Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Replaces stock STB on 99+
Total time to install, 1/2 hour. Noticed little difference in handling/steering. Polished cross bar and red braces make for a very good look. Braces are the full surround type, not like the cheap U-shaped stock braces. I'm in the process of adding BSP front and rear brace kit.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Bar with two brackets mounting to the tops of the shock towers in engine bay
The STB was easy to install. I put the STB on about 45,000 miles ago and have had tires in sizes 205/50-15 (wheel offset 40 and 38) and 195/50-15 (wheel offset 38). With the 205/50-15 and 40 and 38, the bar seemed to smooth out the 65 mph shimmies, but there was some harshness to the feel of the car over bumps and cowl shake. With 195/50-15 and 38 offset, the car was extremely harsh on bumps, the steering was excessively hard to pull from center, the front end sidestepped dramatically on mid-turn bumps. In all instances, the STB rubbed on the PCV valve hose, necessitating replacement during the course of the installation because of minor vacuum leaks where the hose meets the valve. Causation possible but not confirmed.
I thought I was due for new bushings, and I probably am. The car felt heavy with the 205/50-15, so I brought the size closer to stock with 195/50-15. The car was far too crashy on bumps, didn't behave well in corners (the sidestepping), didn't like to turn in and tuck, exhibited a great deal of cowl shake, and exhibited a cd-skipping-shimmy at 65 mph. When the vacuum leak developed on the PCV valve, I took the bar off because I thought it caused the damage. The car's ride was improved greatly, with none of the behaviour listed above. The car feels much more planted in corners without the bar. I won't be putting the bar back on.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Freedom Design front shock tower brace, polished aluminum cross bar with red painted end mounts.
Ordered/received the STB from Good-Win Racing ($89) after seeing several + comments on this forum & comparing other models' cost/benefits. VERY stylin' product/good fit. Plenty of clearance-although we have no other engine compartment aftermarket goodies. Even though our '99 is MBM color, the bright red/chrome-look goes well in the engine compartment and looks very sharp. Because it's HER car, my wife actually installed the FD STB herself (no prior ratchet experience). Instructions are clear, simple, & if you were in a colossal hurry, you could install it in 5-10 minutes (we took 25). The FD STB has a definite HD feel to it & the machining/finish are of very high quality. Had installed a new set of Goodyear F1 DS-G3s (LOVE those tires!) in May (to replace the OE Pilots @ 33,000mi). Despite an excellent alignment+WB from a good local shop, still had some 65mph shimmy & cowl shudder @ bridge expansion joints, RR tracks, chuckholes, etc. With the STB, thes! e are almost TOTALLY ELIMINATED.
Front end definitely feels much tighter (we still have OE shocks and other OE suspension components). While we don't race or compete in formal events, we do enjoy being quick around town. The STB makes the car ride more "on rails" with very minimal front-end body roll, is noticeably more "integrated" in its feel, and believe we have improved the safty of the M2 considerably. Believe Freedom Design has an excellent product, fairly priced, and concur with several other posters that it should be near the top of any list of performance mod's to add. No brainer for $90! Next on the list . . . adjustable shocks, some mo' bigga/bettah front/rear sway bars, and that new HD roll bar. ;-)
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Machined billet aluminum tower brace with red circle mounts and polished cross bar.
Installation took 30 minutes on my base 1999 (meaning no OEM brace present) because I took my time to do it right. I knew the key to stiffness was to tightly torque the bolts which attach the polished cross bar to the red mounting bracket or it would act like a hinge not a brace. I used a 3/8 drive rachet with an 8mm hex key attachment on the bolt head (which I faced towards the front) and a 14mm open end wrench on the bolt. (Do not over tighten the nuts that bolt the bracket to the body as I've heard of these shearing). Frankly, I didn't expect to notice much of a difference but I was wrong. I bought this to offset the stiffness of the rear of the chassis resulting from the install of a Brainstorm double hoop stainless roll-style bar. The Freedom tower brace balanced the car out perfectly. The roads in metro New York have some serious bumps and most of these (not the craters) were smoothed out considerably. The car feels much more solid and refined! overall.
