what's the consensus- does adding the F/R braces really do much on these cars?

 

front no, it is mounted just in front of the firewall that is already triangulated for stiffnes... rear yes, however it will also take away from the independent suspension function. It will make it stiffer a bit but the rear will more prown to bouncing.

 

I don't know anyone who has them so I can't help.....but I will tell you one thing.....

I installed H&R adjustable sway bars this Wed, and I am amazed at how much they helped!! It really made a noticable difference and the car feels rock solid in the twisties.

 

Redridge - thanks, you confirmed my suspicion about the front brace. just looking at the proposed mounting location, it doesn't make sense. Interesting fact about the rear.

Brando- how's the in-town drive on bumpy streets? Was hesitant to upgrade sways for fear of harsher ride. what drop links did you use?

 

Have you done any other suspension Mods. I am trying to decide if I should do the sways the same time I do the coilovers.

 

It does not really effect the ride quality as far as I can tell.

It feels like you put wider tires on the front...the steering feels tighter and more precise and it corners much flatter. You will feel the difference, but in a good way.

My car has H&R sport springs and HD Bilsteins.

 

Thanks- The single best mod I've done to my ride was install the KWv3 coilovers. Felt like a whole new car after they were installed, much more solid / stable / smooth.

You're really tempting me now to pick up the sways. What are your front and rear sway settings, and did you buy a specific set of drop links for the front or not needed with the HR's?

 

Sways are a better performers mods than coilovers! in the corner that is...

 

DO it! You will be pleased.

Stock drop links work perfectly with the H&R's. Checked them closely and they are fine for now for street use.

I set them Med / Med and will adjust later if needed after I have a chance to flog it.

 

Great- now I need to go buy sways as well.

To get back on topic. How about the strut braces as well?

 

Brando - you have a 4S, mine is a C2, I think the links in front will be different- Will have to research that. Thanks for your input.

Redridge... perhaps, unless your OEM shocks are 'flexy flyers' like mine were, it was pathetic!

erubin- i'd say the braces are a no-go

 

Good News !!!

 

H&R are thick sways, they are used more for the awd (also TT) setup, the stock links work, but once you start driving them aggressively they will start to bind and will eventually snap. TRG links are the preffered choice for awds'

 

You need adjustable drop-links because you don't want any pre-load on the sways at stand-still.

I'd say pu some coilovers and H&R sways with TRG drop-links. Will transform your car.

I have a cage that bolts to the rear shock mounts, so in essence I have a rear strut bar. If you have a quality co you want it to do all the work for you and no it will not compromise the independence of the suspension.

 

compromise is a strong word. You are tying the two rear shocks together, at some point your changing the independent function of the suspension by making it stiffer. Yes it will handle great on the track, but it will be a harsh (maybe bouncy was the wrong word) ride on the street. If its a harsh ride, youve "compromised" the independence of the suspension. I know all this stuff is relative to personal preference, but suspension is all about give and take and what you want out of a car.