Strut Brace, Peanuts & Throttle Steering - Between The Wheels Ep. 9

[@MrRenee0155]

Hello sir where could you get this strut bar ?

[@piotraungier5688]

Hi, great track car! I'm toying with adding a strut bar on my r171 350 too. What make is yours please & where did you get it from? I'm struggling finding one with the pre drilled whole in the brace so any help appreciate.. Thanks.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Hi Piotr, thanks very much. Yes, strut bars for this car are hard to find. I found this one at CDM Motorsports and the fit was 100% perfect and all holes pre drilled.

[@piotraungier5688]

Great thanks for info...does the strut have a brand name on it, so I maybe able search for it from a supplier in UK? Thanks.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Hi Piotr, here is the link to the bar I purchased. cdmmotorsports.com/product/mercedes-benz-slk-r171-front-strut-tower-bar-front-tower-vrace-2/

[@piotraungier5688]

Great cheers mate... I'm ordering one soon...let us know what you think of it on track (incl the coilovers too if get em done)

[@Scott.Mariani]

Since you have not reviewed the strut bar on track, what is the verdict, did it seem to reduce the body roll, was the difference noticeable? Thanks

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Scott, I haven’t forgotten. I plan to do an ‘on and off’ testing session during my next track day and report back on the results. For now I can say, my last track events (with the brace on) seemed to deliver a tighter turn in just based on a seat of the pants measure. That’s not very scientific, but as promised, I’ll deliver a more complete accounting soon.

[@maverick7200]

Nice job with the strut bar! I too have noticed the body roll in this car, but I know Mercedes had reinforced this car by I think 30% compared to their previous R170 generation. But I am curious for the track day video with the new strut installation. I am considering doing it now thanks to you, but one fear/problem I can see is if the engine moves because of a failed mount. I know mine has a mount that is failing, and have seen the engine move quite a bit upwards, which would come into contact with the strut bar. Do you have a link of the bar you bought?

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thanks, Maverick. I haven't noticed if my engine has movement or risk of failure of any of the mounts. Of all the used cars I have purchased, this is among the most solid and, having crawled all under and around it I haven't seen any corrosion or failure of the hardware under the car or engine. Fingers crossed! A search for strut tower bars for the SLK comes up with really only two options online. I purchased from one of the two sources but have heard positive reviews about both.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

The company I ordered from was CDM Motorsports.

[@maverick7200]

Thanks, I'll definitely check it out! Just had to do a service on my C-Class so budget on SLK is halted for the time being!

[@rubenj1234]

omg, i'm gonna be famous

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Hey Josh, I was trying to make you the new Stig, but your mask is off now!! Ha! Hope you're okay that I raved about you.

[@zidewayz]

Get coils and wheels ASAP

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Those are next on my list!