Tools needed:
12mm Socket
14mm Socket
17mm Socket
4+" extension
Allen key, but I forget the size now.
12mm open end wrench
Torque Wrench
Time: About 15 minutes.
First, pop the hood and remove the engine cover. There, you'll see the original strut bar:
The strut bar is held in place with 2 12mm nuts on each side. Remove the 4 nuts and remove the strut bar. There are strut bar mounts underneath. Those are held in place with 3 14mm nuts on each side. Remove the nuts, and remove the brackets. I had no problems with the nuts coming off at any point. Check out the difference between OEM and Mazdaspeed.
The mounts on the Mazdaspeed strut bar are shipped installed on the bar. To loosen them to get them to the correct angle to install, you'll need a hex key (big, don't remember the size) and a 17mm socket. Loosen both ends of the bar and put the entire assembly in place (make sure the fender liner doesn't get trapped underneath the mount). Prior to installing, make sure that the brace for the master cylinder is fully retracted.
Tighten down the bolts for the mounts. Tighten to 63 N-m torque.
Driver's Side:
Passenger's Side:
The extension is required to get to the back bolts, but none of it is difficult work. Adjust the master cylinder brace so that it just contacts the master cylinder. Tighten the 12mm locking nut on the strut brace. Note the master cylinder support in the bottom picture.
Master Cylinder Brace:
Tuh-duh! You're done. The engine cover will no longer fit without trimming. Below is a picture after I took the dremel to the cover:
