Re: TAP 5ktq front stress bar worth $200?

["Graydon D. Stuckey" <graydon@apollo.kettering.edu>]

On Tue, 4 Aug 1998, John Karasaki wrote:

> I have asked a few 5ktq owners about the benefits of a front stress bar.
> The reaction I have had has been mixed.  After seeing the unit at Pike's

Probabaly because it isn't a huge change like a new chip or something 
like that.   Its subtle.

> However, each time I really think about it, the engineer in me points out
> that that first bulkhead is right behind the shock towers.  Isn't it in
> effect one big "stress bar?"

Nope.  The bulkhead behind the strut towers is thin and wimpy and not 
attached very directly to the strut towers.  It probably adds a little to 
the stiffness of the chassis, but not much.  Certainly not as much as a 
good strut bar.  I used an S4 bar and I made a dogleg in the brace to go 
around the master cylinder reservoir, so its not optimum either, but it 
certainly helped the front end precision.  Total expense was under 100 
bux.  It could have been under 75 bux if I had known not to buy the Audi 1" 
square tube - I could have bought that locally for a fraction of the 
price, but I didn't know if they had some post-processing on the bar 
thatwould be worth the 30 bux.  Those strut tower caps from the S4 are 
really nice BTW.  Definitely worth the money if you want to make your own 
strut brace.

> With that, I'd like to turn this topic over to the list.  Is a front stress
> bar for a 5ktq worth $200?

Maybe not worth 200 bux, but then, it is a nicely made piece, it looks
good, fits well, and if you value your time highly, it might be worth it. 
That said, it could be improved ever so slightly with an additional brace
on each end to prevent the bending moment on the ends of the brace. 

Some folks have pointed out that the brace itself is a good place to put 
sponsor stickers, which definitely can make a car faster, so that's a 
bonus.  :-)

> Any comments are appreciated.  It is probably best to keep it off line in
> consideration of those who pay for internet services by the # of Kb they
> receive...

I disagree here.  This kind of discussion is exactly what the list exists
for, and anyone that doesn't like it should go away. (yeah, I know that's
blunt, but that's how I feel.)  This kind of discussion is infinitely more 
valuable than 80% of the posts we receive every day. 

John, I appreciate your consideration of those that pay by the kb (and I 
try not to waste kbs too BTW.)  I'm sure they like _you_ alot more 
than me now.  :-)

Later,
Graydon D. Stuckey
to save kbs, I'll can the .sig today.  :-)