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View Full Version : Rear strut tower brace (What works better?)



Dr. Design
12-16-2002, 07:38 PM
Hello All,
We have noticed that there are a few different thoughts as how the rear strut tower brace works on the EP3. We have worked on the EP3 for the last 5 months and have disected this car to find out what the car needs. This is what we have noticed.

For starters some feel that the brace that goes underneath the carpet works pretty good. Well if you look at where it is mounted you will notice that there is a rather large bulkhead already there. So you are theoretically adding something that is already there. Since the point that you are trying to stop flexing is higher up on the strut towers you are not doing what was meant to do.....Stop the flexing.

Picture two sticks connected at the bottom. Squeeze the top of the sticks that are not mounted together(should look like a U). What happens?? The two ends move toward each other very easily. Now take those same sticks that are connected at the bottom and put another stick in the middle of them about half way up (should look like an H). Now, try to squeeze those together and what happens? You have a really hard time trying to get those two ends to meet this time? YES. You have placed the brace in the correct location. The pivot point has now been moved to a shorter piece.

That simple test should show you that when attempting to brace something you have to keep in mind what you are trying to accomplish. Your mounting points are very important and could be the difference from 1st and 2nd place on that racetrack. Some people feel that a Strut bar is a strut bar, there is no difference. They all do the same things. However in theory they all do the same thing. However in the world that we live in (Reality) they tend to do different things. There are alot of key factors that will allow flex in the design:

If a strut bar (or any bar) has tie rod ends = IT ALLOWS FLEX
If a brace uses adjustments = IT ALLOWS FLEX
If a brace uses bolts for mounting = IT ALLOWS FLEX
If a brace is mounted via welding = SIGNIFICANTLY LESS FLEX
If a brace uses triangulation = SIGNIFICANTLY LESS FLEX
Brace is used in the correct location = SIGNIFICANTLY LESS FLEX
If a brace uses inferior material = IT ALLOWS FLEX

Now, we understand that you guys do not drive racecars nor have complete competition roll cages welded into your cars. However we still bring this information to you based on the fact that you like to drive your cars to THEIR potential. Please let us know if there are any questions or comments.

Thank you,

sammysir
12-16-2002, 08:29 PM
hah that was a handfull...... my thoughts are the same as to the rear upper bar..... it shouldn't hide under the carpet even though cosmetically appealing looks like this /___\ ..... and no need to hack your trim panels.. its need to be mounted higher up like /----\
to prevent the tops from flexing in and down. So basically Doc just make it stiff as possible, one piece none adjustable. Also pm me im very interested in finding out how i might be able to get some of your products up here in Toronto

todaCspec
12-17-2002, 06:42 AM
i think Neuspeed would agree w/ya, there rear strut bar is mounted in the same location as yours.