Front Lower Brace

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Front Lower Brace #643383 09/07/2008 10:04 09/07/2008 10:04
Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 260 Scotland F F927UBS OP Making a profit
F927UBS OP Making a profit F Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 260 Scotland	Hi all, hoping you can help me here. Any idea's where you can buy a front lower brace. Kind reagrds, Tim Back in the game

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: F927UBS] #643390 09/07/2008 10:09 09/07/2008 10:09
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	There's two types - one is a non-adjustable painted mild steel version - the other is an adjustable stainless jobbie. You can't buy the latter version - they are custom made to my own design. Have a look at this immense thread in the Group Buy section

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #650383 22/07/2008 21:32 22/07/2008 21:32
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,034 Sweden Per I need some sleep
Per I need some sleep Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,034 Sweden	There is also a OMP one for Alfa 156 which fits. Don't know where to find it right now though. Re-Bangled

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Per] #650389 22/07/2008 21:44 22/07/2008 21:44
Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 5,404 Anglesey N.Wales cowboy Forum is my life
cowboy Forum is my life Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 5,404 Anglesey N.Wales	why not try the omp site,theres only one that fits the coupe and 156 and that is non-adjustable go for the one nigel sell,s

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: cowboy] #654580 30/07/2008 10:21 30/07/2008 10:21
F Fran Unregistered
Fran Unregistered F	I bought the omp one, think i got it from a place called 106spares or somehting. Kind of random name, but sure it was that place. Fits prfectly, and made a hell of a difference. $\:\)$

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #654725 30/07/2008 13:44 30/07/2008 13:44
S sprintsteve Unregistered
sprintsteve Unregistered S	does this mod really make a massive difference ?,i running on konis have a top strut brace but still feel im driving a boat on wheels sometimes..

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #654776 30/07/2008 14:43 30/07/2008 14:43
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	doesn't make a vast difference, but it is noticeable, especially when everything is loaded up halfway round a fast corner - the benefit is much more precise adjustability.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #656611 02/08/2008 18:09 02/08/2008 18:09
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,034 Sweden Per I need some sleep
Per I need some sleep Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,034 Sweden	Sounds good Nigel. I'll try and adjust/reweld the OMP one so it sits closer up, as close as possible. Don't want it to slam into bumps... Re-Bangled

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Per] #657000 03/08/2008 16:08 03/08/2008 16:08
D Daeron Unregistered
Daeron Unregistered D	anyone has photos of alfa's brace on coop? some tips on instaling? $\:\)$

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #669317 27/08/2008 09:11 27/08/2008 09:11
Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 260 Scotland F F927UBS OP Making a profit
F927UBS OP Making a profit F Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 260 Scotland	Haven't got any pictures, but have just fitted 156 front lower brace... £62 from Alfa Aid in maidenhead.. What a difference, You can really feel that the car is much much stiffer. It was easy to fit, took two minutes on my mates ramp, although I'm missing my undertray.. Anybody got one?... So Handling wise, I've now got Bilstein Dampers Eibach Springs 22mm Rear Anti roll bar Upper and Lower Front strut braces Was Thinking of trying some 10mm Wheel spacers?, Any opinions? also maybe polybushing the front wishbones... Or is there something else worth doing? Cheers Tim Back in the game

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: F927UBS] #669501 27/08/2008 15:52 27/08/2008 15:52
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,034 Sweden Per I need some sleep
Per I need some sleep Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,034 Sweden	Tim, you just made me order the Alfa 156 OMP brace. $\:\)$ 3 weeks wait but for 695kr (~75euro) it'll be worth it. Re-Bangled

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Per] #669537 27/08/2008 17:05 27/08/2008 17:05
N Nobby Unregistered
Nobby Unregistered N	Jimbo has an alfa brace

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: F927UBS] #669538 27/08/2008 17:05 27/08/2008 17:05
Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 5,390 Essex Trappy Forum is my life
Trappy Forum is my life Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 5,390 Essex	What's the ground clearance like with this new 156 lower strut brace F927UBS (maybe a new username? ) ? F**** b**** thing...

