Strut Bar for E46 318ci convertible

[Percival]

Hi Everyone, I'm a new comer here. Already introduce myself at the "Introduction & Greetings" section. I'm thinking of installing strut bar for the front and lower arm bar for the rear of my car. Currently I'm looking at this brand call Alutec. Anyone installed this brand here? Can give some comments about their strut bars? Or are there any better brands in the market?

1) Like to know the difference between the carbon fibre and the aerospace grade aluminum.

2) What is the price like?

3) Where to get it install.

Really appreciate your help.

 

[TripleM]

Re: Strut Bar for E46 318ci convertible

1) CF is lighter weight but not as strong as Aluminum esp those aircraft grade
IMO, alu strutbar like the Alutec one is bloody damn good enough, pretty light weight

2) Not sure bout the CF type,....I guess typical Alutec alu one is about 300bux or maybe a bit less

3) BVO or J4C have them...Their numbers are on the resource page

 

[kenntona]

Re: Strut Bar for E46 318ci convertible

I have Alutec strut and UUC ARBs on my ride. With PSS9, ride is very stiff and does not roll at corners. However, creaks are louder as well.

1) Like to know the difference between the carbon fibre and the aerospace grade aluminum.
A: Looks, some say tensile strength and PRICE. Alum good enough for the job.

2) What is the price like?
A: Check with fellow forumers Wilman2772 or rex7_vtec. Think about $250 - 300.

3) Where to get it install.
A: BVO, J4C

 

[Percival]

Re: Strut Bar for E46 318ci convertible

Hi, Thank you guys for sharing yr knowledge and experience. Kenntona, what do you mean by "Creaks are louder as well". Can elaborate? Thanx!

One more question, I went to UUC Motorwerks website, and they are selling this "SwayBarbarian". Abit confuse already!! Initially I intend to install the Alutec front strut bar is only a piece of "metal" in the engine bay, and the rear lower arm bar which is only a piece of "metal" fix at the under-carriage of the car that is near to the rear wheels.

Am i right to say that UUC Motorwerks, "SwayBarbarian" is all fix under the carriage?

What is the combination i should install?

Am i right if i install the Alutec front strut bar in the engine bay, then the UUC Motorwerks "SwayBarbarian" to the under-carriage. Then i dont need the lower arm bar from Alutech, since "SwayBarbarian" is already installed in the front and rear of the under-carriage.

Sorry to ask so many questions, cos I just start to learn about all these modification stuffs. Thanx, and really appreciate your help from all the seniors here.

 

[kenntona]

Re: Strut Bar for E46 318ci convertible

Kenntona, what do you mean by "Creaks are louder as well". Can elaborate? Thanx!

Our rides have more creaks and noises from the soft-top, joints, and so on. When the car is stiffened, these creaks and noises will be worse than stock version......

 

[TripleM]

Re: Strut Bar for E46 318ci convertible

Am i right if i install the Alutec front strut bar in the engine bay, then the UUC Motorwerks "SwayBarbarian" to the under-carriage. Then i dont need the lower arm bar from Alutech, since "SwayBarbarian" is already installed in the front and rear of the under-carriage.

That is right, strut bar connects the two towers where your shocks are mounted and it resides under your engine hood. This serves to reduce chasis flex.

The swaybar or antiroll bar is installed underneath the car front and back and this serves to reduce carbody roll when you are cornering.

The lower arm bar is another thing. U don't need to modify it.

so they are many bars n bars...si beh luan.

 

[Percival]

Re: Strut Bar for E46 318ci convertible

Okie, now i'm more clear about all these bars.Thank you guys for yr guidance! Look forward to meet you guys soon, but this sunday i still cannot confirm whether i can attend the meetup at kallang.