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    What is the best strut brace and subframe brace for a 1990 (89 build) 325i vert? Garagistic?

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      The "best" might be Mason engineering for both. I have the Mason X brace. I think the Sparco knockoffs such as the one from Ireland engineering are good too and cheaper. If you go with the Sparco style make sure to use the added hole to secure it to the strut tower. Most people don't seem to use that hole to bolt it to the tower but it is there for a reason. It requires drilling a hole in each tower. Without making tbe brace as functional as possible it's really there for bling purposes.
      Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. -Mark Twain

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        Originally posted by Bearmw View Post
        The "best" might be Mason engineering for both. I have the Mason X brace. I think the Sparco knockoffs such as the one from Ireland engineering are good too and cheaper. If you go with the Sparco style make sure to use the added hole to secure it to the strut tower. Most people don't seem to use that hole to bolt it to the tower but it is there for a reason. It requires drilling a hole in each tower. Without making tbe brace as functional as possible it's really there for bling purposes.
        Am i reading correctly that Mason engineering you can use their cross brace with their skid plate? wonder how hard it would to make it fit an 24v swap pan...

        Comment


          From reading this long thread it appears that the set up for the E30 Vert is the H&R Cabrio Springs and Billie Sports?

          Comment


            Originally posted by Echo30V View Post
            From reading this long thread it appears that the set up for the E30 Vert is the H&R Cabrio Springs and Billie Sports?
            I've been digging and digging because I'm trying to refresh mine. People like the Billie Sports, but have a "rough ride" to them. It's tough to gauge what "rough" means or feels but I can't imagine it to be pelvic crushing uncomfortable.

            My current setup from PO:
            Front:
            Unknown strut inserts
            H&R Lowering Springs

            Rear:
            Billie HD's
            H&R Lowering Springs

            COMFORT: 3/5 Not cushy, but soaks bumps up well. Bottoms out on big bumps
            Handling: 4/5 Very predictable and handles on Northern California twisties. I can drive with confidence knowing what the car wants to do.

            Loved coilovers on my last car but I ain't about the cracked oil pan life as I want to participate in rallies. I think I'm leaning towards Koni SA's?

            IMG_7862 by lorenze torres, on Flickr\

            CURRENTLY ON 16x8/ 16x8.5 Gotti's
            Last edited by LorenzeTorres; 12-25-2017, 10:25 AM.

            Comment


              Lots of people find BS to be "harsh" and I dont think Ive ever seen a post that says "Konis compromise handling".

              Must mean something
              Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com

              https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
              Alice the Time Capsule
              http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
              87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220

              Comment


                Originally posted by jeffnhiscars View Post
                Lots of people find BS to be "harsh" and I dont think Ive ever seen a post that says "Konis compromise handling".

                Must mean something
                There's my answer right there!

                So the question now, is what part numbers do I purchase or is it pretty universal as long as I don't get the ones for the ix?

                Can someone provide a link to their preferred vendor who sells Koni SA's?

                Comment


                  I've bought 2 sets of Konis from these guys (1 I'm just now installing). I get the hardtop fronts as the cabrio spec is not top adjustable and the compression valving is very close (rebound is adjustable so doesnt matter). In the 2-3 years since I put them on my cabrio they still make me smile.

                  PNs 8641-1021SPORT & 80-2522SPORT for $506 and I got $50 back from Koni. Cant beat that. This set going on the coupe w new H&R Sport springs and the other is in the cabrio w H&R cabrio springs

                  importrp.com

                  In WA and good people to deal with. I also just bought rotors and pads for my Touareg from them.
                  Last edited by jeffnhiscars; 12-27-2017, 06:58 AM.
                  Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com

                  https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
                  Alice the Time Capsule
                  http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
                  87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220

                  Comment


                    Originally posted by LorenzeTorres View Post
                    There's my answer right there!

                    So the question now, is what part numbers do I purchase or is it pretty universal as long as I don't get the ones for the ix?

                    Can someone provide a link to their preferred vendor who sells Koni SA's?
                    Koni puts on a sale every spring. Prices are pretty consistent.
                    Patrick Henry

                    1989 325iC build: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=316880


                    Comment


                      Originally posted by phenryiv1 View Post
                      Koni puts on a sale every spring. Prices are pretty consistent.
                      Originally posted by jeffnhiscars View Post
                      I've bought 2 sets of Konis from these guys (1 I'm just now installing). I get the hardtop fronts as the cabrio spec is not top adjustable and the compression valving is very close (rebound is adjustable so doesnt matter). In the 2-3 years since I put them on my cabrio they still make me smile.

                      PNs 8641-1021SPORT & 80-2522SPORT for $506 and I got $50 back from Koni. Cant beat that. This set going on the coupe w new H&R Sport springs and the other is in the cabrio w H&R cabrio springs

                      importrp.com

                      In WA and good people to deal with. I also just bought rotors and pads for my Touareg from them.
                      Thanks gentlemen for the input. I will be contacting your vendor within the next month to order those goodies! It seems like those prices are the lowest after crunching the numbers. I'll keep y'all up to date.

                      Things I plan on adding to the purchase:
                      Boge strut mounts up front
                      Turner Motorspots rear shock mounts (is this even needed?)



                      Reason for doing my research is this. Happened after 400+ miles of driving straight.

                      IMG_3664 by lorenze torres, on Flickr

                      Comment


                        I've never seen a strut mount tear out that way. If I had to guess I'd say someone used an impact wrench to install that strut and did terminal damage to the threads. Stock strut mounts should be fine and an HD rear is not a bad idea. You really want to get some rear reinforcement plates too. They are cheap and take no effort to install and don't forget tomorder some RSM gaskets unless you enjoy making them (easy enough to do)

                        Ps when you are ready to pul the trigger on your major parts still price check and if a vendor is good on some parts and not on others don't hesitate to ask for a price match.
                        Last edited by jeffnhiscars; 12-27-2017, 04:36 PM.
                        Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com

                        https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
                        Alice the Time Capsule
                        http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
                        87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220

                        Comment


                          Originally posted by jeffnhiscars View Post
                          I've never seen a strut mount tear out that way. If I had to guess I'd say someone used an impact wrench to install that strut and did terminal damage to the threads. Stock strut mounts should be fine and an HD rear is not a bad idea. You really want to get some rear reinforcement plates too. They are cheap and take no effort to install and don't forget tomorder some RSM gaskets unless you enjoy making them (easy enough to do)

                          Ps when you are ready to pul the trigger on your major parts still price check and if a vendor is good on some parts and not on others don't hesitate to ask for a price match.
                          Agree across the board here.
                          Patrick Henry

                          1989 325iC build: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=316880


                          Comment


                            Anyone else have trouble with vertical clearance over their M20 engine with a strut tower brace? My old Dinan brace was meant for E30, but was very close to the throttle cable bracket, and eventually broke off one of its tabs. It's off now, and I'm looking for a new one with better clearance.
                            Last edited by bobdavisnpf; 01-07-2018, 05:27 PM. Reason: fix pic link

                            Comment


                              I just repositioned my cable by bending the bracket slightly. Have a sparco
                              Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com

                              https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
                              Alice the Time Capsule
                              http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
                              87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220

                              Comment


                                I'm looking at the Mason Engineering brace online, it looks good and has the clearance I want. Says "front and rear studs measure 36.20" c-c". Measuring on my car, with no brace and wheels on the ground I'm at 36.41". Will forcing an additional 0.21" spread be a problem? I forgot to measure what the spread was with the Dinan in place.
                                Last edited by bobdavisnpf; 01-12-2018, 09:31 AM. Reason: math is hard

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