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #669539 27/08/2008 17:08 27/08/2008 17:08
Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 5,390 Essex Trappy Forum is my life
Trappy Forum is my life Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 5,390 Essex	Originally Posted By: Nobby Jimbo has an alfa brace Well, that's all I need to know $\:\)$ F**** b**** thing...

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Trappy] #669547 27/08/2008 17:23 27/08/2008 17:23
S sprintsteve Unregistered
sprintsteve Unregistered S	does the alfa brace sit lower than nigels ?

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #669554 27/08/2008 17:40 27/08/2008 17:40
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,034 Sweden Per I need some sleep
Per I need some sleep Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,034 Sweden	I'm going to "adjust" mine to an absolute maximum ground clearence. Cut'n'weld... Re-Bangled

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Per] #669556 27/08/2008 17:46 27/08/2008 17:46
M MattW Unregistered
MattW Unregistered M	I'm using one of Nigels lower braces, on 35mm lowered springs, with an extra washer each side to make sure it clears my downpipe, and I've never scraped anything. It even goes over the square speed bumps without hitting.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #669653 27/08/2008 20:41 27/08/2008 20:41
Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 260 Scotland F F927UBS OP Making a profit
F927UBS OP Making a profit F Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 260 Scotland	Ground Clearance seems to be good, will post a photo sometime soon... I'm new to this site?... Just couldn't think of a good user name, so I put the registration number of my Integrale down.. Sad I know.... Back in the game

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: F927UBS] #669682 27/08/2008 21:15 27/08/2008 21:15
S sprintsteve Unregistered
sprintsteve Unregistered S	a pic would be good tim,might have to get one of these alfa braces

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #669719 27/08/2008 22:22 27/08/2008 22:22
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	the problem will happen soon after you eventually ground the brace - the Alfa brace is mild steel, and as soon as the plastic coating is breached, the brace will rust (I know, my prototype lower brace was mild steel too, and it looked extremely secondhand after two winters and a few arguments with speed humps and kerbs rusty and dented and not very straight OK - my original design has worse ground clearance than the Alfa brace, but not by much, and only in the centre - as you can see from the piccies, an awful lot of the damage was at the ends I'm not saying that you shouldn't bother with the Alfa brace (in fact unless someone "persuades" me to do some more stainless ones, its your only option), but I'm just saying that they won't be as robust as the admittedly more expensive adjustable stainless type.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #670036 28/08/2008 15:15 28/08/2008 15:15
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,034 Sweden Per I need some sleep
Per I need some sleep Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,034 Sweden	Then again, if you hit a rock with 1.4tons it would'nt matter much, it'll bend/break anyway right? BTW for me the clearence is crucial. Only 2 weeks ago I scraped a rock exactly where the brace will sit.. Re-Bangled

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Per] #670096 28/08/2008 17:09 28/08/2008 17:09
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	Originally Posted By: Per Then again, if you hit a rock with 1.4tons it would'nt matter much, it'll bend/break anyway right? Nope - my brace design was given the ultimate test recently when a wheel fell off and the car landed on the lower brace. The force sheared the bolt, but the brace was perfectly re-usable after the adjuster was straightened out a bit

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #670098 28/08/2008 17:12 28/08/2008 17:12
Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 5,390 Essex Trappy Forum is my life
Trappy Forum is my life Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 5,390 Essex	Originally Posted By: Nigel Nope - my brace design was given the ultimate test recently when a wheel fell off and the car landed on the lower brace. As they do... How did that happen? Sounds mighty tough though $\:\)$ F**** b**** thing...

