To strut brace or not to strut brace?
#1
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To strut brace or not to strut brace?
Yes, I was a good Rennlister and did a search first...
I am considering either a Rennline or a JM Products front strut brace for 84 Carrera COUPE. It seems from previous threads that these strut braces are a good idea for convertable and targa owners as well as those who track their cars primarilly. What about us Coupe owners who do occasional DE's (5 per year)?
I am considering either a Rennline or a JM Products front strut brace for 84 Carrera COUPE. It seems from previous threads that these strut braces are a good idea for convertable and targa owners as well as those who track their cars primarilly. What about us Coupe owners who do occasional DE's (5 per year)?
#2
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l recommend adding one,if you`re a driver you`ll notice the difference.l put one on my 84 coupe and wish l`d added it sooner.l`ve got all the usual suspension mods done, 21/27`s,all bushings,adjust spring plates,turbo tie rods,bump steer kit,sport Bilsteins,etc.But the strut bar? l added that last and l felt it right away.The 911 is just not really stiff in that area,which is why people add those bars.Try it and post here in the morning
#3
RL Technical Advisor
Dascar:
A strut brace is an excellent upgrade for ALL 911's; '65-'98. Only the 996's do not benefit from one.
They all pretty much do the same thing so the choice is largely cosmetic.
If you do DE's (especially on race tires) you will like the improvements in steering response and reduction in understeer.
A strut brace is an excellent upgrade for ALL 911's; '65-'98. Only the 996's do not benefit from one.
They all pretty much do the same thing so the choice is largely cosmetic.
If you do DE's (especially on race tires) you will like the improvements in steering response and reduction in understeer.
Last edited by Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems; 05-07-2004 at 01:48 PM.
#6
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Here is a good thread on Pelican Part Forum about Strut Braces. Many believe that the Weltmeister puts unecessary force on the tops of the strut and this can cause issues.
Pelican Thread
Pelican Thread
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#8
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Dascar,
I just bought a second '87 to use as a DE/Auto-X car. I could not figure out why the steering on this new car felt so precise compared to my daily driver '87... then I remembered that the PO had put on a strut brace. I am now a firm believer.
Also, Rennlist sponsor KLA Industries has a strut brace which I recommended to a friend last Christmas. He loves it. Check it out as an additional option at http://www.klaindustries.net/911strut/911strut.htm
Tom
I just bought a second '87 to use as a DE/Auto-X car. I could not figure out why the steering on this new car felt so precise compared to my daily driver '87... then I remembered that the PO had put on a strut brace. I am now a firm believer.
Also, Rennlist sponsor KLA Industries has a strut brace which I recommended to a friend last Christmas. He loves it. Check it out as an additional option at http://www.klaindustries.net/911strut/911strut.htm
Tom
#9
I have an 86 Targa, so my opinion is colored by a little less stock rigidity. However, I was very impressed with the improved steering response and additional reduction in chassis flex. I found the Rennline to be the best of the bunch, reasonable cost, triangulation, low weight and fantastic fabrication.
#10
I've sent two e-mails to KLA Industries inquiring about a strut brace for my 86 911 coupe and have received not a single response. Albiet, I asked about any specials or pricing they may offer for PCA members, etc., and maybe that pissed them off, but not even a reply? That alone tells me their customer service and sales leaves a bit to be desired. If their customer service stinks, what about their product(s) and if you need help with warranty or any other issue that may arise.... I believe I will go elsewhere even if they should respond now as there are a ton of manufacturers out there with good products. Only my opinion based on one experience. I was a bit suprised about no response as last November Ken from KLA was on this board asking why no one was interested in his strut brace for 911s...hmmm....
#11
RL Technical Advisor
Hi Randy:
Many years ago, I tried one of the Stable Energies triangulated bars and I could not tell a difference between that one and a simple cross-brace such as the Factory RSR or the other aftermarket ones.
I have not sampled one of Chuck's Elephant Racing ones.
I can tell you that the 935's X-brace (along with the crossbar) makes a big difference,......
Many years ago, I tried one of the Stable Energies triangulated bars and I could not tell a difference between that one and a simple cross-brace such as the Factory RSR or the other aftermarket ones.
I have not sampled one of Chuck's Elephant Racing ones.
I can tell you that the 935's X-brace (along with the crossbar) makes a big difference,......
#13
Thanks Steve.
Of course, if spreading of the towers is the real culprit then the tie bar type ought to be as good as anything. Seems like my street car can just keep the tie rod style one I have.
Of course, if spreading of the towers is the real culprit then the tie bar type ought to be as good as anything. Seems like my street car can just keep the tie rod style one I have.
#14
I installed the Rennline triangulated brace, the alignment guy was a little puzzled by it, so I told him to remove the bars. I reinstalled them after he was done, don't know what the big deal was, but next time I need to align I will elongate the mounting holes so I can pivot the brackets a little. BTW the shop recommended weltmeister. The shop I used (Fordahl Motorsports)is a high end race suspension tuner, my car was the only street car to be seen. When I called Rennline, thier tech support was outstanding, all my questions were answered. Here's a link
http://www.rennline.com/indexframes.html
& a pic.
http://www.rennline.com/indexframes.html
& a pic.
#15
First I'd like to second Paul's suggestion, do whatever greg fordahl says. Second I have whatevere brace paragon products sells on my '72 which is mostly an AutoX car. it was maybe $200???
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