PDM Tower bar hits Valve Cover - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

mrdirty · 05-17-2002, 07:14 AM

Like it says, i picked up a tower bar from Don and now it's making contact with my valve cover.

It's also making horendous noise, WTF?!

Anyone have anything similar or advice?

Broadwayblues · 05-17-2002, 07:51 AM

I have not had any problems, though I do have the DOHC engine. Call the number on your invoice and give Don a call. I know that I did a little bit of adjusting and mine made a lot of noise till I tightened all the bolts down. I think that yours might be loud because of the engine hitting the bar.

tnord · 05-17-2002, 07:55 AM

if all else fails, just put some washers on the bolts to create space between the strut tower and the bracket. i don't know if that would mess up the effectiveness of the bar or not, but it should work.

mrdirty · 05-17-2002, 07:58 AM

Yeah, it certainly is the engine hitting the bar that's noise;
I don't think there is much room for adjustment, I've got it as tight as possible while still getting
around the tower lip (?) Anywho, anybody have any experience with fitting to a KA24E?

mrdirty · 05-17-2002, 08:02 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (tnord @ May 17 2002,08:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">if all else fails, just put some washers on the bolts to create space between the strut tower and the bracket. i don't know if that would mess up the effectiveness of the bar or not, but it should work.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I don't think the bar will work properly if it's not tied into the lip of the tower and that lip is only 1/8" or so; I think spacing is out.

This seems like a design flaw, I'm dissapointed...

*sykikchimp* · 05-17-2002, 09:04 AM

I had the same problem with the Bar I got from him.  I sold it to another guy, and it fit fine on his..  I think they just cut a little too close.  I emailed Don about it, and he suggested I bend the bar a little.  Should work fine since it's just alluminum.  Get a Vise and clamp it in and pull.  I didn't want to deal with it, anymore so I bought the Cusco peice for my new 240.

mrdirty · 05-17-2002, 09:14 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (sykikchimp @ May 17 2002,10:04)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I had the same problem with the Bar I got from him. *I sold it to another guy, and it fit fine on his.. *I think they just cut a little too close. *I emailed Don about it, and he suggested I bend the bar a little. *Should work fine since it's just alluminum. *Get a Vise and clamp it in and pull. *I didn't want to deal with it, anymore so I bought the Cusco peice for my new 240.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Well if this is the case and Don was aware of the problem then I'm VERY dissapointed

Anything specifically for a car shouldn't need customer modification. That bar is damn thick, bending it would be challenging.

I guess this is a "one size fits all" part that doesn't; should have guessed as much for $40

Will this fit on the rear?

*sykikchimp* · 05-17-2002, 10:14 AM

no. the rear has a 2 bolt pattern and I believe is closer together than the front.

I told me the bar he sells is made for different year S13's as well.  but the one I had didn't fit on either one.  I thought it was weird that it fit on someone elses, and not mine.  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/dozingoff.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

MorganS13 · 05-17-2002, 11:20 AM

i'm actually the one that bought sykikchimp's PDM bar that wouldn't fit his car.  It fit my 93 DOHC perfect, didn't come too close to touching the valve cover or wires.  i'd try bending it if nothing if i were u...

tnord · 05-17-2002, 12:11 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (mrdirty @ May 18 2002,08:02)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (tnord @ May 17 2002,08:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">if all else fails, just put some washers on the bolts to create space between the strut tower and the bracket. i don't know if that would mess up the effectiveness of the bar or not, but it should work.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I don't think the bar will work properly if it's not tied into the lip of the tower and that lip is only 1/8" or so; I think spacing is out.

This seems like a design flaw, I'm dissapointed...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
yeah, i kinda agree that it might not work just right. i don't know why it wouldn't, but the thought of it just doesn't sit right with me.

mrdirty · 05-17-2002, 12:48 PM

Well i just spoke to don,
his answer was:

I included 3 washers per side...which can be used underneath each strut
brace, to raise it.