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #670161 28/08/2008 18:51 28/08/2008 18:51
A ActionHank Unregistered
ActionHank Unregistered A	Originally Posted By: Nigel the problem will happen soon after you eventually ground the brace - the Alfa brace is mild steel, and as soon as the plastic coating is breached, the brace will rust (I know, my prototype lower brace was mild steel too, and it looked extremely secondhand after two winters and a few arguments with speed humps and kerbs rusty and dented and not very straight OK - my original design has worse ground clearance than the Alfa brace, but not by much, and only in the centre - as you can see from the piccies, an awful lot of the damage was at the ends I'm not saying that you shouldn't bother with the Alfa brace (in fact unless someone "persuades" me to do some more stainless ones, its your only option), but I'm just saying that they won't be as robust as the admittedly more expensive adjustable stainless type. If you could be persuaded into producing some more, how much green would we be looking at?? Tom

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #670170 28/08/2008 19:12 28/08/2008 19:12
S sprintsteve Unregistered
sprintsteve Unregistered S	i would be interested in one too wink wink .... $\:D$

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #670183 28/08/2008 19:37 28/08/2008 19:37
J jbomb Unregistered
jbomb Unregistered J	and me $\:\)$

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #670212 28/08/2008 20:23 28/08/2008 20:23
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,252 Windsor/ Reading knight7660 Competition Level
knight7660 Competition Level Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,252 Windsor/ Reading	put a price up, i think people are interested but not saying, id like one LE53 (452BHp & 389ftlb's with Quaife) Wine red VIS FOOFY Audi RS4 B7

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #670216 28/08/2008 20:29 28/08/2008 20:29
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 12,294 Sandhurst Begbie Ex El Presidente
Begbie Ex El Presidente I AM a Coop Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 12,294 Sandhurst	Originally Posted By: ActionHank Originally Posted By: Nigel the problem will happen soon after you eventually ground the brace - the Alfa brace is mild steel, and as soon as the plastic coating is breached, the brace will rust (I know, my prototype lower brace was mild steel too, and it looked extremely secondhand after two winters and a few arguments with speed humps and kerbs rusty and dented and not very straight OK - my original design has worse ground clearance than the Alfa brace, but not by much, and only in the centre - as you can see from the piccies, an awful lot of the damage was at the ends I'm not saying that you shouldn't bother with the Alfa brace (in fact unless someone "persuades" me to do some more stainless ones, its your only option), but I'm just saying that they won't be as robust as the admittedly more expensive adjustable stainless type. If you could be persuaded into producing some more, how much green would we be looking at?? Tom About an ounce or 28g $;\)$ But if your talking money, would be around the £120 +/- £10 Originally Posted by Jonny - After being taken out at Spa Your car is Usain Bolt with wellies

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Begbie] #670226 28/08/2008 20:42 28/08/2008 20:42
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,252 Windsor/ Reading knight7660 Competition Level
knight7660 Competition Level Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,252 Windsor/ Reading	around 120 on a group buy thats not bad but how many to get it started LE53 (452BHp & 389ftlb's with Quaife) Wine red VIS FOOFY Audi RS4 B7

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: knight7660] #670262 28/08/2008 21:47 28/08/2008 21:47
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	Begbie is pretty close - will be about £125, plus a tenner P&P Would need around ten to make it worthwhile

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #670284 28/08/2008 22:14 28/08/2008 22:14
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,252 Windsor/ Reading knight7660 Competition Level
knight7660 Competition Level Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,252 Windsor/ Reading	i think someone should do a poll for a group buy, i would but i dont get on the net that much LE53 (452BHp & 389ftlb's with Quaife) Wine red VIS FOOFY Audi RS4 B7

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: knight7660] #670303 28/08/2008 23:12 28/08/2008 23:12
Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,004 Leeds M MattM I need some sleep
MattM I need some sleep M Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,004 Leeds	Can someone just confirm that the following will fit a 20vt; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OMP-Lower-Strut-Br...id=p3286.c0.m14 Cheers, Matt www.thephoenixworks.com

