In Norm Garretts, "Miata performance handbook" (or something like that) it is mentioned that due to the way the mx5 was designed, there is very little to be gained from a strut brace between the front shock towers. I certainly didn't notice any difference when I fitted one on my previous car.
M@
re[2]: Strut Brace
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- Yes. I might just know (Trusted Advisor)
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re[2]: Strut Brace
Well, I'd just like to give a counter view...
I fitted a shock-tower brace across my engine may and noticed a big
difference.
Perhaps its because my car's a '89 and comes with the least bracing of all
from the factory, or because its had more time to get all rattled loose...
But with the bar on, any thumps and bumps were short and sharp, whereas,
without, the car would continue vibrating for half a second after the
pot-hole/railway track or whatever was gone... Also, when cornering on
rutted/bumpy roads, the front wheels seemed to stay where I pointed them
more, requiring less driver input to correct the line around the corner.
BTW, You've got to take some of what Norm Garret says with a grain of salt
(or a whole shaker full). Some of his facts are plain wrong, his bias
towards the supercharger that he has a financial stake in shows, and because
he was involved in the design of the car, admitting that some mods actually
work might be like admitting he didn't do a good job? That said, its
generally not a bad book, and does have some good advise. The trick is to do
wider reading so you can spot where he's wrong.
I'm quite sure that a car with McPherson struts may well benefit far more
from this brace than an MX-5 does... but I certainly noticed it on my car.
Fletch.
I fitted a shock-tower brace across my engine may and noticed a big
difference.
Perhaps its because my car's a '89 and comes with the least bracing of all
from the factory, or because its had more time to get all rattled loose...
But with the bar on, any thumps and bumps were short and sharp, whereas,
without, the car would continue vibrating for half a second after the
pot-hole/railway track or whatever was gone... Also, when cornering on
rutted/bumpy roads, the front wheels seemed to stay where I pointed them
more, requiring less driver input to correct the line around the corner.
BTW, You've got to take some of what Norm Garret says with a grain of salt
(or a whole shaker full). Some of his facts are plain wrong, his bias
towards the supercharger that he has a financial stake in shows, and because
he was involved in the design of the car, admitting that some mods actually
work might be like admitting he didn't do a good job? That said, its
generally not a bad book, and does have some good advise. The trick is to do
wider reading so you can spot where he's wrong.
I'm quite sure that a car with McPherson struts may well benefit far more
from this brace than an MX-5 does... but I certainly noticed it on my car.
Fletch.
Red '90. Many n/a mods and Link ECU
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- See my 5 and raise you.
- Posts: 98
- Joined: Fri Sep 22, 2006 1:09 pm
- Location: Albany
re[2]: Strut Brace
The only comment that I would make is that my 97 SR Ltd was factory fitted
with bracing struts front and rear, so presumably Mazda felt they were
worthwhile (although I accept that there may have been an element of
dressing up for the Japanese market before the intro of the Mk2). It handles
better than the other standard 5's I have driven, although they were older
ones.
Simon
with bracing struts front and rear, so presumably Mazda felt they were
worthwhile (although I accept that there may have been an element of
dressing up for the Japanese market before the intro of the Mk2). It handles
better than the other standard 5's I have driven, although they were older
ones.
Simon
97 SR Ltd (sparkle green)
Email: simon@franchise.co.nz
Email: simon@franchise.co.nz
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