I got mine 4 months ago and already have done new wheels and tires, front splitter and side splitters, window tint, black out badges, rain guards, spoiler, I have Eibach springs that are going on soon, and now I'm here looking at this strut bar. It's definitely a rabbit hole 🤣
There is a Lexus model that uses the same engine and has an engine cover. I put one on my Hatch…looks elegant:) I left the Lexus logo on tell folks I have an engine upgrade haha.
This actually felt like it tightened up the steering some how. Thanks again for this video. Was a lifesaver. Although there’s still a loose nut in my engine bay. Not your fault lol.
@@AlexAutoFun *Update* Ordered yesterday, got it today! Found out the KamiSpeed has an office in the same city as me. Installing right now! Cheers good sir🍻!
I just installed this without a torque wrench. That was a mistake. I snapped two of the cheapo brass bolts. Luckily, i had plenty of spares. It really makes a difference in the steering feel and handling.
Thanks Fujibo Heavy! yeah its very impressive in real life, specially the center bar, I almost wanted to use gloves while handling it, just a beautiful finish to it, reminds me of a Samurai's sword! I'm always cleaning it now, gotta stay shinny LOL
@@AlexAutoFun Its all good man. Ill be attending my first HPDE event at Summit Point, so hopefully this will come before April 17th, so i have it installed for my first track event :)
@@FujiboHeavy Awesome! your are going to have a lot of fun, it definitely helped me to get a better feel for what the car can do and also it's limits, not sure if you saw the video where I took me E210 to autocross ua-cam.com/video/Z4tbkd0MSxw/v-deo.html you don't hit the speeds that you do on HPDE events but it also fun in case you want to try after hitting the large track..
@@aromaz1707 Nice! congrats on new mod! regarding the code, yeah that sounds like it, some brands won't allow you to use it when it's on sale (unfortunately! LOL).
the cusco strut looked really nice. It also put the bar forward in the engine bay. But I concern that one of the mounting point is actually on top of the coolant reservoir mounting clip, wouldn't it eventually break it?
Hi Fisher! Ah yes the Cusco bar does not mount to hard points on the frame (this can be a plus or a negative depending on how much NHV you are willing to bear and the amount of performance you need out of the car). Here is a good alternative if you don't need the cosmetic appeal of the Cusco and want ultimate performance (at the cost of increased NHV) ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html Cheers!
Hi! I cover my impressions of the Mod and it's effectiveness at the end of the video during the test drive. I would say Cusco is a work of art, looks gorgeous which is great for car shows and is functional, so a good choice for someone looking to add bling to their engine bay along with some bracing. But If performance is the top priority then this one ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html by TB Performance is the way to go, the bar mounts directly to the strut towers which puts it ahead of Cusco as far as chassis bracing (but the install a little more complex). With the TB being black, it almost looks stock (If you like the sleeper look) it blends in with the engine bay (but for some people this may be a downside), Cheers!
Hi Mir! You can hear my impressions of the Mod at the end of the video during the test drive. I would say Cusco is just a work of art, looks gorgeous which is great for car shows and is functional, so a good choice for someone looking to add bling to their engine bay along with some bracing. But If performance is the top priority then this one ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html by TB Performance is the way to go, the bar mounts directly to the strut towers which puts it ahead of Cusco as far as chassis bracing (the install is more involved). With the bar and plates being black, it almost looks stock (If you like the sleeper look) it blends in with the engine bay (for some people this may be a downside), Cheers!
If I buy it used and it doesn’t come with hardware would I still be able to install? Or I probably would have to buy the washers and use original nuts?
That bar is mounted to thin, body sheet metal on one bolt per side, the other two secure plastic trim. Strut bars need to be mounted directly to the strut hardware, which this is not. There is almost no rigidity gained from these Cusco units. Sure, it looks nice but that's just about it.
Hi Datsun Dan! here is the version that mounts directly to the strut ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html for ultimate rigidity if your not looking to add bling to your engine bay. Hope this helps, Cheers!
