Bash bar vs stock impact beam, and opening strut tower tops for coilover adjustments

[Dusterbd13]

I've been doing a lot of reading on the last 10 years worth of Forum posts. Looking at different things to add reliability, power and handling to my grm Challenge Car.

Ive decided that upgrading the intercooler and radiator while I replace the condenser are a good plan. Ill pull the bumper and impact beam at that time.

I see a lot of guys switching to bash bars in the process of these mods. But not a lot on the reasons why. My GUESS is that the allow for slightly improved airflow and some weight reduction at the cost of less safety in a frontal impact. What am I missing here?

I also need to do some alignment work. The car will be getting bushings installed in the lcas, and is already equipped with whoosh coilovers. Ive seen reference to opening the strut tower tops to make adjustments to camber and caster easier, but can't seem to find a descriptive post or pictures. Anyone got anything?

Anything in these two spots I need to consider?
Thanks yall

 

[M-Sport fan]

Another reason some went to the tubular aftermarket crash bars in front (some companies make them for the rear bumper as well) is because they had to in order to clear some of the humongous intercoolers they run with their really big turbo setups (some even run them on the smaller S280 and hybrid turbos though).