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: MattM] #670305 28/08/2008 23:17 28/08/2008 23:17
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 17,206 FCSS 01684 593187 Countrycruising Club Rep Europe, member 914
Countrycruising Club Rep Europe, member 914 Forum veteran Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 17,206 FCSS 01684 593187	Scrap that! Me that is $\:D$ Last edited by Countrycruising; 28/08/2008 23:18. Reason: I'm the Muppet! www.facebook.com/fiatcoupes

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Countrycruising] #670307 28/08/2008 23:19 28/08/2008 23:19
Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,004 Leeds M MattM I need some sleep
MattM I need some sleep M Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,004 Leeds	It wont fit? or is it crap? www.thephoenixworks.com

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: MattM] #670310 28/08/2008 23:22 28/08/2008 23:22
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 17,206 FCSS 01684 593187 Countrycruising Club Rep Europe, member 914
Countrycruising Club Rep Europe, member 914 Forum veteran Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 17,206 FCSS 01684 593187	No it was me not reading the thread properly, my tired brain read it as an upper brace for some reason (hand slapping forehead smiley) $\:D$ www.facebook.com/fiatcoupes

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Countrycruising] #670313 28/08/2008 23:27 28/08/2008 23:27
Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,004 Leeds M MattM I need some sleep
MattM I need some sleep M Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,004 Leeds	Ha ha no worries joe www.thephoenixworks.com

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: MattM] #670315 28/08/2008 23:30 28/08/2008 23:30
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 17,206 FCSS 01684 593187 Countrycruising Club Rep Europe, member 914
Countrycruising Club Rep Europe, member 914 Forum veteran Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 17,206 FCSS 01684 593187	It's a shame that the write up doesn't include some dimensions, I could measure a sub frame up tomorrow and let you know. www.facebook.com/fiatcoupes

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Countrycruising] #670316 28/08/2008 23:36 28/08/2008 23:36
Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,004 Leeds M MattM I need some sleep
MattM I need some sleep M Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,004 Leeds	Yeah there is no adjustment or anything on that one from ebay. only saw it as someone mentioned a 156 brace would fit. Interesting to know if it does. Cheap mod! www.thephoenixworks.com

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: MattM] #670323 28/08/2008 23:50 28/08/2008 23:50
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 17,206 FCSS 01684 593187 Countrycruising Club Rep Europe, member 914
Countrycruising Club Rep Europe, member 914 Forum veteran Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 17,206 FCSS 01684 593187	For the money yes a very cheap mod, gets my vote for value for money I prefer it without the adjuster, something less to worry about catching underneath, simple design. www.facebook.com/fiatcoupes

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: MattM] #670420 29/08/2008 10:10 29/08/2008 10:10
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 12,294 Sandhurst Begbie Ex El Presidente
Begbie Ex El Presidente I AM a Coop Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 12,294 Sandhurst	Originally Posted By: MattM Can someone just confirm that the following will fit a 20vt; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OMP-Lower-Strut-Br...id=p3286.c0.m14 Cheers, Matt Yes it will fit Originally Posted by Jonny - After being taken out at Spa Your car is Usain Bolt with wellies

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Begbie] #670494 29/08/2008 11:50 29/08/2008 11:50
Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 179 South East London B ben20vt On a journey
ben20vt On a journey B Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 179 South East London	I have ordered one of the 156 braces from rallydesign.co.uk as Having read about and experienced Strutbracer's customer support first hand, I'm not keen to repeat that.... Anyway, he has none in stock, and OMP have just come back off their annual shutdown...If anyone else wants one, the order will be going in early next week, and will not be repeated until next month.... 313bhp...GT28R, Pro-Alloy FMIC & SIP, Perfect touch Live Map, Powerfiat Exhaust, Eibach springs.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #670574 29/08/2008 13:51 29/08/2008 13:51
P paul20vturbo Unregistered
paul20vturbo Unregistered P	I also would be intrested in one to