Hi jchcmax! Here is how I would compare them now that I experienced both: Cusco is just a work of art, looks gorgeous which is great for car shows and is functional. If performance is your top priority then the TB Performance is the way to go, the bar mounts directly to the strut towers which puts it ahead of Cusco as far as chassis bracing. With the bar and plates being black, it almost looks stock (I like the sleeper look) it blends in with the engine bay but for some people this may be a downside ( it may be possible to get it in other colors if you really want to add bling to your engine bay but I can't confirm that you can). As far as price difference, Cusco is more affordable vs the TB Performance which costs a bit more. Hopefully this helps bud and thanks for watching!
Hi Harry! for our E210 we have this one the Cusco and this one ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html the TB Performance one. Both should perform about the same on a daily driver, remember strut bars are usually only felt (or their advantage is only) when the car is being pushed to it's limits (normally at the track) While the do benefit a daily driver they usually can't be felt during normal driving conditions. Now if you are looking for the one that is the most attractive (if you are looking primarily to add bling to your engine bay) then the Cusco bay would be the way to go. Hope this helps, Cheers!
Nice video. I'm definitely considering getting this strut bar. I am curious though. Looks like it covers maybe the fuse box on the drivers side and would need to be removed every time you need to access the fuse box. Is this true?
Hi JWalker! yeah it looks even more awesome in real life. To answer your question, yes it does block the fuse box (you can probably open the box but I don't think you can fit a finger in there lol) so I would have to be partially removed if you need to access your box often. Here is another alternative that does not block it (won't add as much bling to your engine bay, a little more work to install it but it's fully functional) ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html Hope this helps!
Hi Hector! nope the air filter is way down towards the front, far from the strut bar. Here is my cold air intake video if it helps it shows the location of the air filter ua-cam.com/video/hdgV_OfQXxk/v-deo.html and thanks for watching bud!
Hi Caleb! yes it does but as I mentioned this is just one component of bracing and suspension, as you add more to the car the difference becomes more noticeable, but take a look at my test drive impressions at 9:31 for more complete explanation and thanks for watching bud!
definitely should have shown the front view pov of driving the car while you were taking all those turns, would have been interesting to see how sharp you were taking the turns
Hi Allen! ah yes, for comparison take a look a this other video with my E210 ua-cam.com/video/Z4tbkd0MSxw/v-deo.html there I was taking turns a little more gentle to prevent tires from breaking loose. But yeah it's very easy to break the tires loose on the E120 on stock tires and rims as their as geared for fuel economy.. can't want to upgrade them LOL
Hi Rush! Here is how I would compare them now that I experienced both: Cusco is just a work of art, looks gorgeous which is great for car shows and is functional. If performance is the top priority then TB Performance is the way to go, the bar mounts directly to the strut towers which puts it ahead of Cusco as far as chassis bracing. With the bar and plates being black, it almost looks stock (If you like the sleeper look) it blends in with the engine bay (for some people this may be a downside). As far as price difference, Cusco is more affordable vs the TB Performance which costs a bit more. Hopefully this helps, Cheers!
Hi XxSapphireScarXx! it should fit! the E210 platform remains fairly unchanged (unless you are on the GR model).. Hope this helps and thanks for watching bud!
Hi motomanz! and man oh no.. That definitely does not sound good. The bar is hollow for weight reduction and the internal shape of the tube has a lot of rigidity to support pressure in the horizontal direction (from strut to strut) while this design is great for aesthetics and low weight it also means that it will not be strong in the vertical direction, so I can definitely believe you it may bend if leaning on it. I haven't leaned on mine since I wanted to keep all finger prints off so I don't really touch it but man I'll be extra careful, thanks for sharing your experience bud!
Hi Everyone! also check out this other video I made where I installed and reviewed the Injen Cold Air Intake ua-cam.com/video/hdgV_OfQXxk/v-deo.html
Great. I've had my Corolla a week and my list keeps getting longer.
