Innovative Pro Series Traction Bar Review & Install on the CRX (88-91 EF Civic)

[@WhenImGoneCa]

Have to remove the joint to adjust the caster compared to the other brand? Lol... you're a joke... you're suppose to spin the red rod thus adjusting the caster.....

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

And to spin the red radius rod requires removing the 2 bolts on end genius. Not an easy task just to adjust caster. If you don't remove or at least loosen those bolts there's no way to get the heim joint out from the arm. On the new arm it is not necessary to remove those bolts attached to the LCA. Next time you'd like to try to leave a comment, please try and be helpful and actually know the items/product you are commenting on.

[@stunnasam21]

Yeah good luck spinning the red radius arm while it's still bolted to the LCA 🤦‍♂️

[@kyleholmes7459]

This guy has never worked on a Civic.

[@joshdane5657]

Wow lol Jon knows what he doing been on here working on EF for years

[@WhenImGoneCa]

So y'all got the one without heim joints on both sides... gotcha...

[@AliGokaySarioz]

Also note that oem tow hooks weight right about 1lbs so we lose another pound by changing it to this traction bar. But the biggest point for me was to be able get a full alignment. Thank you for yet another full coverage product video. This channel is like the wiki ef 🙌.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Forgot about those too. That helps with the weight difference!

[@diversedad7954]

Looks like way more clearance than my ktuned traction bar. Also love the added reinforcement in the middle for jacking it up! If I have any reason to change out my traction bar this is definitely the one I will choose!

[@chriswinters4527]

I think the traction bar was totally worth it but we’ll put it to the test at the end of the month!

[@snatchfac3]

I know this is an old video, but your always responsive in your comments. We all appreciate the knowledge you've provided over the years! So my question is on Innovative website it states the "PRO series" setup is the only one available for usdm chassis. The version with red radius rods is for edm/jdm chassis. Now i know you've had the previous version on multiple cars im just curious if they were possibly edm chassis or if im just overthinking the description on their website. Thanks

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

The us chassis has the bolts mounted in a different position than the JDM/edm chassis for the front subframe. They are correct on the website.

[@SIRICKO]

Will be buying one for the bucket.

[@danielbrookes2938]

SI RICKO looking forward to more videos on that car. Watched the de anodizing of the bov video earlier.

[@SIRICKO]

Daniel Brookes awesome my man good morning by the way. Lol

[@gregl6998]

Great video. I do have a question regarding the mounting points for the front motor mount..... I don't see any on the traction bar.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

It does have the torque mount present! 👍

[@shanereetz]

Just ordered this bar. From the product photos it doesn’t look like there’s a way to use the stock torque mount without their 50$ bracket. Are you saying your kit came with this bracket Jon? Great vid, as always! 👍

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No, it did not. I believe you have to purchase it separately unfortunately.

[@kyleholmes7459]

Hey Jon those double thread adjustable heim joints should be showing the same amount of threads from the heim to the adjustment sleeve and adjustment sleeve to the arm.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Got it! 👍

[@sircsolerom764]

You should have weighed the tow hooks too! I'm sure there was some savings there as well. Nice video! I was interested in the new traction bar

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

That's true, probably close to another lb or two!

[@ExtremeDailyDrivers]

Great video! I have a traction bar from Innovative on order and should ship any day!

[@IntegraDIY]

That thing looks quality made, and good improvements vs the older version! Is it worth the upgrade for you?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I like it, I love the old one though too. For me, I don't know if I'd spend the extra $100 personally. I don't adjust caster often and that's the only difficult part about the old one. I'd probably still get the old model for any of my cars.

[@IntegraDIY]

Garage Built Hondas idk what’s up with my crx, but I replaced the drivers side lower control arm, and just decided to remove and clean the front subframe where the radius arms go through.. and now I can’t get the radius arm bolts into the drivers side LCA..I can only get one bolt but the other one is impossible... Is there a certain way of doing it? Or do you thing the front end is badly tweaked? Do you know if there is any adjusting to the radius arm bolt where the bushings are at? I’m stumped 🤔

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Put a jack under the LCA and lift it to it's normal position and try getting the 2nd bolts in. Do not tighten the first bolt up completely, only get it started. It'll give you room to move the radius rod and lca around letting you line up both.

