Which REAR strut tower bars work on a BG/BK?

[Huffer]

So, according to at least one thread, the rear strut brace from an 02+ WRX sedan will work.

Do we know if any from the earlier (RS age) Imprezas will also work?

[LunchBox04V]

I have GC Whiteline bar on the front. I will confirm that the GC rear bar does not work. Been there, done that........the worst part is that I waited about 5 months for it to get here! (I was for a BC)

[strat81]

i built my own, using the end plates from a toyota matrix and the rear bar from a cavalier...

looked like this:




i had to cut the brackets some and redrill holes...

[scottzg]

i built my own, using the end plates from a toyota matrix and the rear bar from a cavalier...

that's really cool!

[LunchBox04V]

Nice! I was really temptede to just redrill the one that I had for the GC. Oh well.......

[Huffer]

Alright, my 02+ WRX/STi wagon strut bar arrives today. $30 to see if it works.

Here's what I bought from ebay:
Rear Upper Strut Brace Bar for
Subaru Impreza WRX, WRX STi 02 03 04

I bought that based on the reports that 02+ Sedans and Wagons were identical in terms of width and bolt pattern, and that the BG/BK wagon struts are the same distance apart.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Let me know, I want one too

[Huffer]

I purchased this from ebay seller "EZPLUS2003"

I had some problems initially because DHL busted the package and the bar went missing. So I had to wait for the seller to resend me a new bar, which they did via USPS Priority, free of charge!

pics from the install:

Here's a pic of the brace mount:



reverse pic taken facing back out the hatch area:


clearances - I will have to cut a little plastic out of the rear trim to make it sit flush, but it's pretty good:


Still got the wrapping on it:


Even without the rear trim piece, you can't tell its there with the cargo cover in place:


My impressions:
basically the same as the bar I installed into my Impreza back in NZ. Excellent chassis rigidity, the rear section of the car feels far more solid and planted and follows the front much more willingly. I haven't given up any real load carrying capability as the bar disconnects with a wrench and a big allen key - I could install quick disconnect bolts but I'm pretty handy at reconfiguring my loads so I doubt I'll bother.

The bar is well constructed - not too heavy but it's oval in shape (similar to a Cusco). It's definitely beefier than the Cusco (round) one I installed on my wagon in NZ.

Not a bad deal for $30 shipped.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Excellent, thanks Roger

[Brockley]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Front-Re ... 7392QQrdZ1

is this the same one you got?!?

or anyone else want to confirm if these would fit a 97 LGTW?

[RadeOn]

From the pics it seems like there might be some clearance issues with cargo cover. Are there any?

[Huffer]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Front-Rear-Strut-Bar-Subaru-Impreza-WRX-STi-02-03-04-05_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33591QQihZ016QQitemZ260113617392QQrdZ1

is this the same one you got?!?

or anyone else want to confirm if these would fit a 97 LGTW?

That's the same rear bar, but I didn't get the front one as that particular one looks like it rises too high in the bar section - there's less underhood clearance in the Legacy than on an Impreza.

From the pics it seems like there might be some clearance issues with cargo cover. Are there any?

What pic are you looking at? I currently have the cargo cover completely closed. It's a plug n play deal.

[Brockley]

anyone know for a fact that this one would/ would not fit on the front?
Not trying to spend $30 extra for something that wont fit.. lol

[Huffer]

It's too hard to tell from the pics. You need a pic with it mounted, or sitting flat so I can see the angle.
If it's the same as the GC STi carbon fiber one, it'll fit. If it's higher, it won't clear the hood.

[RadeOn]

$30 and 10 minutes to install and now I have the same rear bar.
Thanks Huffer!

Update. After a few days of testing this bar I disconnected it until next autocross. This bar stiffened the rear a lot. I did not feel much difference after I put outback RSB, but I definitely felt this one. Considerably less understeer.
But, similar to big swaybars, if any rear wheel hits a bump/hole, the other wheel gets upset too much for my taste (for street driving).