pop your hood and look at the two mounting points for the strut bar. You'll notice that these are where the shocks/struts are.

The first thing it does is it stiffens the chassis, because even though the chassis is metal, we all know metal bends if forced to.

The second thing the strut bar does is it basically locks the struts so that they work together. Um.. this is easier to explain in person, but i'll try my best.

Ok, imagine taking a sharp left turn without a strut bar in place. What happens? The front right shock/strut gets pushed up, while the front left shock takes on less pressure. Makes sense right? because a left turn would transer weight to the right side of the vehicle.

Now, imagine taking the same left turn with a strut bar. The front right shock/strut gets pushed up still, but this time, that pressure is 'transfered' to the left shock, pushing DOWN on it, so that it forces the left side to contact the ground better. This in turn provides better grip and better ability to accelerate.

I think that's the best way to describe it (or at least, this is what i've been lead to believe). The same goes for sway bars, except they are on the bottom of the car. Tie bars on the other hand just strengthen the chassis to prevent body flex.

Hope i helped, and if i'm wrong about something or the way I explained something, please clarify for me!

16.1 @ 87.11
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ARD 57mm tb and p&p manifold, Neuspeed STB, Pro-kits, Illuminas, Injen CAI with K&N, 2.5" pacesetter catback,
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