VE Series Strut Tops: Engineered for Superior Suspension Response and Precision Handling
In the world of vehicle performance, every component in the suspension system plays a crucial role. While springs, shocks, and sway bars often get the spotlight, strut tops—also known as strut mounts or top hats—are frequently overlooked despite their importance. For enthusiasts and professionals looking to sharpen their handling and suspension feedback, VE Series Strut Tops represent a purposeful upgrade, engineered to deliver superior response, alignment precision, and improved road feel. ve strut tops
Whether you're chasing tenths on the track, carving through canyon roads, or simply refining your daily driver, VE Series strut tops bring a new level of control and stability to your setup.
What Are Strut Tops and Why Are They Important?
Strut tops are the uppermost component of a MacPherson strut suspension system, serving as the connection point between the strut assembly and the vehicle's chassis. They provide structural support, help isolate road vibrations, and in many cases, allow for articulation and rotation of the strut during steering.
On factory vehicles, strut tops often use rubber bushings designed for comfort and noise reduction, but they sacrifice precision. Under aggressive driving conditions, this leads to excessive deflection, vague steering feel, and inconsistent alignment settings—compromising both handling and tire performance.
VE Series Strut Tops aim to correct these shortcomings with a performance-focused design that maximizes chassis feedback, suspension alignment integrity, and steering precision.
Key Features of VE Series Strut Tops
1. Adjustable Camber and Caster Plates
One of the standout features of VE Series strut tops is their integrated adjustability. Most models include slotted mounting plates or eccentric cam bolts that allow users to fine-tune camber and caster angles without additional aftermarket parts.
This adjustability is especially valuable for:
-
Track alignment setups requiring aggressive negative camber
-
Correcting geometry after lowering the suspension
-
Tailoring steering response with more positive caster
Having this flexibility built directly into the strut mount means quick, on-the-fly changes without needing to modify control arms or subframes.
2. Spherical Bearing Design
VE Series Strut Tops replace soft rubber bushings with high-precision monoball (spherical) bearings. This design offers zero-deflection articulation, allowing the strut to pivot freely while maintaining rigid connection to the chassis.
The benefits of spherical bearings include:
-
Sharper steering input and feedback
-
More predictable suspension movement
-
Improved wheel alignment retention under load
-
Reduced dynamic camber and caster shift during cornering
Although spherical bearings can transmit more road noise than rubber mounts, the tradeoff in control and responsiveness is well worth it for performance applications.
3. CNC-Machined Aluminum Construction
Built for durability and precision, VE Series strut tops are typically machined from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum. This material is lightweight yet strong, resisting deformation under stress and helping reduce unsprung weight.
Each unit is anodized for corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term reliability in both street and motorsport environments.
4. Vehicle-Specific Fitment
VE Series Strut Tops are designed to work seamlessly with specific makes and models, ensuring perfect fitment and compatibility with factory or aftermarket suspension components. Whether you're running stock dampers or coilovers, these strut tops integrate smoothly into your existing setup.
Performance Benefits of VE Series Strut Tops
1. Enhanced Suspension Response
The rigid construction and zero-deflection design significantly reduce the lag between driver input and chassis reaction. This results in more immediate suspension response, especially when cornering at speed or navigating tight transitions.
2. Increased Steering Precision
By eliminating the compliance and squish of rubber bushings, VE Series strut tops sharpen the connection between the steering system and the front wheels. Drivers experience a more direct, communicative steering feel that inspires confidence and improves control.
3. Better Alignment Stability
Under hard cornering or braking, factory strut tops can flex and allow unwanted movement in the suspension geometry. VE Series strut tops maintain consistent camber and caster angles, enhancing tire contact patch and improving grip.
4. Customizable Handling Characteristics
Whether you're chasing fast lap times, tuning for daily comfort, or setting up a car for drift or autocross, the built-in adjustability lets you tailor the handling to your needs. Want more aggressive turn-in? Dial in more negative camber. Looking for straight-line stability? Increase caster angle.
5. Compatibility with Coilovers and Upgraded Suspension
VE Series strut tops are often a necessary upgrade when installing performance coilovers, especially those with linear-rate springs and stiffer dampers. The increased loads from track setups demand stronger, more precise mounting hardware—exactly what VE delivers.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation of VE Series strut tops typically requires removal of the front suspension assembly. For best results, installation should be performed by an experienced technician or a skilled DIYer with access to proper tools, including a spring compressor and torque wrenches.
After installation, a full alignment is mandatory to ensure correct camber, caster, and toe settings.
Maintenance is minimal but important:
-
Periodically inspect spherical bearings for play or contamination
-
Keep mounting hardware torqued to manufacturer specifications
-
Reapply anti-seize if adjustments are made frequently
Ideal Use Cases for VE Series Strut Tops
-
Track Day and Time Attack Cars: Precise handling and adjustable geometry are key for consistent lap times.
-
Autocross Builds: Quick alignment changes allow you to optimize grip and agility for different course layouts.
-
Daily Driven Performance Cars: Gain sharper road feel and better tire wear without compromising reliability.
-
Lowered or Stanced Vehicles: Correct alignment angles after lowering to preserve tire life and handling dynamics.
VE Series vs. OEM vs. Other Aftermarket Options
Feature | VE Series Strut Tops | OEM Strut Mounts | Generic Aftermarket |
---|---|---|---|
Camber/Caster Adjust | Yes | No | Some |
Bearing Type | Spherical (monoball) | Rubber Bushing | Varies |
Construction | CNC Aluminum | Pressed Steel/Rubber | Cast or Forged |
Performance Level | High | Low/Moderate | Moderate |
Noise/Vibration | Moderate | Low | Varies |
Final Thoughts
VE Series Strut Tops offer a performance-first approach to an often-overlooked component. By upgrading from stock rubber mounts to precision-engineered, adjustable top hats with spherical bearings, drivers unlock sharper steering, better handling, and more consistent suspension dynamics.
Whether you're building a competitive track car or just want more feedback and grip in your daily ride, VE Series strut tops are an investment that pays off every time you hit the road or the apex. Precision begins at the top—and with VE, you’re always in control.
Comments on “VE Series Strut Tops Designed for Superior Suspension Response and Handling”