LOL!! I feel you man, I'm on the same boat!
Likewise!
I got mine 4 months ago and already have done new wheels and tires, front splitter and side splitters, window tint, black out badges, rain guards, spoiler, I have Eibach springs that are going on soon, and now I'm here looking at this strut bar. It's definitely a rabbit hole 🤣
FANTASTIC JOB AND PRESENTATION! Hope your channel grows!
@@goranyordanoff3638 Thank you Bud!
There is a Lexus model that uses the same engine and has an engine cover. I put one on my Hatch…looks elegant:)
I left the Lexus logo on tell folks I have an engine upgrade haha.
Awesome 😁!
Can you share what Lexus model?
This actually felt like it tightened up the steering some how. Thanks again for this video. Was a lifesaver. Although there’s still a loose nut in my engine bay. Not your fault lol.
Hi BBB! Yeah, the change is subtle but I also definitely felt it and it definitely also adds bling to the engine bay lol Cheers!
Great video. Just installed this on my kiddo's car. Thanks m8!
You're welcome!
Amazing review boss, definitely deserved the like and follow
Thank you NuSki! I appreciate that bud!
good job man ! you explained everything really well, clear and easy.
Thanks Robert!
Just ordered mine and I used your discount code! Thanks for all you do good sir!
Awesome! thanks LostWon, I appreciate that bud!
@@AlexAutoFun *Update* Ordered yesterday, got it today! Found out the KamiSpeed has an office in the same city as me. Installing right now! Cheers good sir🍻!
@@LostWon Sweet! that is convenient! Cheers from California! 🍻
That's pretty sick and easy. Might have to try it out.
Yeah I think it's definitely worth it, car feels more responsive now..
I just installed this without a torque wrench. That was a mistake. I snapped two of the cheapo brass bolts. Luckily, i had plenty of spares. It really makes a difference in the steering feel and handling.
Oh no! Yeah a torque wrench definitely helps to reduce the chance of breaking a bolt, Cheers!
Nice video man! Youre making me really want this thing...ughhh
Thanks Fujibo Heavy! yeah its very impressive in real life, specially the center bar, I almost wanted to use gloves while handling it, just a beautiful finish to it, reminds me of a Samurai's sword! I'm always cleaning it now, gotta stay shinny LOL
@@AlexAutoFun I hate you. But love you at the same time. i just ordered it. LOL. Fukkkkkk
@@FujiboHeavy haha I'm sorry bud!!
@@AlexAutoFun Its all good man. Ill be attending my first HPDE event at Summit Point, so hopefully this will come before April 17th, so i have it installed for my first track event :)
@@FujiboHeavy Awesome! your are going to have a lot of fun, it definitely helped me to get a better feel for what the car can do and also it's limits, not sure if you saw the video where I took me E210 to autocross ua-cam.com/video/Z4tbkd0MSxw/v-deo.html you don't hit the speeds that you do on HPDE events but it also fun in case you want to try after hitting the large track..
just started modding mine, this is definitely next B)
Awesome aromaz! yeah you are definately going to like it, it sharpens up cornering and it looks really cool..
@@AlexAutoFun ended up pulling the trigger today actually! unfortunately your code was not applicable to the bar! do you know if its bc its on sale?
@@aromaz1707 Nice! congrats on new mod! regarding the code, yeah that sounds like it, some brands won't allow you to use it when it's on sale (unfortunately! LOL).
I’ve got this exact strut brace, but it was manufactured by TOM’S, all the same steps, different torque specs
Hi 2J WrLD! Very interesting, will check it out. Cheers!
the cusco strut looked really nice. It also put the bar forward in the engine bay. But I concern that one of the mounting point is actually on top of the coolant reservoir mounting clip, wouldn't it eventually break it?
