Alright, testing is done.
I improved the testing procedure somewhat this time around. I actually held the metal mounting plate down with bolts on the valve cover. It is still far from perfect, especially since the engine is on rubber mounts. But it is a good amount better than the last test where the plate was simply set on the engine. This does show through in the repeatability of the results.
I again jacked the car up as close to the wheel as was possible on the control arm. This sadly isn't super close to the wheel, but its the best I can do.
I jacked the car up to the same height each time for testing. I believe it was 17.5" to the bottom of the rim edge.
I zeroed out the indicator each time to zero. I recorded the distance it traveled after jacking it up. The distance shown is actually away from the dial indicator, not towards it. I also recorded the number it came back to after letting the car back down. I did this twice with no bar, and twice with the bar installed to make sure the numbers were right. I did seemingly loose my data on the 2nd jacking with no bar, but I do remember the numbers were consistent.
I think that about sums up the testing procedure. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
These are the results.
So, not too awe inspiring to say the least. I know I was a bit disappointed after spending the time to make the bar.
I did also go for a drive before doing any testing on it. I didn't want the numbers to muddy my butt dyno impressions. I had come to the same conclusion as the testing though. There was no perceivable difference with our without the bar in place.
In conclusion, this means one of two things. It means that Mitsu either did a great job with their chassis, or that my testing is just not capable of showing what we're looking to see. Either way, I don't think the strut bar does enough to make a noticeable difference in handling for street use as I felt no difference with it installed.
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 47.2 mpg (US) ... 20.1 km/L ... 5.0 L/100 km ... 56.7 mpg (Imp)