/Mods/Handling/StillenFSTB/2K2FSTB_small.JPG) |
Stillen Front Strut Tower Brace before install. The
simple purpose of this ingenious device is to lock the tops of the shock
towers together in the engine compartment. Result is the
suspension "box" is complete, and the car corners much
flatter than stock, with a greater degree of stability. This
wonderful device can be ordered from Steve
Millen Sports Parts in Costa Mesa, California. |
/Mods/Handling/StillenFSTB/2K2StrutRing_small.jpg) |
Close-up of the Stillen strut ring. |
/Mods/Handling/StillenFSTB/2K2FSTBHardware_small.jpg) |
Here is the hardware which ships with the bar. This
hardware is not used in the 2002 Maxima application. |
/Mods/Handling/StillenFSTB/1-RemoveStrutNuts_small.jpg) |
The install is very easy and should not take more than 30
minutes, which includes putting all of your tools away. First step
is to use a 14mm socket to remove the 3 strut tower nuts on each side of
the car. |
/Mods/Handling/StillenFSTB/2-AttachStrutRing_small.jpg) |
Remove the strut rings from the bar, and attach each one
to the shock tower. Tighten the nuts to 43-58 ft-lbs. |
/Mods/Handling/StillenFSTB/3-PositionBar_small.jpg) |
Center the bar on the strut rings, and install the
supplied bolts, washers and nuts. I added some anti-seize compound
to the bolt threads in case I ever have to take the bar off. |
/Mods/Handling/StillenFSTB/4-TightenBar_small.jpg) |
Tighten up each end. For clearance purposes, I used
a 14mm closed-end wrench on the nut in front, and an 8mm hex wrench on
the back side. |
/Mods/Handling/StillenFSTB/5-BarInstalled_small.jpg) |
Here is the completed install. |
/Mods/Handling/StillenFSTB/6-BarInstalled_small.jpg) |
Another angle. Even if this simple modification did
not dramatically improve the Maxima's cornering capability, it would
probably be worth it to install just to see the look on people's faces
when you open the hood. |
/Mods/Handling/StillenFSTB/2K2FSTBInstruc_small.gif) |
Stillen-supplied instructions for the FSTB. |