M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Suspension => Topic started by: KidneyBoy on January 14, 2008, 12:25:17 PM

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: KidneyBoy on January 14, 2008, 12:25:17 PM

PLEASE Dont tell me to search, i know how the feature works

Has anyone on this site had first hand accounts or personal use of a Sparco or similar strut bar with an M42 powered E30? And, if so, were any modifications needed to make the bar fit?

Currently i have a NLA Hartge bar, which will be for sale at some point, on the car. I am going to be installing Vorschlag camber plates and i know for a fact that i will be unable to adjust the camber plates with the current strut bar.

Other suggestions for bars are helpful as well. Anything that mounts onto the innder two bolts and does not 'cap off' the top of the strut tower should work.

Thank you.

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: johna on January 14, 2008, 02:35:46 PM

I bought the steel Sparco bar but it did not fit my car - it was too wide or too narrow (I can't remember which). I then bought an Eibach aluminium bar (3 piece type) and the only problem I had was that the holes did not line up too well and I had to make some minor adjustments with a drill. I had Kmac camber/castor plates and I was able to adjust with the Eibach bar. It also made a noticable difference to front end feel.

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: Kilawin on January 14, 2008, 04:08:37 PM

Just fitted a steel Sparco bar to my 318is.  Had to ream out the holes alittle bit and hammer a bit where the bar hits the intake manifold.

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: KidneyBoy on January 14, 2008, 05:14:28 PM

Quote from: Kilawin;41213

Just fitted a steel Sparco bar to my 318is.  Had to ream out the holes alittle bit and hammer a bit where the bar hits the intake manifold.

Good deal! Just what i was looking for! Any pics??

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: ak96ss on January 14, 2008, 05:32:02 PM

I just had to 'clearance' it a little at the intake manifold, no reaming required. Put it on, mark the area where you need some room, then take it off and put it on a sandbag/bag of mulch/the equivalent, and let fly.

(http://lh5.google.com/2006TopBanana/RsYhWjXs7HI/AAAAAAAACD8/SV99FGZjusk/s800/p8179913.jpg)

(http://lh6.google.com/2006TopBanana/RsYhlzXs7NI/AAAAAAAACEs/9jpNR_nCufY/s800/p8179919.jpg)

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: KidneyBoy on January 15, 2008, 02:33:35 AM

Exactly the answer i needed! Thanks!!

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: Kilawin on January 16, 2008, 12:42:16 PM

Exactly what I did also.

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: gearheadE30 on January 21, 2008, 06:05:53 PM

Where is the best place to get that bar? I have a small amount of paint cracking in the fenders from Autox stress on stiff springs, and I'm hoping a bar will solve/help the problem.

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: KidneyBoy on January 23, 2008, 06:32:19 PM

Group Buy:

http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread.php?t=28985

129.99 at Bimmerworld otherwise

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: JorG318 on March 05, 2009, 09:07:45 PM

sorry to bring the old thread back (i am newbie)

how did you clear the intake manifold?
did you have to bent or hammer it?

also... engine vibration won't hit the bar?

thanks

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: JP 91iS on March 06, 2009, 01:49:59 PM

Quote from: JorG318;67774

how did you clear the intake manifold?
did you have to bent or hammer it?

thanks

Quote from: ak96ss;67774

I just had to 'clearance' it a little at the intake manifold, no reaming required. Put it on [on the car], mark the area where you need some room, then take it off and [lay the strut bar] on a sandbag/bag of mulch/the equivalent, and let fly [with your favorite hammer].

good?

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: ak96ss on March 06, 2009, 05:16:47 PM

Thanks for filling in my blanks...  :)

Title: Strut Bar Question
Post by: JorG318 on March 08, 2009, 02:50:03 PM

thanks for the clarification!