hmm ive been without it since i bought the car. and i autocross heavily. maybe if i can get one of those JDM bling ones and its class legal mod ill consider buying one.

 

There have been discussions on that weak-ass thing on the racing forum. The best theory I've seen is that it was added some very last minute handling tuning during finalization of the car. It is so flimsy and the section shape is such that it is only going to be remotely strong in tension. I can't see it doing much unless you're pushing the car to high limits. As for street driving, it is meaningless.

 

I wonder if it was added just so that the EVAP shield had something to bolt to? I seriously don't see it doing anything either when it comes to any stiffening of the car. I had a buddy drive around for over a year without it on and there were zero issues and even when it was replaced there was no noticeable improvement in handling either.

 

I ran over something last night and it dented my exhaust and the lower tie bar. The stock tie bar is cheap. Is it hard to remove the bolts?? Should I buy new bolts?

Would aftermarket tie bar improve that much?

 

I reused the original bolts. I don't see how much an aftermarket one would really help out. Mainly just for looks.