The car has a stronger "on center" feel to the steering so it takes more effort to initiate a turn (before adding the brace it was effortless). This reduced nimbleness is the only tradeoff I experienced and it takes some getting used to. My car is set up for speeds over 50mph (highway) and I find it a very good addition overall especially combined with the roll-style bar. This is an attractive, high quality, functional product, relatively cheap ($90 Goodwin Racing), easy to install or remove.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter
Shock Tower Brace, Red Full circle Welded mounts, Polished aluminum.
Good
I Bought the brace to help tighten the front of my 1990. While the brace looks great, There is little that the brace had done to tighten up anything. I also installed a fwd and aft sub braces (Between the lower suspention arms). This had a much greater impact on the car. While I would recomend the STB to anyone who asked, and the Freedom Design is one of the better ones that I looked at buying, Just dont expect too much from it. The mounting points are full circle mounts not the cheap "Horseshoe" style. This is the reason I bought this brace.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 +
Product arrived the next day (within California). I had talked with Brian Goodwin prior to the purchase. I explained I had a 2000LS with ABS, AC, Cruise and Monsterflow intake. He assured me that, while he has not installed one on the same configuration as mine, he has sold them to people that have that configuration and none have come back. He assured me of a full refund if it didn't fit. I tried removing and reinstalling the bar in the forward and aft configurations. The hood would not close with the brace in the forward position so I put it back to the aft position. As "[12/26/2002] Reviewed by: Anonymous with the M2 2000LS Canadian spec" stated in his review, it does rub against the plastic water tank. If I can modify my H2O bracket without to much effort then I will keep it. Kimo
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Freedom Design front shock tower brace, polished aluminum cross bar with red painted end mounts.
Very good product.
Instructions were clear and Brian Goodwin at Goodwin Racing (the supplier) assured me it would fit on my Canadian spec M2 2000LS. The Canadian spec Miata has a large windhield washer tank mounted over the exhaust header. The tank has a molded in notch that appears to be for a strut brace. This brace does fit, but it is tight on the tank. I bent the tank mounts as much as possible to get more space. My car has ABS and power steering and is very crowded in the engine compartment. Our paved roads in Alaska are lousy and I drive on many dirt & gravel roads that beat the cars to pieces in a short time. I am hoping this brace will help keep my Miata tight for a long time. It does seem to be a bit better with not so many creeks and groans going over the ruts and frost heaves. I can not tell any difference while cornering at speed on the road or at an Autocross. I do reccomend it.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
New 99+ Freedom Design Shock Tower Brace, aluminum with red brackets. Great design. 99+ model will work with ABS and Cruise.
Received the product in three days from Good-Win Racing. $90 Came with complete instructions. Easy to install by removing the 4 nuts from the shock towers, lined up the predrilled holes on the brace, replaced nuts, hand tightened, adjusted the bolts attaching the brackets to the brace, then tightened everything down. Can be installed or removed in 5 minutes, but I did it in 20 minutes to make sure everything was perfect.
Noticed the difference immediately. No more vibration at 63-67mph. Turns feel better. Looks great under the hood and handling is really improved.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Shock Tower Brace
Very Good Experience
This brace is attractive, easy to install, and the price is right. Most importantly, I had no problems using it with my Racing Beat "High Flow" Intake System. My M2 is a 1999 LS with cruise control. It does not have ABS. I had no clearance problems. The install is very clean and easy. The clearance between the brace's mounting brackets and the "U" shaped intake is better than the diameter of a fat grease pencil. A well known supplier of this brace states in their literature this brace will not work. Don't believe it. Both products on my 99 are and excellent fit.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
This is the billet freedom design strut tower bar, which i purchased for $105. Quite a deal when compared to other bars.
I have enjoyed the product, though i found that after installed, the rear of the car was too loose without another stiffening product. I chose the brainstorm products rear subframe brace and have noticed that the car handles better all around and has greater stability at high speeds.
I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a cheap modifacation to increase the balance of their miata.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
This is a chrome bar with red mounting brackets that connects the shock towers and is supposed to stiffen the chassis.
I bought this used off of a fellow club member for $50 after he had an "incident" his M2 involving fire. I've had it on my '90 for over a year. Installation was a snap, only requiring some finagaling to fit it around the airbox.
Honestly, I can't tell the difference while driving the car with bar on or off. Unlike strut-suspension cars, the shock towers don't seem to upport much of the weight of the car, while cornering or not. I wouldn't reccomend buying one new; too expensive for too little benefit. It does look pretty cool however and really brightens up the engine bay. But that's about the extent of it. If you can get one for cheap though, I say go for it. But its just not worth the $100+ that it would cost new.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
New Freedom Design billet strut tower brace for A.B.S. cars.Red tower pieces with machine finish billet cross bar.
