questions about strut bars/braces/shocks

[2000whiteGTS]

First and foremost, I know nothing about strut bars, sway bars and the like. So I have some questions that some of you may be able to help me answer before I decide to throw away money.
1. How can a little stainless steel strut bar that it bolted onto the top of the strut towers really help to keep your car from flexing? Seems to me that if you wanted to stop flexing you would weld in supports instead of a shiny little tube. I'd like to know how much difference that tube really makes.
2. Same goes for the back. I saw at my Toyota dealer the rear strut brace for $133 I think. Is it worth buying, or just for looks? Because my friend is a welder and I could have them weld in support beams across the back at his shop for almost free, and then build onto that for my new speaker box in the future.
3. Do I forget about both of these and go with an anti-sway kit? They seem expensive, and too hard for me to do myself. Do they really make much of a difference over stock, or is it just another thing to add to your list of mods?
I am going to get new rims pretty soon, and was wondering about how much I lean to the side going around curves. I am sure tires has a little to do with it. ut what can I do to make my car not lean so much, without making it too bouncy inside? Thanks in advance.

[2000whiteGTS]

6 days and no responses? Come on, I know someone must have some real knowledge about this stuff. I want to know if there is any proof that they really work, or if it is just a perceived feeling one has when they install these things. I don't want to spend the money on something just because everyone else has them if they don't really make a big difference.

[vvtlikick]

I don't have any in my car, but I think bolt-in chassis braces can definitely improve chassis rigidity. Some braces may be just add weight, however :)

I think, in general, strut tower braces are the most effective. Think about when you turn right, the left suspension compresses, and the left side suspension supports will flex inward. A strut tower brace directly counteracts this. :)

The only question is whether the added chassis rigidity is worth the added weight of the brace. And that's a question I'm not qualified to answer :gap:

Sway bars, or anti-roll bars, are NOT chassis braces. They are suspension components, specfically they are springs which act to disallow body roll. If you look at the design, you can see how suspension movement on one side attempts to twist the bar, which the bar naturally resists :D

Sway bars have the potential to transform the car's handling, unlike chassis braces. Poorly selected sway bars can also ruin the car's handling and ride. :(

I don't know enough about the specific front and rear sway bars available for the Celica, so I can't make any recommendations.

[baNanA_ryCe]

wow good info vvtlikick

[2000whiteGTS]

Thanks for clearing some of it up for me. I saw in a Jeg's magazine a rear sway bar set for my GTS for 139 or so. But I have seen them other places for over 200. I want my car to be able to go around corners without leaning so much, but I don't want to have it so bumpy when I am driving either. I don't know if it is because people lower their car or not, but I see cars around here that look like they are about to fall apart from bouncing so much on the bumpy roads. I want to make sure my car is still comfortable, but less lean. Is that possible? And is it possible for under 500?

[My68Spit]

The bumpiness you see in a lot of rice-grinders that have been slammed is from fools cutting their springs. Also i believe very VERY stiff shocks and springs will do the same thing. I have a bolt on front sway bar in my GT (got it from Jeg's) along with the TRD lowering springs. There is a SLIGHT noticable difference in handling with the front bar and the springs make a huge difference but they aren't too bumpy or rough. They are progressively would springs so they are made to be as smooth riding as stock springs. I want to get a rear sway bar too.
Sway bars will not make your ride any bouncier and you will still maintain a smooth ride while cornering a lot sharper. If you lower it mak sure you go with good springs and shocks. I am planningon replacing my stock shocks and struts with Koni adjustables ASAP.

Hope some of this helps.