Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
The IL Motorsports Chrome Type II Style Bar is a great looking bar, the quality of the welds was first rate, very clean joints. Great looking addition to my 2001 Crystal Blue Miata.
The installation was quick and easy. Uninstall the factory windblocker with four screws, and unbolt the seat belt attachments. Took maybe 15 minutes. The instructions were very clear and easy to follow. The bar's mounting brackets matched up perfectly with the factory bolt and crew locations. The only modification required is the seat belt clip on covers well need to me shaped to fit around the bar, or you can leave them off.
Super bar, and typical IL Motorsport quality. WOuld recommend to anybody who wants a great looking style bar.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Chromed double-hoop style bar.
I did a lot of research on the various style bars available for the M2, and chose the IL bar for several reasons. I wanted a good looking, high-quality bar that installs/uninstalls easily, does not compromise the function or location of the factory windblocker, and doesn't limit seat travel/recline. The IL bar has all these features. It's surprisingly lightweight (probably under 10 lbs), and the quality of the material and workmanship is outstanding. It installs using the seatbelt tower bolts, as well as the four bolts that hold the factory windblocker on. This 6-bolt attachment is exceptionally sturdy. It feels like an integral part of the cockpit bracing. Installation is trivial, and can be performed by one person in less than 30 minutes. De-installation is just as quick. Aesthetically...judge for yourself: [url=http://apl.jhu.edu/~llama/green_with_envy]IL Motorsport Style Bar on 2001LS Emerald Green[/url]. It is shorter than many other bars because it is angled back to allow greater seat movement. When the seats are reclined far enough, the bar is taller than the seats, as it "should" be. Drivers who have their seat in a more upright position will notice that the seat is slightly taller than the bar -- this is the only questionable aesthetic in my opinion. The "flip-up" part of the factory windblocker works like it's supposed to, though it does rest against the bar when flipped up. The cargo net is fully functional too, but items sticking out the top of the net will touch the bar at its low point. Seat travel is "essentially" unimpeded. Meaning, you can still put the seat in it's furthest back position, but in that position, the top of the seat when fully reclined will make contact with the bar. I'm 6'1" (all legs) and have no trouble finding a comfortable seating position. My biggest surprise was the added bracing in the cockpit. Cowl shake over bumps is markedly reduced. The ride feels more calm and composed with the bar providing lateral rigidity. Finally, this is not a cheap bar. You can find somewhat similar bars from KG, Racing Beat, BSP, etc., for quite a bit less. But the quality and features on the IL bar make it worth the cost for me.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to '90 - '97 1.8 liter
This is a unique style bar made by CHROM DESIGN (http://home.t-online.de/home/chrom.design/ehome.htm) and sold through I.L. Motorsport in Germany. R-Speed (www.rspeed.net) in the official importer of all I.L. Motorsport goodies. It is an asymmetrical-type bar, where one hump comes up behind the driver and extends diagonally behind the passenger seat. Lightweight and *well made*.
I have been looking for this bar for a /long/ time...as I have only seen it on several Eunos versions in Japan (note right hand drive). I.L. Motorsport is now making this bar for left hand drive cars and was purchased through R-Speed. Although not cheap, the look alone is priceless to me. Here is a quick picture http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Factory/7055/ilbar.jpg
The style bar (not a roll bar) is very light weight and is totally chrome. The bar itself is attached to two HUGE mounting plates that fit perfectly around the seat belt towers. One thing about this kit is that the hardware is TOP NOTCH! I have gotten so many flattering comments on the hardware and mounting plates, that it tends to overshadow the purity of the bar. The plates and hardware are heavy and thick.
No instructions were provided since they have just started making this style, but it was pretty straight forward.
It does not block that much rearward visibility (I now have a KG Works sliding mirror) with OEM mirror and unzipping the window is the same to me. Lots of comments at the stop lights around town.
I have had a BSP twin-hoop bar and a Hard Dog HT bar, but by far this is the nicest and cleanest to install.
Highly recommended for the individual who wants to stand out from an ocean of Hard Dogs and twin-hoops.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
| Back to Product Reviews | 2 April, 2002 |
