to be just fine.
First, the links should be tightened a bit. Might be a mis-print but I tighten them so you can't turn the bushings, washers or spacers easily. They need not be any more tight than that. And it's recommeneded you recheck them in about a week or so.
As for the u-brackets.. you should be using the supplied brackets as they fit the bushings properly. The stamped holes are a bit small on a lot of them (the die is wearing out), but a few swipes of a file will be all you need to open the holes up.
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Check out our KONI prices, our Master Cylinder Brace, and new Xtracker Hub/wheel bearing upgrade kits!
09-22-2008, 01:20 PM
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A few things:
First, the links should be tightened a bit. Might be a mis-print but I tighten them so you can't turn the bushings, washers or spacers easily. They need not be any more tight than that. And it's recommeneded you recheck them in about a week or so.
As for the u-brackets.. you should be using the supplied brackets as they fit the bushings properly. The stamped holes are a bit small on a lot of them (the die is wearing out), but a few swipes of a file will be all you need to open the holes up.
First, the links should be tightened a bit. Might be a mis-print but I tighten them so you can't turn the bushings, washers or spacers easily. They need not be any more tight than that. And it's recommeneded you recheck them in about a week or so.
As for the u-brackets.. you should be using the supplied brackets as they fit the bushings properly. The stamped holes are a bit small on a lot of them (the die is wearing out), but a few swipes of a file will be all you need to open the holes up.
09-22-2008, 01:29 PM
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A few things:
First, the links should be tightened a bit. Might be a mis-print but I tighten them so you can't turn the bushings, washers or spacers easily. They need not be any more tight than that. And it's recommeneded you recheck them in about a week or so.
As for the u-brackets.. you should be using the supplied brackets as they fit the bushings properly. The stamped holes are a bit small on a lot of them (the die is wearing out), but a few swipes of a file will be all you need to open the holes up.
First, the links should be tightened a bit. Might be a mis-print but I tighten them so you can't turn the bushings, washers or spacers easily. They need not be any more tight than that. And it's recommeneded you recheck them in about a week or so.
As for the u-brackets.. you should be using the supplied brackets as they fit the bushings properly. The stamped holes are a bit small on a lot of them (the die is wearing out), but a few swipes of a file will be all you need to open the holes up.
Ok - should be a quick and easy fix. Thanks.
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09-27-2008, 02:03 AM
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If I have the time I'm gonna put the rear bar on this weekend. I have everything on the front bar done right now - I think I'm getting used to it but I still feel an improvement. We'll see what the rear bar does. If I get the rear in I'll go for a run with the local vette crew through the twisties and see how she feels. Then I'll just have to get my exhaust re-done so I can put on the springs! I wish...
09-27-2008, 08:58 AM
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If you get out a dremel and grind a hair off the dbracket holes, the bolts will fit fine. I think I tried using the stock brackets and they didn't really fit the best.
09-29-2008, 10:55 AM
#12
If I have the time I'm gonna put the rear bar on this weekend. I have everything on the front bar done right now - I think I'm getting used to it but I still feel an improvement. We'll see what the rear bar does. If I get the rear in I'll go for a run with the local vette crew through the twisties and see how she feels. Then I'll just have to get my exhaust re-done so I can put on the springs! I wish...
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Check out our KONI prices, our Master Cylinder Brace, and new Xtracker Hub/wheel bearing upgrade kits!
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
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Check out our KONI prices, our Master Cylinder Brace, and new Xtracker Hub/wheel bearing upgrade kits!
09-29-2008, 12:34 PM
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Already bought ur rear bar - went in a couple days ago. Even better handling, only downside is the rear's really touchy now under throttle when I hit a small bump in the road. Usually wheel hops. Now I just need ur springs, Sam!
- went in a couple days ago. Even better handling, only downside is the rear's really touchy now under throttle when I hit a small bump in the road. Usually wheel hops. Now I just need ur springs, Sam!
09-29-2008, 12:59 PM
#14
I mentioned it more for the others. 
You might want to go back and try some different rear shock settings and/or play with pressures a bit now that you'd gained about 33% more roll stiffness back there vs. stock. Most folks tend to run more shock or air to try and help balance the car and the addition of the bar and the associated wheel rate means you might want to try and do a little more dialing in. Every action has a reaction.