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Begbie] #670783 29/08/2008 21:12 29/08/2008 21:12
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 9,706 Gone J Jimbo Je suis un Coupé
Jimbo Je suis un Coupé J Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 9,706 Gone	Yes it will http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y5/James_Hardwick/picture3.jpg And there it is fitted to a 20vt $\:D$

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Jimbo] #670785 29/08/2008 21:21 29/08/2008 21:21
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,194 Göteborg, Sweden Freddan72 Competition Level
Freddan72 Competition Level Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,194 Göteborg, Sweden	How much clearance do you have with that brace Jimbo? Coupé Fiat 20V Turbo Plus 1999, T19 Mitsubishi turbo https://youtu.be/O9qrLj3Ap00 Now FCP Stage3!

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Freddan72] #670788 29/08/2008 21:29 29/08/2008 21:29
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 9,706 Gone J Jimbo Je suis un Coupé
Jimbo Je suis un Coupé J Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 9,706 Gone	From the ground or the exhaust ? I had to put a washer between the chassis and brace to stop it touching the exhaust. Ground clearance will depend on how low your car is I guess. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y5/James_Hardwick/picture2.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y5/James_Hardwick/picture4.jpg Both taken from the front so you can see how far it sit below the undertray.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Jimbo] #670796 29/08/2008 21:49 29/08/2008 21:49
S sparkyman Unregistered
sparkyman Unregistered S	Tight, very tight Jimbo. Only 50 quid..mmmm

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #670802 29/08/2008 22:19 29/08/2008 22:19
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,560 Oxfordshire Gaz My life on the forum
Gaz My life on the forum Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,560 Oxfordshire	I also have the OMP 156 lower strut brace. Have only hit the floor a couple of times but not that hard and is still in one piece.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #670803 29/08/2008 22:19 29/08/2008 22:19
S sprintsteve Unregistered
sprintsteve Unregistered S	whats the ground clearance like jimbo,you hit it on anything yet? tempted at 50 quid

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #670822 29/08/2008 23:20 29/08/2008 23:20
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 9,706 Gone J Jimbo Je suis un Coupé
Jimbo Je suis un Coupé J Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 9,706 Gone	Not hit anything on normal roads but went to visit the girlfriends parents who live in the middle of nowhere, I'm not talking B roads here, these are G roads ! There is a huge camber off both sides of the single track lane so the centre was raised about 10" from the edges. The brace caught on it and managed to pull the wishbone bolt that the brace mounts to right out of the mountings ! If you live on a farm I would think again but for normal use its perfectly ok.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Jimbo] #670915 30/08/2008 08:54 30/08/2008 08:54
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,560 Oxfordshire Gaz My life on the forum
Gaz My life on the forum Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,560 Oxfordshire	Agree with jimbo ok normaly roads but not a good idea on "G roads"

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Gaz] #674172 04/09/2008 20:17 04/09/2008 20:17
S symonh2000 Unregistered
symonh2000 Unregistered S	I have been thinking about this, and I reckon it would be possible to use a piece of Flat steel bar bolted between the front wishbone mountings. As it is flat it souldn't affect ground clearance much. It would also be cheap, probably less that £15 even if it was powder coated. What do you all reckon? I have access to some free 50x8mm flat bar at work, as well as some longer bolts for the wishbones. What do you guys think?

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #674191 04/09/2008 21:05 04/09/2008 21:05
N Nobby Unregistered
Nobby Unregistered N	Clearance to the downpipe is an issue with the lower support braces. I'm sure someone will be along with a technical metalurgist type assessment of tube/solid vs flat bar. Chris

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #674215 04/09/2008 21:53 04/09/2008 21:53
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	flat bar (especially only 8mm) would flex under compression Tube is just as strong as solid bar under compression and tension, and is possibly even stronger in flex. However, my experience of tube is that it is much less resistant to large rocks and bricks, and will end up being bashed flat at some point in its life (especially if you're already lowered) I spent a LONG time designing my lower brace and came up with solid 20mm stainless bar - not exactly the lightest solution, but highly resistant to everything that's hit it so far. Now polling to see if there's enough interest in a new batch new subframe brace GB thread