I can't figure out why some SOHC motors may slightly touch...and other
don't.  I've tried the exact same bar on 3 different local SOHC engine
bays...all 1990's...and 2 fit...1 didn't.  Not sure if it's a worn
engine mount/height issue or not.  I thought at first it was differences
in the strut braces being made...but I tried the same bar on all 3
cars...and same results.

You can also stick one end of the bar into a vice with a towel
protecting the surfaces...and bend it slightly.

   

2) Both blue pieces are identically offset so the brace seems to run
"diagonally" across the bay; on the right it's closer to the front, on
the left it's closer to the rear.

They are supposed to be a bit more "centralized", but they fit.  (again,
they are manufactured 8,000 miles away from me.... and I don't have
control over the guys making them)

It should still fit and function fine  - as we tested this out on all
240's before we released them.

don

doesn't sound like he's taking too much responsibility for the poor quality here but it is a pretty cheap part. I'm going to try the bend technique tonight.

I'm still buying from don though, seems like a good guy.

sil80 · 05-17-2002, 01:19 PM

For $40 dollars your really cannot complain. Bend the thing and see how it works. If its seems like crap then throw it away and get an actuall quality strut bar for your car.

mrdirty · 05-17-2002, 01:32 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (mrdirty @ May 17 2002,1:48)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">doesn't sound like he's taking too much responsibility for the poor quality here but it is a pretty cheap part. I'm going to try the bend technique tonight.

I'm still buying from don though, seems like a good guy.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Ummmm.....I think I just said that.

Oh and BTW, with a part this simple, we're not exactly talking rocket science to get it right...

05-17-2002, 07:51 AM	#2
Broadwayblues Zilvia Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 193 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have not had any problems, though I do have the DOHC engine. Call the number on your invoice and give Don a call. I know that I did a little bit of adjusting and mine made a lot of noise till I tightened all the bolts down. I think that yours might be loud because of the engine hitting the bar. __________________ "stop lights timed to 55 mph are also timed to 110 mph!" http://www.geocities.com/broadwayblues34/240sx.html 92 240SX Coupe! MB clear side markers Clear bumper lights 3 inch universal muffler w/ removable tip. Strut tower bar- Front OBX SS version 2

05-17-2002, 09:04 AM	#6
sykikchimp WOW addicted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the moon Age: 32 Posts: 6,518 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I had the same problem with the Bar I got from him.  I sold it to another guy, and it fit fine on his..  I think they just cut a little too close.  I emailed Don about it, and he suggested I bend the bar a little.  Should work fine since it's just alluminum.  Get a Vise and clamp it in and pull.  I didn't want to deal with it, anymore so I bought the Cusco peice for my new 240. __________________

05-17-2002, 10:14 AM	#8
sykikchimp WOW addicted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the moon Age: 32 Posts: 6,518 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	no. the rear has a 2 bolt pattern and I believe is closer together than the front. I told me the bar he sells is made for different year S13's as well.  but the one I had didn't fit on either one.  I thought it was weird that it fit on someone elses, and not mine.  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/dozingoff.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> __________________

05-17-2002, 01:19 PM	#12
sil80 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 660 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	For $40 dollars your really cannot complain. Bend the thing and see how it works. If its seems like crap then throw it away and get an actuall quality strut bar for your car. __________________ Five degrees of separation - from you and your license 91 240sx SE

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05-17-2002, 07:14 AM	#1
mrdirty Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Age: 35 Posts: 650 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Like it says, i picked up a tower bar from Don and now it's making contact with my valve cover. It's also making horendous noise, WTF?! Anyone have anything similar or advice?

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05-17-2002, 07:55 AM	#3
tnord Nissanaholic! Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,975 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	if all else fails, just put some washers on the bolts to create space between the strut tower and the bracket. i don't know if that would mess up the effectiveness of the bar or not, but it should work.

