Well feverishly awaiting to find out, the package arrived at my doorstep some 2 and a half weeks after ordering, wohoo!! I take a rip around the neighborhood with the car to help compare before and after results. I then dig into the package and although the instructions are in Japanese, this thing is a snap to install. though you will need a few simple tools including an 8mm hex wrench.
Installed everything, all is torqued down good and tight. I put down the hood prop and as I close the hood, clunk - hmmmm? What the hell?? Shit!
Turns out this thing isn't as compatable as I've heard. The tallest corners of the bar are hitting against the hood support stampings. I ponder for a minute, then the DIY nature of Legacy tuning emerges - I grab the hammer, mwhaha
. I also grab a can of shaving cream and spead a thin layer atop the tallest parts of the bar, then close the hood. Lifting it up shows me exactly where I have to pound away, easy enough.I pound two key area's about a 1/4" in. I then test how the hood closes and viola, she closes just like before, damn I'm good.
With the hood closing I go for a rip. Wow, the differences are quite noticable. As we all know the old Legacy chassis isn't very stiff to begin with. Over bumps, holes and quick turns the interior likes to bitch at us with its creaking and moaning. But after the install alot has vanished and she only complains over the most arrogant of holes. Over large bumps the front end feels stiffer, almost like stiffer shocks have been added, almost, you know what I'm getting at
I guess I can attribute this to less overall leaning of the strut towers. All in all, I still can't believe what this little bar has done. And with a lowered Legacy I know the gains would be even more noticable. Definetly worth the money. Now all I have to do is install my Cusco GC8 lower A arm brace and find a good rear tower brace.
Mark,
Not that I'm doubting your descision, I'd just like to know what you think of both.