You might want to go back and try some different rear shock settings and/or play with pressures a bit now that you'd gained about 33% more roll stiffness back there vs. stock. Most folks tend to run more shock or air to try and help balance the car and the addition of the bar and the associated wheel rate means you might want to try and do a little more dialing in. Every action has a reaction.
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Check out our KONI prices, our Master Cylinder Brace, and new Xtracker Hub/wheel bearing upgrade kits!
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
18 SCCA National Championships in house, many more for our customers prove we know our stuff.Talk is cheap, results matter.
Check out our KONI prices, our Master Cylinder Brace, and new Xtracker Hub/wheel bearing upgrade kits!
09-29-2008, 10:27 PM
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I mentioned it more for the others.
You might want to go back and try some different rear shock settings and/or play with pressures a bit now that you'd gained about 33% more roll stiffness back there vs. stock. Most folks tend to run more shock or air to try and help balance the car and the addition of the bar and the associated wheel rate means you might want to try and do a little more dialing in. Every action has a reaction.
You might want to go back and try some different rear shock settings and/or play with pressures a bit now that you'd gained about 33% more roll stiffness back there vs. stock. Most folks tend to run more shock or air to try and help balance the car and the addition of the bar and the associated wheel rate means you might want to try and do a little more dialing in. Every action has a reaction.
09-30-2008, 01:14 PM
#16
Can't tell you by e-mail. Tired of folks "borrowing" my information when they aren't my customers.
Customers are of course encouraged to call the tech-line with these sorts of questions.....
Customers are of course encouraged to call the tech-line with these sorts of questions.....
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www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
18 SCCA National Championships in house, many more for our customers prove we know our stuff.Talk is cheap, results matter.
Check out our KONI prices, our Master Cylinder Brace, and new Xtracker Hub/wheel bearing upgrade kits!
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
18 SCCA National Championships in house, many more for our customers prove we know our stuff.Talk is cheap, results matter.
Check out our KONI prices, our Master Cylinder Brace, and new Xtracker Hub/wheel bearing upgrade kits!
09-30-2008, 04:08 PM
#18
I'm working hard on bars now, but material has been a nightmare (it's what also held up ordering springs).
I don't have an ETA on Hollow front bars at this time. I have some hollow rears in stock, and I'm looking at options on the front, including a run of less expensive solid bars to at least get folks good roll stiffness. And if nothing else it's barely any more weight than a solid 32, but a lot stiffer.
I want folks on Hollow bars, but I can't make the material just show up from thin air. Supply problems are a bitch, and are going to give me a stroke.
I will be calling folks as I have time regarding any pending orders. Your order has not been charged, but it is filed so when they arrive you are in line. That's how it will remain if/when you opt to explore options. Hate all that, but that's being as honest as I can be.....
I don't have an ETA on Hollow front bars at this time. I have some hollow rears in stock, and I'm looking at options on the front, including a run of less expensive solid bars to at least get folks good roll stiffness. And if nothing else it's barely any more weight than a solid 32, but a lot stiffer.
I want folks on Hollow bars, but I can't make the material just show up from thin air. Supply problems are a bitch, and are going to give me a stroke.
I will be calling folks as I have time regarding any pending orders. Your order has not been charged, but it is filed so when they arrive you are in line. That's how it will remain if/when you opt to explore options. Hate all that, but that's being as honest as I can be.....
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
18 SCCA National Championships in house, many more for our customers prove we know our stuff.Talk is cheap, results matter.
Check out our KONI prices, our Master Cylinder Brace, and new Xtracker Hub/wheel bearing upgrade kits!
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
18 SCCA National Championships in house, many more for our customers prove we know our stuff.Talk is cheap, results matter.
Check out our KONI prices, our Master Cylinder Brace, and new Xtracker Hub/wheel bearing upgrade kits!
09-30-2008, 04:27 PM
#19
I filed the brackets for the fronts just a little.After installing the front sway bar, what a difference.I was shocked.About a week later I installed the rear bar.The handling quality is unbelieveable.I ran my koni's(4/3) full soft in the rear and played around with it on the front.These were the best mods I did to my t/a.What I like about Strano is that he spends a lot of time with you trying to find out what's best for you.He doesn't try to sell you stuff that you don't need.When it comes to suspension Sam is the man hands down.I had to wait a couple of weeks for the stuff to get in stock but,It's worth the wait.Best money I ever spent.
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2000 t/a ws6 with lots of mods
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2000 t/a ws6 with lots of mods