E86 Front Triangulation Braces Retrofit

[heinzboehmer]

This looks very interesting. Unfortunately I cannot seem to download the documentation from Google drive on my tablet. I can see the index but I get error in file error.

Does this project depend on obtaining oem e85/86 strut braces or does it include cutting templates for them. Finding oem braces is almost impossible. I want one for my e85 and have been looking for two years.

Nope, this keeps the stock E46 M3 brace middle section, replaces the strut tower brackets and adds a custom mount under the windshield. The stock E86 triangulation braces are then used to tie the strut towers to the base of the windshield.

I've noticed issues with the doc on mobile as well. Maybe it's too long/picture heavy? Seems to work alright on desktop.

[bigjae46]

heinzboehmer

THANK YOU SIR! I got the box, haven't opened it yet. I need to catch up on some other projects and its peak track season in TX.

One more favor - could you measure the length of the OEM stud that goes into the plates for the center bar? I want to test my forged carbon plates this weekend and the car is at the track.

[heinzboehmer]

heinzboehmer

THANK YOU SIR! I got the box, haven't opened it yet. I need to catch up on some other projects and its peak track season in TX.

One more favor - could you measure the length of the OEM stud that goes into the plates for the center bar? I want to test my forged carbon plates this weekend and the car is at the track.

Overall length is 32mm and has an unthreaded portion that measures 2mm right in the middle. So, 15mm of threads, 2mm unthreaded, then another 15mm of threads.

[bigjae46]

Overall length is 32mm and has an unthreaded portion that measures 2mm right in the middle. So, 15mm of threads, 2mm unthreaded, then another 15mm of threads.

Thank you sir!

[heinzboehmer]

Thank you sir!

No problem!

Also worth mentioning that I was unable to find an off the shelf replacement for these studs, so I just stole them off of the stock brackets.

The old style brackets will have studs that press in from the bottom, but most cars should come with the new style that has the double ended studs. I want to say the part was superseded some time in 02?

[liam821]

Wow, this is amazing work. How am I just now seeing this thread? I ordered up e86 braces and am 3d printing all the parts now. This will go into the k46 (my sedan) - I'm assuming the engine bays are the same between the sedan and the coupe, but I'm not totally sure, will report back once I've test fit everything.

[George Hill]

I'm assuming the engine bays are the same between the sedan and the coupe.

They are all the same

[heinzboehmer]

They are all the same

Yep! Confirmed by the scans.

Touring too as far as I know, although I don't have a scan of that one.

[heinzboehmer]

Also, brackets are on the car for some validation:



They survived a 100mi drive today and the car feels exactly the same as it did with the sheet metal prototypes. Today's drive wasn't all that dynamic, lots of highway stuff, but I'll do some more interesting driving soon. Doing a track day at Laguna Seca (with the infamous bumpy kerbs) next weekend, so that should really torture these parts

[George Hill]

Yep! Confirmed by the scans.

Touring too as far as I know, although I don't have a scan of that one.

Yes, also tourings.

I need to print and test fit to test but I'd really like to do this mod too.

[D-O]

Also, brackets are on the car for some validation:



They survived a 100mi drive today and the car feels exactly the same as it did with the sheet metal prototypes. Today's drive wasn't all that dynamic, lots of highway stuff, but I'll do some more interesting driving soon. Doing a track day at Laguna Seca (with the infamous bumpy kerbs) next weekend, so that should really torture these parts

Laguna Seca is on my list of must do's. One day I am going to ship the car to LA and drive up the coast to Vancouver. On the way north will be a track day at Laguna Seca. One day.

[heinzboehmer]

Laguna Seca is on my list of must do's. One day I am going to ship the car to LA and drive up the coast to Vancouver. On the way north will be a track day at Laguna Seca. One day.

It's an awesome track and it's in an area with basically perfect driving weather year round. It does get crowded cause everyone wants to drive it (especially on the high dB days), but it's still fun.

Forum Laguna day when?

[liam821]

Forum Laguna day when?

I'm only a 10 hour drive away...let's do it!

[heinzboehmer]

I'm only a 10 hour drive away...let's do it!

Always down for a Laguna day. Bunch of people on here that I'm sure would join in too!

[Obioban]

Man, I want to come.

I'll just flip you off from the cork screw, from the one time I was there in a friend's car.
(saw him track side taking this picture)