Strut braces

[daniboi328]

Bit off advice please guys

Have an s50b30 in my e30 and I'm looking to fit a front & rear strut brace along with possibly fitting an under brace (a bit like the e36 x brace)

I've seen a company called ultra raceing make all sorts but I've been warned by a friend that there poorly/cheaply manufactured and too avoid them, anyone had any experience with them ?

Can anyone recommend a brand of strut brace's ?

Does having a strut brace on an s50 in an e30 have any clearance issues ?

What strut braces/x braces are recommended and what ones make little difference ?

Regards
Dan

[MillRat]

Just doing a quite internet search suggests that any E30 brace that fits with an M20 will fit with an M50 (the type that is curved and passes close to the back of the engine bay/firewall).

Basically choose a brace that is solid with robust joints between the bar and the tower mounts (they are easier to fit if these joints are flexible). Just be careful and if possible try before you buy as one size does not fit all E30's (I use a Racing Dynamics brace that is very good, however I have had fitment problems with other E30's).

Also, I understand that you do not need a rear strut brace unless you are looking to fit a X-brace in the boot.

[Rallyprep_UK]

Try and get a steel one with adjustment.

Our S50 e30 has one of the generic cheap alloy ones which fits fine, but probably doesn't do a lot...

[rix313]

I have a UR one and quite a few others do. They are strong enough, however what ever muppet in their design department, thought it a good idea to slot the holes at each end, needs a stern talking to and a change of career.

I wouldn't bother with a rear one either.

[daniboi328]

All the advice is much appreciated.

Been given a front one from a friend that looks to be well built and sturdy so going to try that, as for the x brace style ones I'm still in two minds as it's a lot of money to shell out if I'm not going to get any advantage from it.

When you say an x brace in the boot what do you mean ?
I've only ever seen x braces fitted to the underside of the engine.

[MillRat]

When you say an x brace in the boot what do you mean ?

[/quote]

[daniboi328]

Wow I've never seen one like that before

Where would I be able to purchase one off them ?

[zaust]

I used to supply the Ultra Racing braces, The lower one stits far to low even for a track car. Might be ok if you have an IX on large tyres.

[handpaper]

Wow I've never seen one like that before

Where would I be able to purchase one off them ?

Why would you bother - the rear strut towers never see a lateral load. It's only worth adding any bracing in that area when fitting a full cage that ties into the strut tops (and maybe bolts through the boot floor to the diff).

[DanThe]

The ultra racing braces are shite, oval holes, cheap steel and crap welds.

Get a Sparco M3 brace, they are the best off the shelf that I know of

[blazed]

http://store.bimmerworld.com/sparco-fro ... -p517.aspx

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sparco-Front- ... 4897.l5672

am i missing something?

[blazed]

just noticed £70 postage but thats still a big difference

[age]

i got an rpm one, cant fault it and can honestly say i noticed a diffence in the handling of the car after fitting, had to bend the clutch fluid reservoir though