Ordered brace from Brian Goodwin (Goodwin Racing)Brian was unsure if piece would fit.He told me if it didn`t he would give me a full refund and $20 bucks for my trouble.I have a 99 auto with A.B.S. and he said I was the first to use the new bar on that setup.
Went on in about 10 min.Perfict fit and absolutely zero clearance problems.I have a pick of it on my cardomain site. http://miata.cardomain.com/id/camperguy
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter
This product is a 3-piece unit consisting of two red painted mounting brackets and one tubular crossbar with a highly polised (silver) appearance.
Very Happy with this strut brace performance and price. It was very easy to install even though it did not come with instructions. It can only fit one way, so don't worry about it. Once its on, the bar becomes very stiff.
If you've noticed a constant vibration at 60+, this brace will get rid of it. It will also cut down on those constant thumps while on the road. You will really feel the difference, even while backing off your driveway! Overall it helps with vibrations and helps in better feel and control of the steering wheel, but! it does not help to much with those hard thumps you feel after going over a pot hole.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
This product is a 3-piece unit consisting of two red painted mounting brackets and one tubular crossbar with a highly polised (silver) appearance.
I ordered this product from Performance Buyer's Club on a friday, and received shipment the following tuesday. With a total cost including shipping of under $100.00, I was very impressed with the level of service and shipment. PBC also offered an email containing a FedEx tracking number for my own records. When I received the package I again was impressed. Very large packaging considering the bar's overall size, but it was securely padded within the shipping box, and upon opening, the bar was flawless. Installation was completed in under 20 minutes, and easily accommodated my pre-installed Racing Beat Hi-Flow Intake elbow. Since installation, overall performance has increased dramatically. The bar's addition to my '95 cured near all highway shakes and rattles and offered a much more stable steering wheel. A large amount of body roll on on and off ramps was immediately noticed.
I would highly recommend this product for anyone looking to stiffen their Miata's with a Racing Beat Intake. I would also recommend it for those without the RB Intake, because performance increases can be easily noticed.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter
New design bar from Freedom Design. Flat sides with 12 oval openings around an oval center.
I have a plus two tire sizing and it has really tightened the front end up. No more shake when going over bumps/potholes in MN. Also the 65mph vibration has noticeably gone down. I think this is a good investment to help tie up the front end.
Bought this item from Duetto Motors and got it within 2 days. Installation was very easy but no directions were packed with bar. Don't know how tight to tighten the bolts so will have to experiment with different bar lengths etc. Overall very satisfied.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter
Polished aluminum shock tower brace with glossy red shock tower mounting brackets. This brace is different from tubular braces in that it has an I-beam like profile (looks like this I-O-I when viewed on end). The brace had red 'Freedom Design' lettering on it, which I removed before installation.
I purchased this product from PBC - ordered on Tuesday and delivered on Friday. Construction is solid and quite stiff. The brace has a few minor kinks, but nothing noticeable unless you look VERY close. The included mounting hardware appears to be top quality. There were no instructions included with the brace, but the install was very straightforward (I don't have ABS or cruise on my STO, which I'm sure made it an easier experience). The driver's side end of the brace has the bend slightly further inboard, so make sure you don't flip it around the wrong way after you scrape the lettering off. I had to thread the end links nearly all the way in and then adjust them out 1/2 turn at a time when lining up the bolt holes with the shock tower brackets. Installation pictures can be found at http://www.precisionsite.com/miata/index.html.
I had the tires trued and high-speed balanced this morning (I purchased the car in January with new tires on it, and the previous owner must have bought the tires at a shop that is utterly incompetent at balancing tires) and installed the STB this evening. My STO now feels like a completely different car. The car had horrible shakes between 60-70mph before, and now it barely quivers. I know in my heart that most of this is due to having the tires shaved and balanced by a competent shop, but I'm sure the STB made at least some contribution (aside from looking really good under the hood). My only concern is that the crossbar sits right on top of the PCV valve hose, so I'll need to keep an eye on that. Overall I am satisfied with this purchase - the product is first rate and the price (89.95) was very reasonable.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Red painted brackets of good quality attached to aluminum tubular/I-beam design. The bar is semi-polished with 12 oval slots, threaded at both ends for adjustments and "FREEDOM DESIGN" red lettered on center.
