Front Strut Brace, worht it? Or not?

[e30polak]

Hey guys, I'm trying to figure out if a front strut brace really helps with handling? I've heard mixed reviews and don't want to waste my money if it's not going to help. Thanks in advance. :D

[brn2ply7]

from what i have come to understand. You will have very little difference in handling. It will though help prolong and keep your shock towers from possible cracking.

[MR 325]

It's worth the price in how extra badass it makes you look though.



(I have one)

[e30polak]

It's worth the price in how extra badass it makes you look though.



(I have one)

Decided it would look more badass to have a turbo in my engine bay instead. :p

Got a refund on the GB from e30tech to help fund a turbo project. :up:

[Stephen]

a good one does stiffen the chassis, might make a hair of difference there.

But it makes you look badass, and helps keep your car in one piece


do ett

[E30_fiend]

Hey Chris, if you really wanna try one out, you can try mine for a little while.

[turbo zombie]

i had one on all my volvos (it got transferred everytime i got a new volvo). these are what i felt as gains:

-very little physical gain in handling (maybe 1-5mph through turns, depending on original speed)
-much crisper turn in
-more stable when making corrections in a turn
-better road feel through the steering wheel
-slightly more comfortable ride
-looks cool as hell

also, the first time i installed it was on a car that i had removed the power steering. my first comment was "holy crap, it almost feels like i have power steering again!" i still don't fully understand that, 6 years later, but it really did decrease my steering effort.

[Oz10]

^^
I would consider a 1-5mph increase through a turn a huge gain for something like a strut brace. I've been considering getting one too.

[BützBöb]

I'm also wondering if it is worth it. I think I have come to the conclusion that I want one for the badass factor anyway!

[speedminded]

I think the strut towers flex too much to be truly beneficial on an e30. The convertibles have the gusset to the tower which should be put on all models. I'm working on designing a plate that covers the heater fan and can triangulate to the towers with a stress brace that should help with the flex more than just between the two.

Someone needs to design a double wishbone setup for the front of e30's. ;)

[MR 325]

Decided it would look more badass to have a turbo in my engine bay instead. :p

Got a refund on the GB from e30tech to help fund a turbo project. :up:

You asshole.

[Dirtbleed]

I simply can't live without it.

[theox69]

If it helps stiffen any part of the chassis, why not get it?

[StereoInstaller1]

I have seen so many of them that are cracked that it makes me think quite a bit of flexing is going on there.

If I get one I am gonna get an acrylic hood...

[theox69]

I have seen so many of them that are cracked that it makes me think quite a bit of flexing is going on there.

If I get one I am gonna get an acrylic hood...

You should make an epic trunk set up, with an acrylic trunk lid.