2012 Strut tower bar and rear sway bar

[RicStyx]

Hi all. Im looking at getting a strut tower bar and a rear sway bar for my 2012 (1.33) 3rd Gen.

First hurdle is that locally in South Africa there are almost no aftermarket parts for the 3rd gen but many for the 2nd . Would the 2nd Gen Strut tower bar and rear sway bar be the same for the 3rd Gen?

Second hurdle is if these add ons are worth it and do anything to improve the handling and feel of the vehicle.

[NYC-SE]

All 2nd gen suspension parts fit 3rd gen cars. I have the rear sway bar on my 2014 and it has the same part number as one for 2007-2012 models. I think it gives a great improvement in handling. Money well spent IMO.

As to the strut tower brace I have no personal experience but I don't see the point as the struts "float" by design and the strut brace will not change that.

[hotracer_05]

I have both on my 2012 and it helps. The 11 parts will fit your 12

[DarkShadowFox]

does anyone have the P/n number for the TRD strut brace, james wont give it up to me.

[RicStyx]

Now just to find the parts here

How is the clearance between the engine and the strut bar?

Im interested to feel the difference with the rear sway bar, i occasionally get that floating feeling when im driving a bit faster through corners.

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[scylla]

I too felt that floaty feeling, especially at interstate speeds while passing or being passed by larger vehicles (which is pretty much every other vehicle).

After my rear sway bar install that nerve racking float feeling pretty much disappeared.

Highly, highly recommended.

[WeeYari]

My first impression of the RSB was how it made the car feel heavier. Heavier in the way it now felt planted to the road. Second impression was flatter cornering.

I think the question 'Is the RSB worth it?' Is probably about the second most asked on this forum.

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[DarkShadowFox]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

My first impression of the RSB was how it made the car feel heavier. Heavier in the way it now felt planted to the road. Second impression was flatter cornering.

I think the question 'Is the RSB worth it?' Is probably about the second most asked on this forum.

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RSB improves the car turning into a garbage economy car to a normal controllable hatchback lmao. best 186 dollars invested.

[ern-diz]

Originally Posted by DarkShadowFox

RSB improves the car turning into a garbage economy car to a normal controllable hatchback lmao. best 186 dollars invested.

This is not the opinion of the serious track guys on this forum. There have been good arguments made about benefits on street/freeway driving, though.

The jury is still out on it for me...

[NYC-SE]

Originally Posted by ern-diz

This is not the opinion of the serious track guys on this forum. There have been good arguments made about benefits on street/freeway driving, though.

The jury is still out on it for me...

Bolt one on and convince yourself.

[Captain Yaris]

Well I’m taking the challenge. I bought the TRD RSB and as soon as I get the chance I’m bolting it on. I’m really looking forward to the benefits of better stability.

[RicStyx]

Irony at its best. I'm now searching for the 2nd Gen parts but no one stocks locally. I can order off ebay but the shipping is around 160 dollars on average.

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[ern-diz]

Originally Posted by NYC-SE

Bolt one on and convince yourself.

Great point. That's the only way to settle it for myself.

I've been hesitating based on the opinion of the more seasoned track guys and since I don't track my car and don't have any complaints with how it handles on the street, have reserved the funds for audio and soon to be Sparco seat upgrades. Maybe after I get the new seats in, I'll drop a couple hundred on the TRD rear sway just to scratch that itch.

[NYC-SE]

Originally Posted by ern-diz

Great point. That's the only way to settle it for myself.

I've been hesitating based on the opinion of the more seasoned track guys and since I don't track my car and don't have any complaints with how it handles on the street, have reserved the funds for audio and soon to be Sparco seat upgrades. Maybe after I get the new seats in, I'll drop a couple hundred on the TRD rear sway just to scratch that itch.

I have made this point before but...with all due respect to the track guys I think it is a case of comparing apples and oranges. A car whose main purpose is running on the track has different needs than one whose main purpose is cruising down the street. I definitely noticed an improvement in handling and road feel after I installed my RSB, but again this is "normal" driving on public roads, not trying to shave a second off of my last lap at the track. On the other hand if you have no complaints as to your car's handling then perhaps your money is better spent elsewhere.