Cusco Type-AS Rear Strut Brace

2019–2025 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185 Hatch 2.0L Turbo

Part #: 152 511 A

Overview

The Cusco Type-AS Rear Strut Brace is a lightweight and high-strength performance upgrade designed specifically for the Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185 hatchback. Engineered to enhance chassis rigidity and improve handling response, this rear strut brace is an essential component for enthusiasts seeking to optimize their vehicle's stability during spirited driving or track days. Its simple bolt-on installation makes it an accessible upgrade for both casual drivers and seasoned tuners alike.

Constructed with a hollow aluminum shaft, the Cusco Type-AS offers a perfect balance of strength and weight savings. The aluminum material helps reduce overall vehicle weight, contributing to improved acceleration and handling, while maintaining durability under demanding driving conditions. The steel end plate brackets, painted in Cusco's signature blue, ensure a flawless fitment tailored to the specific vehicle application, providing a secure and precise connection to the chassis.

Key Features

The Cusco Type-AS Rear Strut Brace boasts several key features that make it a popular choice among performance enthusiasts:

• Lightweight Aluminum Shaft: The hollow design reduces weight without sacrificing strength, helping to improve overall vehicle responsiveness.
• Steel End Plate Brackets: Painted in Cusco's trademark blue, these brackets provide a durable and corrosion-resistant connection point, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Simple Bolt-On Installation: Designed for both front and rear upper strut locations, the brace installs easily with basic hand tools, requiring no modifications or drilling.
• Enhanced Chassis Rigidity: By connecting the upper strut mounts, the brace reduces flex and improves handling precision during cornering and high-speed maneuvers.
• Vehicle-Specific Fitment: Crafted specifically for the Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance benefits.
• Improved Handling Response: The increased chassis stiffness translates to more predictable steering feel and reduced body roll, especially during aggressive driving.

Construction & Design

The Cusco Type-AS Rear Strut Brace features a meticulously engineered design that emphasizes durability and performance. The main shaft is made from high-quality aluminum, which is hollow to minimize weight while maintaining structural integrity. The steel end plates are precisely machined and painted in Cusco's iconic blue, providing both aesthetic appeal and corrosion resistance. The bolt-on brackets are designed to seamlessly attach to the existing upper strut mounts, ensuring a secure and stable connection.

This combination of materials and design choices results in a lightweight yet robust component that enhances chassis stiffness without adding unnecessary weight. The simple, clean design ensures compatibility with the vehicle's factory suspension geometry, allowing for straightforward installation and reliable performance over time.

Performance & Sound

While the Cusco Type-AS Rear Strut Brace does not directly increase horsepower or torque, it significantly improves handling characteristics by reducing chassis flex. This leads to more precise steering response and better overall vehicle control, especially during aggressive cornering. The brace's lightweight construction ensures that there is no adverse impact on ride quality or noise levels, maintaining a comfortable driving experience.

Installation & Fitment

The Cusco Type-AS Rear Strut Brace is designed for a straightforward bolt-on installation. It attaches directly to the upper rear strut mounts using the existing mounting points, requiring only basic hand tools. No cutting, drilling, or modifications are necessary, making it an accessible upgrade for most DIY enthusiasts or professional installers. The process typically takes less than an hour, allowing you to quickly benefit from improved chassis rigidity and handling response.

• Simple bolt-on installation at the rear upper strut locations
• No cutting, drilling, or tuning required
• Designed specifically for the Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185 Hatchback

What's Included

• Hollow aluminum rear strut bar
• Steel end plate brackets painted in Cusco blue
• All necessary mounting hardware and bolts

Ideal For

• Owners looking to improve chassis stiffness and handling response
• Performance enthusiasts seeking a lightweight upgrade for spirited driving
• Track day participants aiming for better cornering stability
• DIY installers wanting a straightforward bolt-on upgrade