i have an abd strut bar, it stays away from the engine pretty well, but likes to rub ont he intake hose, but it probably wouldn't on a car with the right one, my jetta has a mk2 hose..., theres alot of space at the engine though... plenty for running intercooler pipes atleast... i dunno which car you are putting it in, but if it's an mk1, make sure you stick a lower tire bar on too, that makes a big difference, both mods make handling and road traction way better, my tires maek alot less noise now while cornering.