X-Brace Install question

[heinzboehmer]

I know that part of the point of these braces is that you don't have to remove the subframe to install. However, if you've got the subframe off, you can drill straight up through the subframe mount threads and into the trunk floor. Then you can use that hole as a guide for the hole saw. Should be able to get a really nice fit that way.

[MarcoPolo]

I know that part of the point of these braces is that you don't have to remove the subframe to install. However, if you've got the subframe off, you can drill straight up through the subframe mount threads and into the trunk floor. Then you can use that hole as a guide for the hole saw. Should be able to get a really nice fit that way.

agreed. and my goal was to do that. my shop had my car for the subframe reinforcement. i asked them to make a pilot hole for me. the problem was the pilot hole was so big that when i wanted to make the 1.5" hole, it just danced around the pilot hole. that resulted in a hole being wider than necessary. a bit frustrating but i worked with what i had. ultimately, i can just replace the carpet and make a better hole.

edit: ultimately, i could really started off with a 1.5" hole and just just use a dremel to round out any edges if i was off. lesson learned.

[MarcoPolo]

not gonna take credit as i saw a few other people do this. cleaned up the edges by the shock mount. love the way it came out. improves the look of the holes.

[Grke46m3]

Have you guys noticed a significant difference in rear chassis stiffness with these braces? Might really consider this if so.


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[liam821]

Have you guys noticed a significant difference in rear chassis stiffness with these braces? Might really consider this if so.


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I swear I noticed a difference after installing mine. Just felt like I could go down a tiny bit in spring rate to get the same stiffness. Whole chassis just felt more connected and solid.

[MarcoPolo]

Have you guys noticed a significant difference in rear chassis stiffness with these braces? Might really consider this if so.


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i wouldn't able to tell you. my winter off-season project was a full upgrade to the rear including new diff bushings, new subframe bushings, new balljoints, plus subframe reinforcement as well as this brace. the car will most likely feel drastically different, but i won't be able to see what the brace did. honestly i don't see the brace as a performance enhancement. more of a way to reinforce the and worrying less about any chassis flex/cracks.

[liam821]

not gonna take credit as i saw a few other people do this. cleaned up the edges by the shock mount. love the way it came out. improves the look of the holes.
Pictures

Wow that looks really good. Here is what mine looks like with the PureTech bar...

[Epsilon]

Did you guys have to flatten out the upside down T with the bumps so the bottom of the x-brace would sit flat?

[MarcoPolo]

Did you guys have to flatten out the upside down T with the bumps so the bottom of the x-brace would sit flat?

depends on which x-brace you installed. each have their own approach to the installation. in my case, i spoke to SME and their braces, as they are all 1-piece solid, say you should NOT flatten the T-bump as it's designed within height of the shock mount and the T-bump. i don't know what the other vendors suggest in their instruction.

[liam821]

depends on which x-brace you installed. each have their own approach to the installation. in my case, i spoke to SME and their braces, as they are all 1-piece solid, say you should NOT flatten the T-bump as it's designed within height of the shock mount and the T-bump. i don't know what the other vendors suggest in their instruction.

The PureTech is a solid X bar but bolts to each rear strut tower. So there is enough play with how it bolts in that you could flatten out the T-bump, but I did not do this.