GTSpec Parts Installed
 

Hey guys,

Just spent today cleaning my lovely adjustable end links from AWR :rolleyes: and, installing my 4 point ladder bar and front lower tie bar from GTSpec :D

http://www.msprotege.com/members/gcs...specbefore.jpg
The green are the bolts for the front lower tie bar, and the red is circling the stock piece that is replaced by the ladder bar. The ladder literally took about 1 minute to install, pop out four bolts, swap the pieces, and torque it down.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/gcs...spec4point.jpg
As you can see there is still plenty of clearance of any components. The GTSpec piece was much much lighter than the stock one, and from the looks of it, much sturdier as well. (Not to mention prettier).

Anywho, the front lower tie bar was only two bolts as previously mentioned. When the bolts are removed, the control arms are able to be moved around a bit. I believe an alignment is recommended, but doubt this install would cause any problems, so I'll watch my worn-down-to-nothing tires for abnormal wear, just for you guys. ;) The plastic shield on the passenger side likes to get in the way of the impact wrench...yeah use air tools to make this a snap. I'm not sure how it would have been trying to get this large bolts out with hand tools. When you tighten one side of the tie bar, the other will bow out, so you gotta just push it in, thread the bolt a little, and pop it on. Piece of cake.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/gcs118/gtspecboth.jpg

I took the car out for a quick spin, I didn't get to really play with it as much as I'd liked to have. The front is definitely firmer. Much of the bite has been taken out of the oversteering qualities of my rear sway bar. I haven't yet found out if the car still oversteers, is more neutral, or understeers even. Steering feels a tad more precise/crisp and other than that, the car stays planted better, has less roll to it and all around handles even better! For how inexpensive these are and how easy it is to install them, I'd recommend these upgrades to any Protege. :D

Good job on the installation and thanks for the good tips for other members :bigthumb:

Thanks,

Chris

Just thought I would add that the front lower tie bar, I have discovered, is right in the way when needing an oil change. However, this was easily remedied when I held a piece of cardboard perpendicular to the ground. The oil coming out of the drain plug hit the cardboard and dropped straight into my pan, not dirtying my front tie bar in the slightest. Just a heads up, no biggie.

very sharp, I can't wait for y birthday when I make my wife buy these for me!!

You won't regret these for sure. EASY install, great performance, fairly inexpensive, look good....what more could ya want.

Honestly?? I want to know where they get their powder to powdercoat those bars... I WANT IT NOW!!!

Kuuligan, can you sell me some of the powder mix used to coat these bars?? It would look hot to accent my car with that color top AND bottom.

Roddimus, That is the color I want for my hardpipes. If you find that color powder let me know, for it will help expedite my saving efforts

no doubt! Why do you think I'm trying to get it!!