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #674227 04/09/2008 22:10 04/09/2008 22:10
S symonh2000 Unregistered
symonh2000 Unregistered S	Thanks for that Nigel.. I did think that it may flex, but I thought I may as well ask as I have it freely availably. Do you think 25x25 3mm wall box section with mounting tabs welded at the ends would work? As I have access to that as well as a welder.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #674239 04/09/2008 22:27 04/09/2008 22:27
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	it would work better than flat plate, but it will still flex more than tube or circular bar

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #674253 04/09/2008 22:58 04/09/2008 22:58
S symonh2000 Unregistered
symonh2000 Unregistered S	Ok then, thanks Nigel.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #674371 05/09/2008 09:23 05/09/2008 09:23
K k9huff Unregistered
k9huff Unregistered K	Originally Posted By: Nigel it would work better than flat plate, but it will still flex more than tube or circular bar A bit of a generalisation! It would flex less then a 25mm diameter round tube of 3mm steel.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #674383 05/09/2008 09:43 05/09/2008 09:43
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 9,706 Gone J Jimbo Je suis un Coupé
Jimbo Je suis un Coupé J Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 9,706 Gone	Oh no it wont !

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Jimbo] #674395 05/09/2008 09:58 05/09/2008 09:58
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	square section isn't particularly resistant to bending - its OK in tension and it would be fine if it was triangulated. Nope - round is best You have to ask yourself whay all space framed cars (and all roll cages) are made from circular section

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #674416 05/09/2008 10:25 05/09/2008 10:25
K k9huff Unregistered
k9huff Unregistered K	That is a common misconception. Bending resistance is governed by the second moment of area, and a square section wins over a round one given equal sizes i.e. diameter of round section is same as the egde of the square section and same wall thickness. The reason that round tubes are used for some space framed cars (many use square) is that for a given resistance to bending, round tube is lighter, i.e. it's a more efficient use of material.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #674440 05/09/2008 10:50 05/09/2008 10:50
V Vas Unregistered
Vas Unregistered V	Hands up all the engineers of the forum! From my knowledge, I'd go with K9huff. Nigel and Jimbo, round tube has a uniform behaviour and that's one of the reasons it's used in many things, but in our case square of the right dimensions and thickness will be fine. V.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #674469 05/09/2008 11:29 05/09/2008 11:29
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	Now I think about it, I concede the point about square section on space frame cars I have a brief engineering background, and Jimbo's is rather more up to date than mine. However, I have no answer to your point about moments of area, so I will happily bow to your knowledge. My brace is still going to be round though $\:P$

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #674479 05/09/2008 11:38 05/09/2008 11:38
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 4,596 Malaysia..Glasgow at heart Kelv27 Forum is my job
Kelv27 Forum is my job Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 4,596 Malaysia..Glasgow at heart	Nigel, Whats you opinion on this ?

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Kelv27] #674507 05/09/2008 12:05 05/09/2008 12:05
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	Originally Posted By: Kelv27 Nigel, Whats you opinion on this ? pointless.... There's simply no point in bracing the subframe between its own mounting points to the chassis, so three sides of that frame are a waste of mild steel