Hi Fisher! Ah yes the Cusco bar does not mount to hard points on the frame (this can be a plus or a negative depending on how much NHV you are willing to bear and the amount of performance you need out of the car). Here is a good alternative if you don't need the cosmetic appeal of the Cusco and want ultimate performance (at the cost of increased NHV) ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html Cheers!
Is this strut for aesthetics only or does it add structural rigidity? I’m assuming it helps with engine torsion and tighter steering
Hi! I cover my impressions of the Mod and it's effectiveness at the end of the video during the test drive. I would say Cusco is a work of art, looks gorgeous which is great for car shows and is functional, so a good choice for someone looking to add bling to their engine bay along with some bracing. But If performance is the top priority then this one ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html by TB Performance is the way to go, the bar mounts directly to the strut towers which puts it ahead of Cusco as far as chassis bracing (but the install a little more complex). With the TB being black, it almost looks stock (If you like the sleeper look) it blends in with the engine bay (but for some people this may be a downside), Cheers!
@ thanks so much!
You're welcome!
can you do a e210 amt flash tune
Hi Taels Doll! you read my mind! I actually been researching tuning options for the E210, stay tuned. Cheers!
Outstanding.
Thank you Michael!
how does this mod do what its supposed to do when it connects to plastic ?
Hi Mir! You can hear my impressions of the Mod at the end of the video during the test drive. I would say Cusco is just a work of art, looks gorgeous which is great for car shows and is functional, so a good choice for someone looking to add bling to their engine bay along with some bracing. But If performance is the top priority then this one ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html by TB Performance is the way to go, the bar mounts directly to the strut towers which puts it ahead of Cusco as far as chassis bracing (the install is more involved). With the bar and plates being black, it almost looks stock (If you like the sleeper look) it blends in with the engine bay (for some people this may be a downside), Cheers!
@@AlexAutoFun i just did not want to take the windshield wiper and cowl off.
@@mierkoe5370 Hi Mir! Ah yes then the Cusco will have an easier install. Cheers!
If I buy it used and it doesn’t come with hardware would I still be able to install? Or I probably would have to buy the washers and use original nuts?
Hi Jose! I would recommend contacting Cusco to see what they recommend. Cheers!
That bar is mounted to thin, body sheet metal on one bolt per side, the other two secure plastic trim. Strut bars need to be mounted directly to the strut hardware, which this is not. There is almost no rigidity gained from these Cusco units. Sure, it looks nice but that's just about it.
Hi Datsun Dan! here is the version that mounts directly to the strut ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html for ultimate rigidity if your not looking to add bling to your engine bay. Hope this helps, Cheers!
Does the feel differ from the TB bar you had?
Hi jchcmax! Here is how I would compare them now that I experienced both: Cusco is just a work of art, looks gorgeous which is great for car shows and is functional. If performance is your top priority then the TB Performance is the way to go, the bar mounts directly to the strut towers which puts it ahead of Cusco as far as chassis bracing. With the bar and plates being black, it almost looks stock (I like the sleeper look) it blends in with the engine bay but for some people this may be a downside ( it may be possible to get it in other colors if you really want to add bling to your engine bay but I can't confirm that you can). As far as price difference, Cusco is more affordable vs the TB Performance which costs a bit more. Hopefully this helps bud and thanks for watching!
What is strut bar be a good choice for every day driver.
Hi Harry! for our E210 we have this one the Cusco and this one ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html the TB Performance one. Both should perform about the same on a daily driver, remember strut bars are usually only felt (or their advantage is only) when the car is being pushed to it's limits (normally at the track) While the do benefit a daily driver they usually can't be felt during normal driving conditions. Now if you are looking for the one that is the most attractive (if you are looking primarily to add bling to your engine bay) then the Cusco bay would be the way to go. Hope this helps, Cheers!
Nice video. I'm definitely considering getting this strut bar. I am curious though. Looks like it covers maybe the fuse box on the drivers side and would need to be removed every time you need to access the fuse box. Is this true?
Hi JWalker! yeah it looks even more awesome in real life. To answer your question, yes it does block the fuse box (you can probably open the box but I don't think you can fit a finger in there lol) so I would have to be partially removed if you need to access your box often. Here is another alternative that does not block it (won't add as much bling to your engine bay, a little more work to install it but it's fully functional) ua-cam.com/video/yGkDgtHog60/v-deo.html Hope this helps!
Pringals?
Haha!! my favorite snack!
@@AlexAutoFun mine too!
@@joelvela4366 👍👍 nice!
nice set up!!
Thank you Mermaid Princess!
Is this right for rav4 xlt 2019? Thanks.
Hi ebetan! This strut bar is for the E210 Corolla. Cheers!
Thank you!
@@ebetan1 You're welcome!
so you gotta take everything out when changing the air filter?
Hi Hector! nope the air filter is way down towards the front, far from the strut bar. Here is my cold air intake video if it helps it shows the location of the air filter ua-cam.com/video/hdgV_OfQXxk/v-deo.html and thanks for watching bud!
Overall did it make a big difference in handling and steering feel?
Hi Caleb! yes it does but as I mentioned this is just one component of bracing and suspension, as you add more to the car the difference becomes more noticeable, but take a look at my test drive impressions at 9:31 for more complete explanation and thanks for watching bud!
No i don‘t think so. It‘s mounted extreme wabbly. You need one with strut bearing mount
definitely should have shown the front view pov of driving the car while you were taking all those turns, would have been interesting to see how sharp you were taking the turns
Hi Allen! ah yes, for comparison take a look a this other video with my E210 ua-cam.com/video/Z4tbkd0MSxw/v-deo.html there I was taking turns a little more gentle to prevent tires from breaking loose. But yeah it's very easy to break the tires loose on the E120 on stock tires and rims as their as geared for fuel economy.. can't want to upgrade them LOL
Do you like this Cusco strut bar or the TB performance strut set up?
Hi Rush! Here is how I would compare them now that I experienced both: Cusco is just a work of art, looks gorgeous which is great for car shows and is functional. If performance is the top priority then TB Performance is the way to go, the bar mounts directly to the strut towers which puts it ahead of Cusco as far as chassis bracing. With the bar and plates being black, it almost looks stock (If you like the sleeper look) it blends in with the engine bay (for some people this may be a downside). As far as price difference, Cusco is more affordable vs the TB Performance which costs a bit more. Hopefully this helps, Cheers!
Just ordered for my oxide bronze 2020 se
Awesome! Congrats on your new strut bar braineater713!
Just arrived
Does it fit the '20-'21 sedan ?
Hi Edison! Yes it will also fits the sedan, hope this helps and thanks for watching!
Does this work with a 2022 Corolla hatchback as well?
Hi XxSapphireScarXx! it should fit! the E210 platform remains fairly unchanged (unless you are on the GR model).. Hope this helps and thanks for watching bud!
Thank you!
@@MsNicolerae You're welcome!
Appears to be a samurai sword
Hi Michael! Yeah that is exactly what it reminded me off, specially with the Japanese heritage involved with Cusco parts, very cool indeed...
The corolla is made in Japan the only car that will last forever
Mario, is that you??
Haha! Its'a mee Mario!
Cusco is eye candy, it works until you lean on it with your palm and it bends. This just happened with mine, sorry not happy with product.
Hi motomanz! and man oh no.. That definitely does not sound good. The bar is hollow for weight reduction and the internal shape of the tube has a lot of rigidity to support pressure in the horizontal direction (from strut to strut) while this design is great for aesthetics and low weight it also means that it will not be strong in the vertical direction, so I can definitely believe you it may bend if leaning on it. I haven't leaned on mine since I wanted to keep all finger prints off so I don't really touch it but man I'll be extra careful, thanks for sharing your experience bud!
Dude, Where is my car?!
Let me guess your name, Luiggi...
Haha! Imagine that!
Feel like eating some pringles.
Haha!
Its a me..😉
LOL!!
Please loose the mustache