DIY Network

G-Bar Stabilization System: Lateral Bars Installation From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-209

	The project car: a 1994 Acura Integra.
	The chassis-stabilizing system makes for a sturdier ride and tighter cornering.

NOTE: Images on this page may be enlarged for enhanced viewing simply by clicking on them.

In this episode of Tricked Out, host Andrew Totolos installs a G-bar stabilization system on an 1994 Acura Integra. In this segment, Andrew Totolos and performance specialist Kevin Ford discuss the purpose of lateral bars in a stiffening system. The rear lateral bars are then installed along with the harness bar, forward lateral bars and the harness-bar supports.

Materials and tools used in this episode:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), tools and materials used in this episode include:

Pillar bar
Lateral bar
Harness bar
Harness
G-bar hardware
Shop tools
Scissors
Painter’s tape
Permanent marker
Rotary tools
Safety glasses
Particle mask
Door-sill gasket material
Panel removal tool

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. Experienced gear-heads should have no problem.

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Materials and tools used in this segment:

Lateral bars
Harness bar
Harness
Panel removal tool
Standard shop tools
19mm bolts (included in g-bar kit)

The Importance of Lateral Support

Now that the pillar bar has been installed, it’s time to add stabilization with the lateral and harness bars. According to performance specialist Kevin Ford, adding a pillar bar is similar to adding a strut-tower bar. It ties together two sides of the car, but only offers a marginal amount of stiffness to the chassis. By adding the lateral bars, a triangular framework is created, making the body of the car more structurally unified. This is particularly beneficial for hatchbacks which tend to "twist" in the rear portion under hard curves.

Figure A

The system installed here is fully adjustable because of the integral clevis joints. Once the bar is installed, its length can be adjusted by spinning the center section. Before installing the lateral bar, you'll want to make sure you have equal amount of threads on both sides. When the system is fully installed, you’ll want to lock the jam nuts against the bar (figure A) to hold your settings in place.

Lateral Bars

• Pull back the rear carpet to get it out of the way (figure B).

• Remove the panel fasteners located all along the rear trim panel (figure C).

• Once the fasteners are out, the rear trim panel can be pulled out of the car.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

• Now the grommet that covers the rear bumper mounting bolts needs to be removed (figure D) to reveal the bolt that also needs to be released.

• Using that bolt hole, mount the lateral bar or bracket by attaching one of the longer 19mm bolts that comes with the g-bar kit (figure E).

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

• Hold the first lateral bar up (figure F) and unscrew the clevis joints equally until they line up with the mounting poles and the brackets.

• Install the bar with hex bolts on both the bottom (figure G) and top of the bar,.

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

  Figure H

• Repeat the procedure with the second lateral bar (figure H).

  Note: Just as with the pillar bar, the lateral-bar bolts can stay loose until final adjustment.
  

The next thing to install is the harness bar. It goes between the b-pillars right behind the front seats. This will be used later in the installation of the racing harnesses. The harness bar can be used by itself or, as in our installation, in concert with the g-bar system.

• Remove the upper front seatbelt cover and securing bolt underneath (figure I). Once it’s out, back off the retaining ring and remove the bolt.

• Slide the harness bar mounting bracket onto the new bolt, and then push the bolt through the bar and add the large washer, star washer (figure J) and spacer.

  Figure I

  Figure J

  
  

  Figure K

• Screw that bolt into the original mounting points (figure K).

• Repeat the procedure on the other side.
  

• Next, place a front lateral bar into position and align the clevis joint (figure L).

• Bolt it up loosely (figure M).

• Repeat for the other side.

  Figure L

  Figure M

  
  

  	Figure N
  	Figure O
  	Figure P
  	Figure Q

• The next step is to remove the front lower seatbelt located near the door sill by popping off the cover and unscrewing the bolt. Save the factory hardware to install on the new, longer bolt (included with the harness bar package).

• Stack the lower support bracket, the lap harness, the large washer, spacer and retaining ring onto the new 16mm bolt (figure N).

• Screw the bolt back into the mounting point until it’s snug.

• Store the old seatbelt behind the side trim piece to keep it out of the way (figure O).

• Take a support bar, adjust the hind joints to length, and install the bolts at each end (figure P).

• In the Integra the other side of the lap belt attaches to the seat bracket. To make the job easy, install the lap belts while the seats are out of the car (figure Q). Once that’s complete, follow the exact same steps to complete the passenger-side install.

Important: Included in this summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of upgrade-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

RESOURCES :

Special Resources for Tricked Out episode 209

Lokar Motorsports
Knoxville, TN
www.lokarmotorsports.com

Racing Innovations
Knoxville, TN
www.RacingInnovations.com

Topshop Co.
Mitchell, SD
www.topshopheadliners.com

Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
Author: Joe Pettitt
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Voyageur Press (October 2000)
ISBN: 1884089526

Honda & Acura Performance Handbook (Performance Handbooks)
Author: Mike Ancas
Order this title from Amazon.com.
June, 1999
Publisher: Motorbooks International
ISBN: 0760306699

Honda/Acura Engine Performance: How to Modify D, B and H Series Honda/Acura Engines for Street and Drag Racing Performance
Author: Mike Kojima
Order this title from Amazon.com.
April 2002
Publisher: HP Books
ISBN: 155788384X

Honda/Acura Performance Handbook: High Performance Modifications for Street and Drag Racing Applications
by the editors of Sport Compact Car Magazine
Order this title from Amazon.com.
November 1999
Publisher: HP Books
ISBN: 1557883246

GUESTS :

Kevin Ford
Lokar Motorsports
Knoxville, TN
Web site: www.lokarmotorsports.com