[@IntegraDIY]

Garage Built Hondas Thanks man! That helps a lot!! I’m going to tackle it tomorrow.. I’ll let you know how it goes. By the way I got the subframe in...... it went pretty smoothly

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Cool, let me know if the trick works!

[@williedhoward1]

Looks awesome. I'm considering purchasing this for my CRX.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

👍😀

[@shanesmith8442]

Why would the traction bar welds keep breaking on a 90 civic hatchback? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Which brand bar?

[@GumptionGarage]

I can confirm this fits my 90 ex sedan, as well. Wasn't sure if the logo was supposed to go up, or down. Saw you picked down. I chose up.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Up? How's that work, the bars mounted in reverse?

[@GumptionGarage]

@@GarageBuiltHondas both prices were identical, they can install both ways.. check out my page, video #91. 8:50 mark

[@GumptionGarage]

@@GarageBuiltHondas I know they changed style of radius rods at least once before, but it's are identical. I looked at every picture I could find, by innovative, and they all showed logo up. I figured that was part of their schtick. Also, didn't want to road rash their logo. I saw they have this video on their website. Props to you! I've been watching a long time man.. 6 years I think.. excited for your sedan series.

[@einstienium702]

It may be worth noting that the new style traction bar in the video offers much less clearance in front of the motor (mainly b series) for aftermarket headers. I have a high end tri-y and there was absolutely no way it would clear the new style traction bar from innovative. I still run the older style innovative bar (black tube style with red radius arms) works great👍

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Excellent info Joseph, thanks for the add!!!

[@5luggin]

Can you use this with a kswap ? It states on b and d series?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Good question. My guess is yes since the OEM one works with K swaps. I'd contact Innovative to see if they can verify.

[@5luggin]

@@GarageBuiltHondas got an email back stating no. . But I want to understand why not?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Probably hits the oil pan is my guess just by thinking about it. The B/D have the trans on that side so there's a lot of clearance the way it's shaped.

[@MILANOKIS]

Would you happen to know where I can get some of those long factory crossmember bolts? I'm switching to the innovative traction bar from my ktuned but can't seem to find the old crossmember bolts.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Try the OEM Honda parts websites. I'm not sure if they're available new still.

[@kracksmith4ejm1]

since the bar is flushed to the oil pan meaning it'll sit up higher, any problems with the radiator mounting too high and have problem with the hood? or since it's higher what radiator do you recommend.

[@chriswinters4527]

kracksmith4ejm1 you use the stock mounting points for the radiator. The bar is slightly touching them but in no way dose it change the position of the radiator, so there are no fitment issues with the stock radiator or hood.

[@jazimmerman32]

Does the new style bar have the ability to run the front torq mount

[@chriswinters4527]

Joseph da zimmerman for b series yes.

[@efboiz5302]

Watch the video and you'll be able to see if it does or not ;)

[@themechanic6117]

Really nice bar, when I get a crx I'm going with that one

[@justingadell]

Nice video as usual. The caster adjustability ease and the lift point were the selling factors for me.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Big time man, I dislike the caster issue on the old bar!

[@MigzNthings]

I wish to have this .. but i have a DA I know the older style interchanges but Idk what's the difference on this one.. 😐

[@toddbeal4373]

Hell yeah, like that bar setup better then the old one. I'll be getting one of them for mine

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

👍 it's pretty darn solid!

[@stunnasam21]

Hey Jon, does the new Innovative bar have a spot for lower radiator mounts? The nice thing about the older design is the lower radiator mounts that are adjustable. Thanks keep it up 👌

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Not yet dude, I haven't seen any provisions for a lower mounting point for a radiator. It does have the mount for a B series torque mount which is nice though!

