Cusco Strut Brace Type-OS Front

2011–2025 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 5/6 (CP9A) 2.0L Turbo

Part #: 550 540 A

Overview

The Cusco Strut Brace Type-OS Front is a high-performance chassis reinforcement component designed specifically for Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 5 and 6 models. Crafted to enhance the structural rigidity of your vehicle's front suspension, this strut bar helps improve handling, steering response, and overall stability during spirited driving or track days. Whether you're a performance enthusiast seeking sharper turn-in or a daily driver aiming for improved ride quality, this strut brace offers a perfect balance of lightweight construction and durability.

Engineered with precision and attention to detail, the Cusco Type-OS front strut bar is an essential upgrade for Evo owners who want to maximize their vehicle's chassis stiffness without adding unnecessary weight. Its sleek design not only boosts performance but also complements the engine bay with a stylish appearance, making it a popular choice among tuning enthusiasts and professional racers alike.

Key Features

The Cusco Strut Brace Type-OS features several innovative design elements that set it apart from standard braces:

• Lightweight Aluminum Construction: The oval shaft cross section is crafted from high-quality aluminum, providing a perfect mix of strength and weight savings. This material ensures the brace can withstand the rigors of aggressive driving while maintaining a lightweight profile.
• Optimized Bar Shape: The oval cross section not only adds a distinctive aesthetic but also enhances the structural integrity of the brace, effectively resisting torsional forces during cornering and high-speed maneuvers.
• Precision Brackets: The steel end plate brackets are painted in Cusco's signature blue, ensuring flawless fitment for the specific application. These brackets are engineered to bolt directly onto the factory mounting points, making installation straightforward and secure.
• Application-Specific Design: Three different center bar types are available, each tailored to the unique requirements of the Evo 5/6 chassis. This ensures optimal fitment and performance for your particular model.
• Easy Bolt-On Installation: The strut brace is designed for a mostly simple bolt-on installation, requiring no cutting or drilling. It provides an immediate upgrade to your vehicle's chassis stiffness with minimal effort.
• Enhanced Handling & Response: By reducing flex in the front suspension, this strut bar helps improve steering response, cornering stability, and overall vehicle control, especially during aggressive driving or track use.

Construction & Design

The Cusco Type-OS front strut brace is meticulously engineered with a focus on durability and performance. The lightweight aluminum oval shaft is CNC-machined to precise specifications, ensuring consistent quality and fitment. The steel brackets are TIG-welded for strength and painted in Cusco's iconic blue, which not only provides corrosion resistance but also adds a distinctive visual accent to your engine bay. The overall design emphasizes rigidity and ease of installation, making it a reliable upgrade for enthusiasts seeking to improve their Evo's chassis stiffness without sacrificing weight or drivability.

Performance & Sound

While the primary benefit of the Cusco Strut Brace Type-OS is increased chassis rigidity, users often notice sharper steering response and improved handling feel. The brace helps minimize front-end flex during aggressive cornering, translating to more precise steering feedback and enhanced driver confidence. Although it does not significantly alter engine sound, the structural improvements contribute to a more connected and responsive driving experience.

Installation & Fitment

The Cusco Type-OS front strut brace is designed for a straightforward bolt-on installation. It mounts directly to the factory suspension points using the included brackets and hardware, requiring no cutting, drilling, or modifications. The process typically takes less than an hour, making it accessible for DIY enthusiasts and professional installers alike. Once installed, you'll immediately feel the difference in steering response and chassis stiffness, especially during spirited driving or on the track.

• Direct bolt-on installation with factory mounting points
• No cutting, drilling, or tuning required
• Compatible with Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 5 and 6 (CP9A)

What's Included

• Lightweight aluminum oval shaft front strut brace
• Steel end plate brackets painted in Cusco blue
• All necessary hardware and mounting bolts
• Installation instructions

Ideal For

• Performance enthusiasts seeking improved handling and steering response
• Track day and spirited driving applications
• Owners looking to reinforce their Evo's chassis for better durability
• DIY installers and professional mechanics

Emissions Note

This product is a chassis reinforcement component and does not affect emissions or require any legal compliance considerations. It is intended for off-road or track use only and is not CARB certified.