jasonius

iTrader: (1)

Just fitter a front strut brace (titanium spec c type) to my 05 wrx (t25 suspension) and have to say it has made a noticeable difference, despite what most think of their effects..!

First thing, oddly, was whilst reversing off the drive the steering felt much lighter (worrying at first as I was hoping for more feel). However, once driving and above 10mph felt about the same as normal.

The biggest difference was the car now turns much more darty, with less apparent roll/wobble. So far I'm very pleased as front end definitely is more rigid. My only concern is if this will induce any understeer (was previously none existent), testing over the next few days will tell..

Contentious I know, but this is what I've found..

Also, there must be a reason the spec c has one as standard, even it's seal welded shell..!

172sport

iTrader: (6)

Placebo effect.

cusco kid

hi m8 if it works for you go for it i have said many times about the benifits of strut braces only to be shot down in flames. i would not run my subbies without them track or road cars even moreso with coilovers but i could be wrong regards geo after all car companys fit them just for fun or good looks maybe oh mercedes are fitting them too now to high performance models

jasonius

iTrader: (1)

I'm not the type of person to fall for the placebo effect, far too cynical..!

Also, would not add 1.5kg to my car unless it was worth while..!

Please bear in mind I'm also running coilovers/alk/arb's/DL's/geom etc, ie T25 setup..

dunx

iTrader: (3)

I fitted a front one to a mate's Ibiza TDi about 14 months ago...
He found that it stiffened the front so much that he lost traction over bumps, because the body didn't flex as much.... LOL

DunxC

P.S. I'm not good enough a driver to notice any benefits from mine tho'.

bren@apex

iTrader: (20)

Id also be interested to know why our Sti 6 has one fitted as standard if they have no effect. Thats a serious question, was it a marketing ploy? Wouldnt suprise me.

dunx

iTrader: (3)

I believe Newage cars were supposed to be alot stiffer than the classics, so I guess it's doing something useful, and cynics might say it is just window dressing.
If you take it off you might learn something, especially as it's a track car.

DunxC

bren@apex

iTrader: (20)

Very true.

911

Removed mine 3 years ago to squeeze the V8 TMIC in the classic, , never noticed the change tbh.
Now have FMIC and couldn't be bothered to re-fit the plastic Sti bling one. Looks nice mind so maybe window shp decoration. As I've siad before, look at the EVO V/Vl for the real deal.

dunx

iTrader: (3)

So is the Subaru bulkhead so flexy, it's not worth bracing to ?

911

The EVO top brace is across the turrets and triangulated to the bulkhead which is designed to take any loads. It is not a bling design, but IMHO made to do a good job.
Presumably the EVO's flex?

I am sure the Impreza classics do too!

bigvern

iTrader: (1)

I've fitted a strut brace(s) to every car I've owned including my wrx bugeye. Maybe the stiffening effect in a new age car is up for debate. But its quite handy to lean on when working on the car and also can be good for attaching cables/wiring/pipework which you want to run across the engine bay. If it looks good too, well there is no harm in that. As for any additional weight, well you're talking about the difference between a full and empty screen wash bottle!

ukdave

Gotta be honest ive fitted em to a few of my cars an never noticed a difference though the last 2 its been more of a "incase it flex`s" more with the harder suspension ive fitted to them.

Dont harm the appearance of the engine bay mind you i always think yer theyre possibly gonna make a sml difference but unless any sort of triangulation theres nothing stopping the brace itself flexing.

One of the best strut brace set ups ive seen were on a bird i knows import toyota starlet turbo,triangulation on front (bulkhead) and rear strut brace. Rear went across to other strut top with another bar off it dropping down to the boot floor where it were bolted running along it about a foot then bk up to the other side strut top.

Like i say got front and rear on mine but theyre more of a show thing than an essential mod.

911

A real triangulated front top brace on a racing Impreza:
http://www.zenperformance.co.uk/cms_...2/dsc00597.jpg

dunx

iTrader: (3)

TSK !

Won't fit mine then....

LOL

911

Sure it will!
Zen will make you one!

ukdave

Lol seen it i meant as std-ish road cars go, im sure everyones keeping up with progress on Pauls new time attack car (even if they arent posting there) i look every night to see where they`re at/whats happening.

911

arn't we all?!

It will be quite an inspiration to several when out and about. (inc me)