To lower or not to lower

[Stefan on probation]

I have a standard 88 Chromie is there any benefit in a subtle lowering say 30mm and in fitting a strut brace, it is an automatic.....?

[ChrisHC]

The additional structural rigidity provided by a strut brace will improve the handling, so enabling you to go round corners a fraction of a second faster, the question is how important is that to you in practical terms? Probably not at all unless you are exploring the car's limits on a race track. Of course you may just like the look of it and hope to impress your friends, the most common reason for fitting one I suggest.

[Captain_Birdseye]

what engine? Do it if you've got the cash, strut the back of the car to if you're going to do the front.

[Stefan on probation]

Its like anything with these cars, when you have some free time you think about pointless upgrades that you "don't" really need, my E30 is used for weekends and not tracked so thinking back its a pointless expenditure but then again the "wallowing" around corners gives the car some character as well as the raised height......

Hmmmm may need to spend the money on replacement wings instead.

[DanThe]

The best type of brace you could fit to a cabby would be between the B and A pillar, I doubt a strut brace would make any difference at all, as previously said, how fast do you need to go around a corner in a cabby?

[M3KUK]

I have one fitted to my 320i and it helps a bit. Agree with the comments about going fast around corners!
I have a set of Sport springs to fit, when I get round to it.

[steve_k]

If ypu are going to fit a strut brace then DO not get a hinged one, they are totally pointless & only good for "looks" under the bonnet.

The best type to use are the single/twin tube fixed type that bolt to the strut tower tops,

As for the rear brace, some say it makes no difference some say it does,

But, while your in there...............

[Stefan on probation]

So the consensus is "don't bother" in this day and age with 20mph limits and average speed cameras I doubt I will be doing over 80 mph ;o((((

[steve_k]

It won't hurt to stiffen the chassis in the least bit.

Might help when you get out in the sticks

[Stefan on probation]

It won't hurt to stiffen the chassis in the least bit.

Might help when you get out in the sticks

Living in London that means at least 30 miles.......

[Stefan on probation]

As for the rear brace, some say it makes no difference some say it does,

But, while your in there...............

With an auto its always a hassle to get at the dipstick for the auto box which is checked every 10 years.....

[aimlessrock]

i have a cabby and fitted a strut brace (decent one). I can tell the difference in the front when cornering- the brace helps.

[Stefan on probation]

i have a cabby and fitted a strut brace (decent one). I can tell the difference in the front when cornering- the brace helps.

I must resist, I must resist,

What did you fit?

[paultv]

I took mine strut off - looked stupid if you ask me and got in the way - like adding "go faster stripes" or a "phat" exhaust. I often push my cabby to 200kph, but autobahns don't have tight corners at that pace anyway, and country lanes have 50 kph or 30 kph limits round here, so no speedy cornering.

I guess if you're rigged for the track, its a different matter.

Paul

[M3KUK]

I have the Ultra Racing one, bought it off this Forum.
http://www.automac.co.uk/product/UR%20E30%20f%20upper

[aimlessrock]

i have a cabby and fitted a strut brace (decent one). I can tell the difference in the front when cornering- the brace helps.

I must resist, I must resist,

What did you fit?

Sparco mate. It was not that expensive from memory.

[aimlessrock]

I took mine strut off - looked stupid if you ask me and got in the way - like adding "go faster stripes" or a "phat" exhaust. I often push my cabby to 200kph, but autobahns don't have tight corners at that pace anyway, and country lanes have 50 kph or 30 kph limits round here, so no speedy cornering.

I guess if you're rigged for the track, its a different matter.

Paul

Tight corners and twisty county roads on a summers days are where i enjoy the cabby most- im just down the road from the woodhead pass and snake pass- both excellent fun with roof down when the sun is out.

[Gert_8]

It's worth lowering it. The whole car looks a lot better. I did this several years ago using Eibach springs (30mm lower than standard) and similar to the M-techs orginally fitted, along with Bilstein B4 shocks.

I also have a front brace fitted, but that came with the car.