This is the best looking strut bar I have seen and appears one of the best designed. After installing on the car and taking for a ride; it did more to eliminate the 65MPH "Shimmy" than 4 other bars I tried. (3 costing up to $70 more). DEFINITELY the stiffest bar I tried. Easy to install and adjust in under 10 minutes.
I was so impressed with this product I ordered another one the next day for my other Miata. A great buy at $116.95. I see other manufactures changing their design to compete with product.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to '90 - '97 1.6 liter
Brace for Stiffening Front Struts inside Engine Bay
This product is new to the Miata world. I got it about 3 months before the Miata Mag put it in as a newbie. It seems to have stiffened the engine compartment a bit, but generally I am not too sure if a strut tower brace is worth the coin. Granted, it only costs $80 compared to $150 for some others, so I guess I can't complain. If you are looking for dramatic improvements, don't bother. If you want to get rid of that little extra flex in the front, go for it.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to '99 + 1.8 liter
Red coat on brakets polished brace over engine
Great looking once installed on my engine. I did have to tamper with the factory air box to get it to fit but other then that it was easy to install. It has made the steering a little more responsive but the major difference i see is in long sweeping high speed curves.
Great product for its price. Looks nice.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Strut brace, red expoxy coated brackets, adjustable polished aluminium oval-section bar.
No instructions, but really easy install. The only bit that might make you pause for thought is whether the brackets are the right way round. I was worried about whether the HKS Superflow intake would foul on it, but it clears the bar, just. Nicely priced by Duetto Motors. Red bracketry match the classic Red paintwork of my car. Overall super value.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to '99 + 1.8 liter
Chrome Shock tower brace
Works well - improves stiffness and at least subjectively the handling. I installed on a '00 with ABS with only one problem - the brace is not quite symmetrical side-to-side, and as I didn't get any installation instructions at all, I initially installed it backwards - the asymmetry is not obvious at a glance. It rubbed on my windshield washer reservoir, and also on the intake manifold. Once I realized my mistake and turned it around, it fit perfectly, with good clearance on everything, including the ABS unit.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to '90 - '97 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
This is a very attractive looking product with red shock tower mounts and a highly polished bar. But I don't know how it works because I couldn't use it!
This is apparently not for Miatas with ABS. After fiddling with the install for some time I called the techs at Performance Buyers Club and they agreed with me that it wasn't desirable to put pressure on the ABS lines and suggested I return the item for replacement with a Greddy unit. The Greddy unit mounts directly over the struts while the Freedom Design Unit is offset to mount about 4 inches behind the struts.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to '90 - '97
I was skeptical about this after reading Norm Garrett's book, and the fact the Miata does not use struts. However, it works very nicely on a Miata!
Pros this piece is great! Between a front subframe brace (racing beat) and this, my front end is tight ('92). I am no longer intimidated by patched asphalt. As a bonus, the car responds quicker to steering input. Allows easy access to koni & toikico shock adustment. The price was great!
Cons none
compatability works great with adustable shocks. check compatibility with racing beat intakes or a supercharger. Should work with turbo.
Tip install is very easy, but don't over-torque shock tower bolts or you will be puling your suspension.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to '99 + 1.8 liter
Typical strut brace for the anchoring the shock tower tops together. Easy install, straight drop in and bolt up in '00 M2 with cruise. No need to temporarily disconnect any under hood components. Helpful to have some large torx or allen head wrenchs for securing the brace rod to the brackets.
What an amazing difference! This makes the front end almost feel sedan-like when going over railroad crossings or broken pavement down here in Texas.
It does take some of the twitchiness out of the steering, which does feel like some of the liveliness has left the driving experience, but I like the effect.
Overall, the best $80 I could spend to change the feel of the car to better match my driving experience preferences.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Polished brace connecting the tops of the front shock towers. This is a nice beefy looking brace with RED mounting brackets on each end.
Real easy to install in less than 30 minutes. This brace did not require any additional fitting to the brackets and dropped right in.
I have this brace in my '92 in addition to a Front Subframe brace and the OEM '94+ cockpit brace. Although this Strut brace did not have the significant impact of the subframe brace, it did reduce the general flex and resonance felt going over expansion joints and the like. A great easy addition that is well worth the price.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
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