Here are a few pics of the Mazdaspeed strut bar installed...

 

Close-up of brake master cylinder support...

 

I thought it is a 4 pt strut - so how is it different from the JIC one?

 

that is so sweet looking
but does it really help compared to stock

 

I also have one. It looks nice and that is about all. Brake masster support is cool but it is a high price for a strut bar IMO.

 

this is the US 2pt version.

the Japanese MS front brace is 4pt

 

the above is about twice as much also right

 

yeah, the 4 pt is a little over $500. Chuck at Rotary Extreme has his doubts that it will fit the LHD US 8s since the engine bay is flip flopped (ie look at the placement of the brake master cylinder).

 

The Mazdaspeed strut bar is a about 50% more rigid then the stock one. I will be ordering the four point with the sub-frame connectors as soon as I can verify that it will fit; the four point does not have the brake mc support but is not only stiffer but also much more effective in reducing body flex... And yes it is about 500, will sell this one at that point...

 

Oh yeah, hard braking feels a little more immediate; that brake mc stabilizer seems to actually work... The JIC also does not have the brake mc support...

The carbon fiber is real, it is an aluminum bar wrapped in real cf...

 

is it worth getting the MS strut bar (2 pt) because im thinking of purchasing one very soon. Does it do anything to suspension? turning? feel any better? please PM me, i would greatly appreciate knowing how this feels different from stock from those who have it on their 8's. Thanks alot :D

 

The stock bar is a stunning piece of crap. You'll see when you replace it how compromised it is. I doubt it does much of anything but your probably not going to feel much of a difference unless you autocross or track your car.

 

that brake master cylinder support is pretty slick........i never even knew the MS front strut tower bar had that.

now im alot more interested in getting the MS instead of the JIC.......

 

It really is a cool feature, looks trick as well...

 

when you sell it
I'll buy it

 

Once the Mazdaspeed strut bar is installed is the engine cover still able to be used?

Does the engine cover have to be modified to fit over the larger tube?

 

does anyone know if the 4pt brace will fit US 8s?

 

MikeB: You will be the first I offer it to... The engine cover does not fit, maybe if you modify it... It is purely cosmetic, and now I would rather look at the bar...

 

So far no one knows, I may just end up buying one at a discount and see if it works and if not sell it to one of our friends in a RHD country...

 

great, thanks and please keep us posted.

 

bit off topic but how do you get at the oil filter with the 4 pt strut bar? from the picture it looks like it blocks the access? or you have to take it off for oil change??

 

Ordered the subframe connectors today, should have in about 2 weeks...

 

That was the FRIST thing I noticed with my MS strut bar.

 

Mine did not fit...

Scroll down to see my pix: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=24258

 

Mine did not fit either...