05-17-2002, 07:58 AM	#4
mrdirty Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Age: 35 Posts: 650 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yeah, it certainly is the engine hitting the bar that's noise; I don't think there is much room for adjustment, I've got it as tight as possible while still getting around the tower lip (?) Anywho, anybody have any experience with fitting to a KA24E?

05-17-2002, 08:02 AM	#5
mrdirty Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Age: 35 Posts: 650 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (tnord @ May 17 2002,08:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">if all else fails, just put some washers on the bolts to create space between the strut tower and the bracket. i don't know if that would mess up the effectiveness of the bar or not, but it should work.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> I don't think the bar will work properly if it's not tied into the lip of the tower and that lip is only 1/8" or so; I think spacing is out. This seems like a design flaw, I'm dissapointed...

05-17-2002, 09:14 AM	#7
mrdirty Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Age: 35 Posts: 650 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (sykikchimp @ May 17 2002,10:04)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I had the same problem with the Bar I got from him. I sold it to another guy, and it fit fine on his.. I think they just cut a little too close. I emailed Don about it, and he suggested I bend the bar a little. Should work fine since it's just alluminum. Get a Vise and clamp it in and pull. I didn't want to deal with it, anymore so I bought the Cusco peice for my new 240.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> Well if this is the case and Don was aware of the problem then I'm VERY dissapointed Anything specifically for a car shouldn't need customer modification. That bar is damn thick, bending it would be challenging. I guess this is a "one size fits all" part that doesn't; should have guessed as much for $40 Will this fit on the rear?

05-17-2002, 11:20 AM	#9
MorganS13 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Midwest Posts: 707 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	i'm actually the one that bought sykikchimp's PDM bar that wouldn't fit his car.  It fit my 93 DOHC perfect, didn't come too close to touching the valve cover or wires.  i'd try bending it if nothing if i were u...

05-17-2002, 12:11 PM	#10
tnord Nissanaholic! Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,975 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (mrdirty @ May 18 2002,08:02)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (tnord @ May 17 2002,08:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">if all else fails, just put some washers on the bolts to create space between the strut tower and the bracket. i don't know if that would mess up the effectiveness of the bar or not, but it should work.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> I don't think the bar will work properly if it's not tied into the lip of the tower and that lip is only 1/8" or so; I think spacing is out. This seems like a design flaw, I'm dissapointed...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> yeah, i kinda agree that it might not work just right. i don't know why it wouldn't, but the thought of it just doesn't sit right with me.

05-17-2002, 12:48 PM	#11
mrdirty Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Age: 35 Posts: 650 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Well i just spoke to don, his answer was: I included 3 washers per side...which can be used underneath each strut brace, to raise it. I can't figure out why some SOHC motors may slightly touch...and other don't.  I've tried the exact same bar on 3 different local SOHC engine bays...all 1990's...and 2 fit...1 didn't.  Not sure if it's a worn engine mount/height issue or not.  I thought at first it was differences in the strut braces being made...but I tried the same bar on all 3 cars...and same results. You can also stick one end of the bar into a vice with a towel protecting the surfaces...and bend it slightly.     2) Both blue pieces are identically offset so the brace seems to run "diagonally" across the bay; on the right it's closer to the front, on the left it's closer to the rear. They are supposed to be a bit more "centralized", but they fit.  (again, they are manufactured 8,000 miles away from me.... and I don't have control over the guys making them) It should still fit and function fine  - as we tested this out on all 240's before we released them. don doesn't sound like he's taking too much responsibility for the poor quality here but it is a pretty cheap part. I'm going to try the bend technique tonight. I'm still buying from don though, seems like a good guy.

05-17-2002, 01:32 PM	#13
mrdirty Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Age: 35 Posts: 650 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (mrdirty @ May 17 2002,1:48)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">doesn't sound like he's taking too much responsibility for the poor quality here but it is a pretty cheap part. I'm going to try the bend technique tonight. I'm still buying from don though, seems like a good guy.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> Ummmm.....I think I just said that. Oh and BTW, with a part this simple, we're not exactly talking rocket science to get it right...