GTSPEC install thread (tons of pictures!!!!!)

mspHtown

Member
:
MSP 2003.5
I have seen a few threads asking about what GTSPEC parts will fit the msp. I have several GTSPEC parts on my car and hopefully this thread will be helpful for people looking to buy parts for their msp from GTSPEC.


Note: I am running the vibrant exhaust and the oem racing beat sway bars.


There are a few minor fitment issues with the GTSPEC components, but overall, they are extremely well made and I definitely recommend buying them if you are looking for additional suspension bracing.

Front 4-point ladder bar:

There are two drainage holes with a lip on the frame. The lip sticks down and keeps the ladder bar from bolting up. You need to file the lip off of each drainage hole to install the ladder bar.

After installing 3 out of the 4 bolts with washers, I was unable to install the fourth bolt with the washer. The fourth bolt fit, but the washer was too large. I trimmed the washer and then it fit just fine.

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Front lower tie bar:

The bar barely hits the edge of the frame. It is not a big deal at all, but it should be noted that it “touches” the frame. However, no trimming is required.

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Apparently the new model of the front lower tie bar has been slightly altered to clear the frame.

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---supplied by Outlawstar98


Rear link reinforcement panel:

No modifications required.

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Rear reinforcement V-brace:

Spacers are required for each arm of the V-brace. Longer bolts are required to accommodate the spacers. The 3 inch exhaust is not the reason for these spacers; the exhaust is completely out of the way. Without the spacers, the arms of the V-brace will hit the stock sway bar.

The gas tank also has a shield with small drainage holes. One of the drainage holes has a small lip that interferes with the driver side arm. I used a mallet and tapped the lip upwards.

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Trailing arm braces:

No modifications required.

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Complete trunk cage:

Two utilize all 4 pieces, you must remove the oem rear deck and the two support brackets. If you do not want to remove the rear deck, then you can run the 2 lateral bars and the lower horizontal bar near the back of the trunk. You will not be able to install the upper horizontal bar with the oem components in the way. To gain access to the mounting locations for where the upper horizontal bar meets the two side lateral bars, you must trim the side material.

In order to install the lower horizontal bar, you must cut some of the plastic trim for clearance. When tightening the lower horizontal bar, be sure to pull up on the ends to keep them as far off the carpet as possible. By doing so, you will be able to slide your carpet in and out. Also, I trimmed the 2 plastic feet on the tire cover. This makes removing the tire cover much easier since the lower horizontal bar runs directly over the edge of the cover.

After removing the driver side rear deck support brace, you will need to remount and ground the rear defogger. You can see it mounted on the upper horizontal bar towards the driver side in my pictures.

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nice write up. I know a lot of sedan owners will appreciate this!

thanks! i was looking for this info when i wanted to purchase these items. now here is everything you will need in one thread with a lot of different pictures.
 
rear link panel and v-brace... honestly worth it?

btw how does the top bar connect to the struts?
 
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rear link panel and v-brace... honestly worth it?

btw how does the top bar connect to the struts?

for the trunk cage, the upper horizontal bar meets the side lateral bars (utilizes the same bolt) and mounts to an existing hole in the frame. So, you mount it with the supplied bolt and nut for each side.

can you feel a big differance with all of it on? how much did it run you in the end?


I cannot comment on how any of the components feel. My car has been going through an extensive list of upgrades and i have yet to feel the effects of the GTSPEC parts.


As for pricing, i got an amazing deal on the cage, trailing arms, lower tie bar, and front ladder bar (local sale). And for the rear panel and v-brace, i also got a great deal from protephile.

If you buy all of these parts new from GTSPEC, it would cost $1220.

I was able to get everything for $803.
 
Im also looking forward to hearing how the car feels with these upgrades. They kinda look like bling bling features to me.
 
I finialy got to install my lower tie brace today, and yours is offly close man, mine wasn't that close :D haha
 
really good deal. how long untill you get the car done?

i wish i could tell ya! i go back to school mid-january, so hopefully by then.

Im also looking forward to hearing how the car feels with these upgrades. They kinda look like bling bling features to me.

honestly, i would imagine you would feel the difference on the track with all of the components. But for a street car, it probably will not make much of a difference.

I finialy got to install my lower tie brace today, and yours is offly close man, mine wasn't that close :D haha

pm sent.
 
nice write up. I want to say I noticed my rear was more stiff after the gt spec parts, but also hard to say because I did have my BCs installed before I put the gt spec stuff. Either way, with all the GT Spec goodies, BCs and Azenis my car sticks! =D
 
for the rear V-brace + links , you saying that spacers are needed + longer bolts , are those provided with the GTSPEC's goodies or you have to source them yourself ?
 
for the rear V-brace + links , you saying that spacers are needed + longer bolts , are those provided with the GTSPEC's goodies or you have to source them yourself ?


spacers were not provided. i honestly do not remember if the bolts they supplied were long enough (most likely not). i have tons of extra nuts, bolts, and washers, so i didnt have to make a special trip to the store.
 
spacers were not provided. i honestly do not remember if the bolts they supplied were long enough (most likely not). i have tons of extra nuts, bolts, and washers, so i didnt have to make a special trip to the store.

That Modification with Washers to the Rear V-Brace looks familiar to me.. lol lol lol......


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That Modification with Washers to the Rear V-Brace looks familiar to me.. lol lol lol......

i believe your passenger side bar is installed wrong. i assume that GTSPEC put that bend in the passenger side brace to clear the exhaust. the way you have yours installed, the bend is not utilized.
 
yes, it does look like its backwards...
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I have since installed shorter bolts because I got sick of looking at those extra threads showing. lol
 
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