Rear Strut Brace Options

phoenixcsl · 07-08-2012, 09:24 AM

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...

**shimmy** · 07-08-2012, 10:45 AM

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 · 07-08-2012, 12:42 PM

Nice one thanks Shim, thought you were running that one

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** · 07-08-2012, 12:56 PM

no issues so far

gonna fit bmw from turret strenghtening plates next time

phoenixcsl · 07-08-2012, 01:03 PM

Excellent thanks mate, I might order one then.

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

**shimmy** · 07-08-2012, 01:06 PM

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 · 07-08-2012, 01:11 PM

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

07-08-2012, 09:24 AM	#1
phoenixcsl S5, Sport Off, DSC M-track Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Surrey Posts: 634 Casino cash: $4900	Rear Strut Brace Options 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...

07-08-2012, 10:45 AM	#2
shimmy CSL Register Uber-poster! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Uk Posts: 14,646 Casino cash: $43909	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. __________________ .

07-08-2012, 12:56 PM	#4
shimmy CSL Register Uber-poster! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Uk Posts: 14,646 Casino cash: $43909	no issues so far gonna fit bmw from turret strenghtening plates next time __________________ .

07-08-2012, 01:06 PM	#6
shimmy CSL Register Uber-poster! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Uk Posts: 14,646 Casino cash: $43909	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 __________________ .

07-08-2012, 12:42 PM	#3
phoenixcsl S5, Sport Off, DSC M-track Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Surrey Posts: 634 Casino cash: $4900	Nice one thanks Shim, thought you were running that one 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.

07-08-2012, 01:03 PM	#5
phoenixcsl S5, Sport Off, DSC M-track Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Surrey Posts: 634 Casino cash: $4900	Excellent thanks mate, I might order one then. BMW turret strengthening plates? I've not seen those, got any info?

07-08-2012, 01:11 PM	#7
phoenixcsl S5, Sport Off, DSC M-track Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Surrey Posts: 634 Casino cash: $4900	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