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Stiffen the Front End of Your 1997-2001 Honda CR-V with the Cusco Type OS Strut Bar
The Cusco 377 540 A is a Type OS front strut tower bar built for the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V RD1 platform. Where the Type AS uses a round aluminum tube, the Type OS uses an oval-section aluminum center bar, which provides increased rigidity along the axis of cornering loads while keeping weight low. Blue steel end plate brackets bolt directly to the factory strut tower mounting points, requiring no modification to the vehicle. It is a direct-fit bar that reduces front chassis flex during lateral cornering, tightens steering response, and improves overall handling consistency on the first-generation CR-V.
Key Features
- Type OS oval-section aluminum center bar for higher torsional rigidity than round-tube designs
- Blue steel end plate brackets engineered for direct bolt-on fitment to 1997-2001 Honda CR-V RD1 factory strut towers
- Reduces front strut tower flex under lateral cornering loads for sharper steering response and improved handling
- No cutting, drilling, or modification required for installation
- All installation hardware included
- Made in Japan by Cusco
Vehicle Fitment
| Year Range | Make | Model | Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997-2001 | Honda | CR-V | LX |
| 1998-2001 | Honda | CR-V | EX |
| 2000-2001 | Honda | CR-V | SE |
Specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 377 540 A |
| Brand | Cusco |
| Bar Type | Type OS |
| Center Bar Material | Oval-Section Aluminum |
| End Plate Material | Blue Steel |
| Installation | Bolt-on, no modification required |
| Position | Front Strut Tower |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| UPC | 4996338377098 |
What's Included
- 1x Cusco Type OS front strut tower bar
- All required mounting hardware
About Cusco
Cusco is a Japanese motorsport engineering company founded in 1972 and headquartered in Nagano, Japan. The company produces suspension components, chassis bracing, differentials, and roll cages used in professional rally, circuit, and time attack competition. Cusco strut bars and chassis bracing products are designed and manufactured in Japan to close tolerances, with direct-fit applications developed for each specific vehicle platform rather than universal fitment adapters.
Related Parts on Our Site
- Cusco 377 510 A Type AS Front Strut Bar 1997-2001 Honda CR-V
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cusco 377 540 A?The Cusco 377 540 A is a Type OS front strut tower bar for the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V RD1. It uses an oval-section aluminum center bar with blue steel end plates to connect the front strut towers, reducing chassis flex during cornering and improving steering response.
What is the difference between the Type OS and the Type AS strut bar for the Honda CR-V?Both bars fit the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V RD1 and connect the front strut towers to reduce chassis flex. The Type OS uses an oval-section aluminum center bar, which provides greater stiffness in the cornering direction compared to the round tube of the Type AS. The Type AS (377 510 A) uses a 20mm round tube with increased wall thickness, which offers a slightly lower profile and better clearance in tight engine bays. The Type OS is generally preferred for more performance-focused builds where maximum rigidity is the priority.
What Honda CR-V trims does this bar fit?It fits the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V LX, the 1998-2001 CR-V EX, and the 2000-2001 CR-V SE. Verify your specific trim and model year before ordering as fitment coverage differs slightly across trims.
Does the 377 540 A fit both FWD and AWD CR-V variants?Yes. This bar is designed for the first-generation Honda CR-V RD1 platform and is compatible with both front-wheel drive and real-time 4WD variants. The front strut tower configuration is shared across drivetrain types on this platform.
Does this bar require any modification to install on the CR-V?No. This bar uses the factory strut tower mounting points on the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V. No drilling, cutting, or welding is required. Installation requires only standard hand tools and the included hardware.
Will a strut tower bar affect ride quality on the 1997-2001 CR-V?A strut tower bar does not change spring rates, damper valving, or suspension travel. It only reduces the amount of flex between the two front strut towers under lateral load. On a street-driven CR-V, most owners report a noticeable improvement in steering feel and cornering consistency with no adverse effect on everyday ride comfort.
Is the 377 540 A compatible with aftermarket coilovers on the CR-V?This bar mounts at the strut tower, not at the strut body itself. It is compatible with most coilover kits that retain the factory strut tower bolt pattern on the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V RD1. Confirm that the coilover top-mount hardware does not block the end plate mounting holes before installation.
Is this Cusco strut bar covered under a manufacturer warranty?Cusco products are backed by a manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Direct warranty claims to Cusco or the authorized distributor from whom the product was purchased and retain proof of purchase for any claims.
Installation Instructions
- Open the hood and locate the front strut tower mounting studs on both the driver and passenger sides of the engine bay.
- Remove the factory strut tower nuts on both sides using the correct socket size. Keep the strut shaft from rotating during removal.
- Test-fit the bar end plates over the strut tower studs on both sides to confirm alignment before final installation.
- Position the bar with both end plates seated flat against the strut tower surfaces.
- Install the provided hardware through the end plate holes and thread onto the strut studs by hand.
- Torque all fasteners evenly to the factory specification for the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V strut tower nuts.
- Close the hood and verify clearance between the bar and all engine components, hoses, and wiring before driving.
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