If you know how to operate a wrench, you're all set for this one.

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:

Looks great!

That's such a big difference, but yet such a simple mod.. Awesome work Tim!

looks nice! so how much hp did you get from this? j/k

wow....just, wow...

mice man

Thanks all! I think it looks pretty good, tonight I'll trim the engine cover so it'll fit. Next up for the suspension, coilovers!

Wow what a difference, looks good. You gonna try and install the Coilovers yourself?

^^Shouldn't be anymore difficult to install than new struts and springs. I've done several of those.

Yup, that's currently the plan. It'll be Feb or so before I get around to that, though.

Man o man that looks so so sOO Good! Nice job Tim!

Tim, i have been meaning to ask, do you think there is a difference between the old and new MS strut bar? (in the twisties)

To be honest, I doubt it. The way the MS bar mounts is, IMO, better than the stock, as the stock system is kind of a floating collar design, while the MS bar mounts straight to the fender/strut mounts.

I really like the way the MS design looks but i found a company that sells a front and back for a better price and figured if there wasn't a big difference i would just go with the cheaper one.

Big difference? No...if you want the MS looks/design, then it's only worth the value you put on that. I know there are less expensive ones out there though. I know that the MS bar is one of the few that also incorporates the master cylinder brace.