Rear Strut Brace Options

[phoenixcsl]

Chaps,

It looks like I need to run a rear strut brace due to my latest suspension solutions nearly being fitted, so I'm going to put on a set of the Z3 reinforcement plates for the rear towers while I am at it.

I know Shimmy runs the Racing Dynamics one which looks good, I think he has this one:

http://www.racdyn-usa.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=196.99.46.21 1&Category_Code=e46m3

Any thoughts on these? they have a chunky looking brace, which then can have a further x section down to the diff mounting points, is this good idea or not?

http://www.masonengineering.net/BMW.htm

or

what about this thing that thorney sells (not that I really want to buy anything from him but needs must and all):

http://www.thorneymotorsport.co.uk/products/product_info.php?cPath=1329_1637_1342_1376_1690&pr oducts_id=4463

I don't want to go down the route of a cage at this stage, but I will if I am forced to, I just need something that will handle a farily stiff coilover setup in the rear.

Let's digress...:thumbs:

[shimmy]

Yep, that first one is mine, solid bar, no hinge mechanism. From memory it could replace the Z3 plate but the Z3 fitted underneath well to hold the bar up above the turret.

[phoenixcsl]

Nice one thanks Shim, thought you were running that one :thumbs:

Any problems with it? or any problems with your rear turrets?

It actually seems like quite a reasonably priced brace when I compare it to the others.

[shimmy]

no issues so far

gonna fit bmw from turret strenghtening plates next time

[phoenixcsl]

Excellent thanks mate, I might order one then.

BMW turret strengthening plates? I've not seen those, got any info?

[shimmy]

front turret supports 2x 51717036781

not expensive, circular plates with 3 holes that act like the rear z3 plates and stiffen the flex in the turret

my guess is that the stiffer the car is (springs, bushes and arb) the mire use these will all be

[phoenixcsl]

Brilliant thank you, I think i'll order a set as i've got to order a couple of bits from BMW this week anyway.

Do they fit over the camber plates between the shock and the car? or from the top between the turret and the brace?

Sent you a pm btw, need some info on something :smokin:

[shimmy]

Brilliant thank you, I think i'll order a set as i've got to order a couple of bits from BMW this week anyway.

Do they fit over the camber plates between the shock and the car? or from the top between the turret and the brace?

Sent you a pm btw, need some info on something :smokin:

i think they fit under the turret, but not 100% sure

[phoenixcsl]

Yeah would make sense to go under, wonder if they fit over all types of camber plates tho.

Might as just order some and see :thumbs:

[shimmy]

the overall diameter is 184mm, i guess it fits snug under the turrett and fkat surface area is 160-165mm which i am sure will fit all camber plates

[phoenixcsl]

Legend thanks Shim, i'll measure up the Nitron camber / castor mounts when my new kit is ready :beer:

[s.mac]

HI Toby
You need to fit fronts underneath and they pop rivet on!
I had mine painted to sg although you can't see them.
When moving to smaller after market front top mounts these are required to spread the load. They brought them out for oem so deffo needed for after market.

[phoenixcsl]

Perfect thanks Steve.

Definitely ordering some now :thumbs:

[0-60motorsports]

I have the dinan one and like it. Go for the mason one if u want something more hardcore.