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #674531 05/09/2008 12:29 05/09/2008 12:29
V Vas Unregistered
Vas Unregistered V	true... makes a more impressive kit though and I guess they can charge more $;\)$ V.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #674546 05/09/2008 12:39 05/09/2008 12:39
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 4,596 Malaysia..Glasgow at heart Kelv27 Forum is my job
Kelv27 Forum is my job Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 4,596 Malaysia..Glasgow at heart	Hmm true. They quoted USD85..pretty cheap. Just wondering if clearance would be a bigger issue with all that extra mounting points.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #674607 05/09/2008 13:46 05/09/2008 13:46
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 9,706 Gone J Jimbo Je suis un Coupé
Jimbo Je suis un Coupé J Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 9,706 Gone	Originally Posted By: Vas Hands up all the engineers of the forum! V.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Kelv27] #674631 05/09/2008 14:08 05/09/2008 14:08
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,194 Göteborg, Sweden Freddan72 Competition Level
Freddan72 Competition Level Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,194 Göteborg, Sweden	Originally Posted By: Kelv27 Hmm true. They quoted USD85..pretty cheap. Just wondering if clearance would be a bigger issue with all that extra mounting points. I have tested it. My car is lowered with Eibach springs. I think the clearance to the ground was three fingers, ca 60 mm. Coupé Fiat 20V Turbo Plus 1999, T19 Mitsubishi turbo https://youtu.be/O9qrLj3Ap00 Now FCP Stage3!

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Freddan72] #674636 05/09/2008 14:12 05/09/2008 14:12
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 4,596 Malaysia..Glasgow at heart Kelv27 Forum is my job
Kelv27 Forum is my job Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 4,596 Malaysia..Glasgow at heart	You tried the exact same one freddan? 3 Fingers?!? Are there no road humps in Sweden? $\:D$

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Kelv27] #674639 05/09/2008 14:16 05/09/2008 14:16
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,194 Göteborg, Sweden Freddan72 Competition Level
Freddan72 Competition Level Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,194 Göteborg, Sweden	I never fitted it, just tested it in the garage $;\)$ I think you should only use it on a car that is not lowered. The roads in Sweden are not the best. Holes & humps, we got it all $\:D$ Coupé Fiat 20V Turbo Plus 1999, T19 Mitsubishi turbo https://youtu.be/O9qrLj3Ap00 Now FCP Stage3!

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #674661 05/09/2008 14:37 05/09/2008 14:37
K k9huff Unregistered
k9huff Unregistered K	Originally Posted By: Nigel pointless.... There's simply no point in bracing the subframe between its own mounting points to the chassis, so three sides of that frame are a waste of mild steel Totally agree, that's a complete waste of steel, the side and rear parts of the brace are doing nothing whatsoever. If they wanted to (possibly) improve on a standard brace then that extra steel would be better used as a diagonal member, triangulating the brace. Originally Posted By: Vas Hands up all the engineers of the forum! Not a mechanical/structural engineer though, but it is a bit of a hobby.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #674712 05/09/2008 15:28 05/09/2008 15:28
N Nobby Unregistered
Nobby Unregistered N	Originally Posted By: k9huff If they wanted to (possibly) improve on a standard brace then that extra steel would be better used as a diagonal member, triangulating the brace. Thats what I was thinking.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #712640 22/11/2008 21:12 22/11/2008 21:12
E E500_TAT Unregistered
E500_TAT Unregistered E	What about fitting one of the OMP brace's anf then bracing that to the mounts that hold the radiator bracket?

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #712720 22/11/2008 23:06 22/11/2008 23:06
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	just so you all know, the subframe brace Group Buy is back on again $\:D$

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: Nigel] #712842 23/11/2008 12:38 23/11/2008 12:38
Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,289 spain crgracing My job on the forum
crgracing My job on the forum Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,289 spain	is it a direct fit for the 16vT or only for the 20vT ? Last edited by crgracing; 23/11/2008 12:39.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: crgracing] #712851 23/11/2008 13:08 23/11/2008 13:08
T Truffle Unregistered
Truffle Unregistered T	I have one of nigels lower braces on my 16vt. I didnt fit it myself (Motormech did) but AFAIK it's a direct fit.

Re: Front Lower Brace [Re: ] #712917 23/11/2008 14:59 23/11/2008 14:59
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire Nigel Forum veteran
Nigel Forum veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 17,367 Staffordshire	yes - fits 16v / 16VT as well as 20v variants

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