SPS

Thanks for your purchase from SPS – the World Specialists in Saturn Performance.  Please take a few minutes and read through these instructions in their entirety BEFORE you start to modify your Saturn.  Remember:  careful planning and preparation will make your install experience educational and painless.

ION Strut Tower Brace Preparation

1.    Make sure that you have all the parts listed below before you attempt this installation!  Contact SPS immediately if you have questions or concerns regarding part quantities or part descriptions.

PART DESCRIPTION    QTY
Billet aluminum cross bar    1
Formed end brackets    2
Hex head bolts    4

Remove Upper Strut Mount Nuts

1.    Locate the upper strut mount nuts in the top center of each strut tower under the hood.

2.    Using a 18mm deep socket, remove the upper strut mount nuts.

 Install End Brackets

1.    If not already done, loosen and remove the bolts that hold the end brackets to the cross bar and remove the end brackets from the cross bar. (Note: Do NOT attempt to remove the nuts from the bottom of the end bracket.  In some cases, these nuts have been spot-welded to the bracket to make installation easier.)

2.    Set one end bracket onto the top of the strut tower so that upper strut mount stud passes through the hole in the center of the end bracket and so that the upper strut mount locating pin passes through the slot in the end bracket.  The end bracket in positioned properly when the outside of the bracket is higher than the inside of the bracket.

3.    Reinstall the upper strut mount nut so as to secure the end bracket.

4.    Repeat on the opposite side.
 
Install Cross Bar

1.    With the cross bar tilted on its side edge and the ‘SPS’ logo facing toward the front of the vehicle, carefully maneuver the cross bar into place between the end brackets, being careful not to contact the hoses for the brake fluid reservoir. 

2.    When the bar is in position, rotate the cross bar so that the ‘SPS’ logo faces upward and so that the cross bar rests on top of the lower portion of the end brackets.  (Note: Maneuvering the cross bar into position requires a little bit of skill.  Be patient, you will get it eventually.)

3.    Install the hex head bolts to secure the cross bar to the end brackets.  Tighten to ‘snug.’  (There is no reason to over-tighten these fasteners.)

Torque Upper Strut Mount Nuts

1.    Using a torque wrench, torque the upper strut mount nuts to 81 ft-lbs.
 
Vehicle Wrap-Up and Road Test

1.    Road test the vehicle to check for steering wheel feel and to listen for unusual noises. (Hint: clicking or popping noises when the wheel is turned to lock may indicate a loose nut at the upper strut mount.)  USE CAUTION THE FIRST TIME YOU DRIVE YOUR CAR AFTER MODIFICATION TO ENSURE THE PROPER FUNCTION OF ALL VEHICLE SYSTEMS!

2.    Enjoy your modified Saturn!