When it comes to JDM performance, few names carry as much weight as TOM’S (Tachi Oiwa Motor Sports). Founded in 1974 by Nobuhide Tachi and Kiyoshi Oiwa, TOM’S has a deep-rooted history in Toyota racing development. As an official Toyota tuning partner, TOM’S has been responsible for championship-winning race cars in Super GT, Formula Nippon, and endurance racing.
Beyond the track, TOM’S has developed a range of high-performance parts for street cars, including aero kits, suspension components, exhausts, and braces. If you’re looking to enhance your Toyota Corolla’s chassis rigidity and handling, the TOM’S Front Upper Bar is a perfect upgrade.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the installation process and show you why this mod is a must-have for Toyota Corolla enthusiasts.
Why Install a TOM’S Front Upper Bar?
A Front Upper Bar (also called a strut tower brace) helps to reduce chassis flex by connecting the two front strut towers. This upgrade is especially beneficial for the Toyota Corolla because of this applications unique mounting arrangement. Tom's utilizes mounting locations on the upper fire wall and chassis location in the engine compartment.
- Improves steering response –
Less flex means sharper handling
- Enhances cornering stability – Reduces body roll and improves turn-in feel
- Strengthens chassis rigidity – Essential for spirited driving or track days
- Easy bolt-on install – No cutting or modification needed
For those looking to enhance their Corolla’s handling without breaking the bank, the TOM’S Front Upper Bar is an excellent choice. Let’s dive into the install.
TOM’S Front Upper Bar Install Guide – Step by Step
[Insert photos of the unboxing, installation process, and final result]
Tools You’ll Need:
- Ratchet (1/4" or 3/8")
- 14mm socket wrench (1/4" or 3/8")
- 12mm Socket (1/4" or 3/8")
- 10mm socket (1/4" or 3/8")
- Allen Wrench Set
- Cutters or box knife
- Torque wrench (optional but recommended)
- Ratchet extension (optional)
Step 1: Open Your TOM’S Front Upper Bar Package
Start by unboxing the TOM’S Front Upper Bar and checking all components. The bar itself is high-quality aluminum, lightweight, and finished in TOM’S signature silver. Comes with Japanese instructions and necessary hardware.
Step 2: Test Fit mounting brackets
Pop the hood and locate the mounting locations for the passenger side bar bracket. The bracket mounts to the upper mounting location of the coolant overflow bottle, and the upper sail panel along the fire wall.
The Bracket mounts under the Upper sail panel as noted in the instructions. You will need one of the suppled spacers, bolt and washer on the upper left hand side and one of supplied a bolt and nut on the right hand side of the bracket, as pictured above.
Note do not tighten up any bolts or nuts until both sides and center part of the bar are installed.
Step 3: Move to the driver side
Test fit the driver side of the bracket to familiarize yourself with its mounting locations. This bracket mounts in a similar fashion like the passenger side with the exception of the front mounting location.
The driver side bracket utilizes the the hole where the hood release cable is mounted. will You will use o remove the two bolts from each side.
Step 4: Position the TOM’S Front Upper Bar
Place the TOM’S Front Upper Bar center portion over the mounting brackets, aligning the holes with the bolt locations. It should sit flush, ensuring proper fitment.
Step 5: Tighten all bolts and center portion
You will now go through and tighten the three bolts on the passenger side and three bolts on the driver side. Then use an Allen wrench and box wrench to secure the center bar to the brackets. Remove the protective film and install the TOM'S sticker in your preferred location.
Step 6: Final Check & Test Drive
Double-check that everything is tight and secure, then close the hood. Take your Corolla for a test drive and feel the difference in handling.
Where to Buy the TOM’S Front Upper Bar for Your Corolla
If you’re ready to upgrade your Corolla’s chassis rigidity, you can get the TOM’S Front Upper Bar directly from PMD: Premier Motoring Development—your go-to source for authentic JDM performance parts.
Order here:
TOM'S Racing- Upper Performance Rod (Front) - GR Corolla Hatchback (2023+) / Toyota Corolla Hatchback (2019+) / Corolla Sedan (2020+)
- Fast shipping
- Authentic TOM’S Racing products
- Expert customer service
Whether you're building a track-ready Corolla or just want to improve daily driving stability, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck upgrades you can make.
Watch the Install on YouTube
Want to see the full TOM’S Front Upper Bar install in action? Check out our step-by-step video tutorial on YouTube, where we show you just how simple and effective this upgrade is.
Watch Now: https://youtu.be/pogVlRkG3TU
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more JDM content. Let us know what other TOM’S Racing parts you want to see next.
Final Thoughts – Is the TOM’S Front Upper Bar Worth It?
If you want a quick, easy, and effective way to improve your Corolla’s handling, the TOM’S Front Upper Bar is a solid investment.
- Bolt-on install – No special tools or modifications needed
- Instant handling improvement – Feel the difference immediately
- Authentic TOM’S Racing quality – Designed for performance
For serious Toyota Corolla enthusiasts, this is one of the best chassis upgrades you can make. Check out PMD for availability and order yours today.
Where to Buy: Shop all TOMS Chassis Bracing
Have questions about the install or how it performs? Drop a comment below, and let’s talk.
#TOMSRacing #ToyotaCorolla #FrontUpper #TomsCorolla #WhereToBuyToms #PMDMotoring #JDMMods