[@thomasnguyen4046]

I lowered my car and it seems the front tow hooks are scraping the floor when I hit a large bump or go up a driveway. Checked underneath the car and hooks are almost a full 1-2inchs lower than oil pan and header (these had no scraping or damage) Is it safe to remove the front tow hooks altogether?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yes. If needed you could attach a recovery strap to the Innovative Bar itself.

[@dc21311]

Does the B20 fit for that on a 1900 Honda Civic

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

All motors do.

[@hongyaozhuang8625]

hate it when I have a RHD JDM model. dont think I can purchase the new design for the radius rods seperately?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

The front bar will not bolt up to a rhd model. Innovative makes their old style bar for the JDM models though

[@hongyaozhuang8625]

@@GarageBuiltHondasyes i just received it and just realised how difficult it is to adjust castor on it compared to your version. If only i can get your radius rods separately.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Check Innovative's website. They do sell replacement parts. Unless you're adjusting your caster often you don't really need it. I've had the bar you have on my track car for the last 3 years and my alignment guy adjusts caster only as needed. I think only once in the last 3 times he has aligned it.

[@efnmadaboutcivics88]

I have a question. My crankshaft pulley has been coming loose lately, twice now. I've torqued it down and it still comes loose. The bolt doesn't look stripped the threads look fine. Any advice about what it could be?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

What torque spec are you using?

[@chriswinters4527]

Hey Jon I broke my phone Tuesday I wont have a new one till this coming Tuesday or Wednesday. In case you still wanted to go to yards.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

What days are you off?

[@chriswinters4527]

Garage Built Hondas Wednesday and Thursday dude

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Ok, text me Tuesday when you get your phone, that way I can see what the wife's schedule looks like also.

[@poonjaber1122]

Make a video of the junkyard... those are always good

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

If we go I'll record. But if we don't find anything useful then I won't really use it!

[@scooterboy304]

Hey buddy.could you tell me if a 1989 crx fh can run a 90 hatch dx under hood fuse box.having some issues with the blinker lights and fuel pump

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yes

[@youngblood8790]

I have a question ok how do you calibrate the tps sensor on a GSR head and Sir bottom block set up and what are the numbers to look for? And what are the calibration numbers on a P06 Tune Ecu with a Honda Civic Type R base map? Cause I did my research and on stock B series the TPS number are 0.5 close throttle and 0.45 open throttle but I seen on another video on a tune Ecu the tps numbers are 0.666 so if you can help me out please thanks

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I couldn't tell you. The things you're asking I've never had experiences with. The .5 and 4.5 settings on the TPS are OEM specs. I've never had a tuned car and do not know if they differ. Sorry I couldn't be much help.

[@jasonlowther9936]

How does he like the ktuned tie rods

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

He hated them. After the alignment the car felt unstable and unlike normal. He's taking them off and going back to oem.

[@chriswinters4527]

Ya they sucked they will be forsale soon!

[@efnmadaboutcivics88]

So if the harmonic balancer is bad it would cause the bolt to pretty much shake loose?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

It is possible. It's balanced for a reason.

[@aycarambas]

Do you know if this traction bar allows install of front tranny mount? I see some sort of bracket with 2 holes on the bar where the mount would normally bolt on

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No

[@Jonsta2sik]

Will the stock bolts work for the aftermarket traction bar that bolt up on the subframe?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yes

[@xaviert4748]

Can’t find a answer online, will this specific traction bar for crx’s fit da’s?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No

[@xaviert4748]

@@GarageBuiltHondas thank you. Tryna find a traction bar for my da where I have a reinforced jack point in the middle of the bar

[@efboiz5302]

Really like the updated design

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

It's slick, it's very "sharp" looking to me if you get that. Very edgy

[@thrty8street]

So what exactly is the benefit of using this aftermarket traction bar?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Taken from their website. The INNOVATIVE MOUNTS Competition/Traction Bar Kit is designed to increase the rigidity and stability of a vehicle's front suspension. Wheel-hop is reduced by connecting the front lower control arms to the frame. The PRO-SERIES boxed cross member not only increases frame and suspension rigidity, it also reduces the ahead of the front axle The PRO-SERIES traction bar kit is laser cut, precision welded and powder-coated for durable, corrosion resistant finish. Each billet aluminum radius arm is equipped with a race grade heim/spherical joint allowing for an OEM fit that is adjustable to suit all vehicle setups. High-strength heims and radius arms reduce the unwanted movement that can cause changes in suspension geometry during high-speed cornering or launching.

