Hey GR86 enthusiasts! Ready to take your car's handling to the next level? Let's dive into the Blitz Front Strut Tower Bar and why it's a fantastic upgrade for your ride. This isn't just about adding a shiny piece under the hood; it's about enhancing your driving experience by improving chassis rigidity and reducing body roll. So, buckle up as we explore the ins and outs of this popular modification.

What is a Strut Tower Bar?

Before we get into the specifics of the Blitz bar, let's cover the basics. A strut tower bar, also known as a strut brace, is a metal bar that connects the strut towers in your car's engine bay. The main purpose of this bar is to reduce chassis flex during cornering. When you turn, the forces acting on your car can cause the strut towers to move relative to each other. This movement, however small, can affect your car's handling and steering precision. By tying the strut towers together, the bar minimizes this flex, keeping the suspension geometry more consistent.

The benefits of this are multifold. Firstly, you'll notice improved steering response. The car feels more direct and precise, especially during quick transitions. Secondly, body roll is reduced. The car leans less in corners, giving you more confidence and control. Thirdly, overall stability is enhanced. The car feels more planted and predictable, which is especially beneficial on the track or during spirited driving on winding roads. Now, you might be thinking, "Is this something I really need?" Well, if you're someone who enjoys pushing your car to its limits or simply wants a more engaging driving experience, a strut tower bar is definitely worth considering.

Why Choose Blitz?

So, with numerous strut tower bars available on the market, why should you consider the Blitz Front Strut Tower Bar for your GR86? Blitz is a well-respected name in the aftermarket performance industry, known for producing high-quality, reliable products. Their strut tower bar for the GR86 is no exception. It's designed with both performance and aesthetics in mind.

The Blitz bar is typically made from lightweight yet strong materials such as aluminum or steel, offering an optimal balance between weight reduction and structural integrity. The design is often sleek and visually appealing, adding a touch of style to your engine bay. But it's not just about looks; the Blitz bar is engineered to provide significant improvements in handling. Many users report a noticeable difference in steering feel and cornering stability after installing the Blitz bar. This is because Blitz engineers put a lot of effort into designing a bar that effectively reduces chassis flex without adding unnecessary weight. Furthermore, the installation process is generally straightforward, especially since Blitz designs its bar to directly fit the GR86 with no modifications needed. This means you can install it yourself with basic tools, saving you time and money on professional installation.

Features and Benefits of the Blitz Front Strut Tower Bar for GR86

Let's break down the specific features and benefits you can expect from the Blitz Front Strut Tower Bar for your GR86:

• Improved Handling: The primary benefit is enhanced handling. By reducing chassis flex, the bar helps maintain optimal suspension geometry, leading to more precise steering and better control during cornering.
• Reduced Body Roll: Experience less body roll during turns, giving you more confidence and stability. This is especially noticeable during aggressive driving or on the track.
• Enhanced Steering Response: The bar improves steering response, making the car feel more direct and connected to the road. You'll notice quicker and more precise steering inputs.
• Lightweight Construction: Typically made from aluminum, the Blitz bar is lightweight, minimizing any added weight to your car. This ensures that performance isn't compromised.
• Stylish Design: The Blitz bar adds a touch of style to your engine bay. Its sleek design enhances the overall aesthetics of your car.
• Easy Installation: Designed for a direct fit, the Blitz bar is easy to install with basic tools. No modifications are required, making it a simple and straightforward upgrade.
• Increased Stability: By reinforcing the chassis, the bar increases overall stability, making the car feel more planted and predictable.
• High-Quality Materials: Blitz uses high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity. The bar is built to withstand the rigors of daily driving and spirited performance.

Installation Guide

Installing the Blitz Front Strut Tower Bar on your GR86 is a relatively simple process that most DIY enthusiasts can handle. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the installation:

1. Gather Your Tools: You'll need a socket set, wrench set, torque wrench, and possibly a screwdriver. Make sure you have all the necessary tools before you begin.
2. Prepare Your Car: Park your GR86 on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Open the hood and locate the strut towers.
3. Remove the Strut Tower Nuts: Use a socket wrench to remove the nuts securing the strut towers. Be careful not to strip the threads. Remove all the nuts on both sides.
4. Position the Strut Tower Bar: Place the Blitz strut tower bar over the strut towers, aligning the mounting holes with the strut studs. Make sure the bar sits flush against the towers.
5. Reinstall the Nuts: Reinstall the nuts onto the strut studs, tightening them by hand initially. Ensure that the bar is properly aligned before fully tightening the nuts.
6. Torque the Nuts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque. This is crucial to ensure proper installation and prevent damage. Refer to your car's service manual for the correct torque specifications.
7. Double-Check Your Work: After tightening the nuts, double-check to make sure everything is secure and properly aligned. Give the bar a firm shake to ensure it's properly seated.
8. Close the Hood: Carefully close the hood and take your GR86 for a test drive to see if you notice the difference.

Real-World Experiences

Many GR86 owners who have installed the Blitz Front Strut Tower Bar rave about the noticeable improvements in handling and steering feel. Here are some real-world experiences from fellow drivers:

• Track Enthusiast: "I installed the Blitz bar before a track day, and the difference was immediately noticeable. The car felt much more stable in the corners, and the steering was much more precise. It gave me the confidence to push the car harder."
• Daily Driver: "Even for daily driving, the Blitz bar makes a difference. The car feels more planted on the road, and the steering is more responsive. It's a worthwhile upgrade even if you don't track your car."
• Weekend Warrior: "I love taking my GR86 on weekend drives through winding roads, and the Blitz bar has made those drives even more enjoyable. The car feels more connected to the road, and the reduced body roll is a huge plus."

These testimonials highlight the real-world benefits of the Blitz Front Strut Tower Bar, demonstrating that it's not just a cosmetic upgrade but a functional improvement that enhances the overall driving experience.

Alternatives to Consider

While the Blitz Front Strut Tower Bar is an excellent choice, it's always a good idea to consider alternatives before making a decision. Here are a few other strut tower bars that are popular among GR86 owners:

• Cusco Strut Tower Bar: Cusco is another well-known brand in the aftermarket performance industry. Their strut tower bar for the GR86 is known for its high-quality construction and effective chassis reinforcement.
• Tanabe Strut Tower Bar: Tanabe offers a range of performance parts, including strut tower bars. Their bar for the GR86 is designed to improve handling and reduce body roll.
• Megan Racing Strut Tower Bar: Megan Racing offers a more budget-friendly option. Their strut tower bar provides decent performance improvements at a lower price point.

When comparing these alternatives, consider factors such as material quality, design, ease of installation, and price. Each brand offers its unique approach to chassis reinforcement, so it's essential to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

Conclusion

The Blitz Front Strut Tower Bar is a worthwhile upgrade for any GR86 owner looking to improve their car's handling and driving experience. With its lightweight construction, stylish design, and easy installation, it offers a noticeable improvement in steering response, body roll reduction, and overall stability. Whether you're a track enthusiast, daily driver, or weekend warrior, the Blitz bar can enhance your driving pleasure and give you more confidence behind the wheel.

So, if you're ready to take your GR86 to the next level, consider investing in the Blitz Front Strut Tower Bar. It's a simple yet effective modification that can make a big difference in how your car performs and feels. Happy driving!