[@thrty8street]

@@GarageBuiltHondas Thanks! Please let us know if you notice a difference.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Will do!

[@therowdyrex8523]

Does it have a spots to mount a half size radiator?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No.

[@therowdyrex8523]

@@GarageBuiltHondas damn i was hyped on it..

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

What engine are you running?

[@therowdyrex8523]

@@GarageBuiltHondas b18 ls

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Just use the skunk2 half size. It fits like stock

[@TheBaconAgent212]

What front lower control arms are those

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

J2 Engineering

[@allana5930]

I'm curious how much that bar was

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

$350-380 depending on where you buy it.

[@harley8728]

Do you feel more vibration in the car?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

It's not noticeable.

[@bryantcoronado751]

Will it work with a k24 in my crx??

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Check their website.

[@BLAZEPSI]

Can Someone enlighten me, what is the purpose of these? If its clearance Im in. Thanks

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

From their website - Adjustable End Links Built-In Tow Hooks Lighter and Stronger than OEM Works with both A/T & M/T cars Works with B-Series Swaps Gives Extra Front Clearance Clears All Factory Headers Enhances Vehicle Rigidity and Overall Driving Accuracy Lifetime Warranty The INNOVATIVE MOUNTS Competition/Traction Bar Kit is designed to increase the rigidity and stability of a vehicle's front suspension. Wheel-hop is reduced by connecting the front lower control arms to the frame. The PRO-SERIES boxed cross member not only increases frame and suspension rigidity, it also reduces the ahead of the front axle The PRO-SERIES traction bar kit is laser cut, precision welded and powder-coated for durable, corrosion resistant finish. Each billet aluminum radius arm is equipped with a race grade heim/spherical joint allowing for an OEM fit that is adjustable to suit all vehicle setups. High-strength heims and radius arms reduce the unwanted movement that can cause changes in suspension geometry during high-speed cornering or launching. The Comp/Traction bar will work with engine swaps and can be used with full or half sized radiators. Due to its slim design, it will also accept the use of larger down pipes and manifolds.

[@efnmadaboutcivics88]

119 ft lbs. Can harmonic balancers go bad?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yes, absolutely.

[@efnmadaboutcivics88]

Would a 92 D series crankshaft pulley work with my 90 D15B2?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I'm 95% positive yes. Try to read around online and get some verification.

[@efnmadaboutcivics88]

I always read the forums first lol. When I can't find a straight answer I usually watch your videos or ask you directly. I'll give it a try and see how it goes. Thanks again for taking the time and answering all my questions.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

You're welcome, sorry I couldn't be more specific, I've just never had the chance to try. But seeing how the 4th and 5th gen D series all use the same parts I'm led to believe it'll work!

[@bseries8826]

Wow. They look sweet!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Agree, looks tough!

[@jamesly1066]

Thanks for the video.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@davisaguilar4565]

Very nice install

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks Davis

[@poonjaber1122]

Another good video... when are you gonna build another car?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Not sure. Still got some things I want to do to my cars. I'll have some other projects going on in the future though also!

[@casper3928]

Excelente.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks!

[@allana5930]

That's not to bad.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Agree. Only $70 more than the old bar.

[@allana5930]

@@GarageBuiltHondas new OEM one would probably cost the same price and be just as week anyway

[@xThe_Caveman]

First

[@AKYGaming]

Review the ebay 100$ traction bar. Lol

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I personally wouldn't use it. It's too important of a part to go cheap quality. I've read a lot of bad things about them.

[@pebblez_]

.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

The scale?