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Shock Tower Brace Question

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 1:50 pm
by avera01
I have a 2016 and had wished at time of purchase I could have gotten the Club spec with the GT, like you can now do with the 2019 ND.

So slowly I am adding modification as I see the need and receive an obvious benefit (brakes and sways). So the question is:

Does adding a shock tower brace provide any tangible and felt benefit to a daily driver GT (very low mileage) where its used occasionally for mountain driving?

I don't race or track the car, its 95% street driving in flat, straight Florida. I love tinkering with the car, but would rather spend the money elsewhere than in a new cowl brace and bar if there is no tangible benefit in doing so. Also, I like to keep my option for a future SC and not sure it the bar would interfere.

Already did the door bushing and don't really notice much rattling or "cowl shake" (if I understand that term correctly - its bit vague).

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Andrew

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 5:31 pm
by BillK336
The Cobalt one I picked up used definitely improves steering response, compared to the standard oem in my Club.
So, sorry, the answer is yes.
Only downside is if you need to remove it for any reason, repositioning the electronics is a bit finicky.

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 4:12 am
by avera01
BillK336 wrote:The Cobalt one I picked up used definitely improves steering response, compared to the standard oem in my Club.
So, sorry, the answer is yes.
Only downside is if you need to remove it for any reason, repositioning the electronics is a bit finicky.

Can you elaborate more on what you mean by "improve steering response" as well as what electronics need to be re-positioned (assuming that is needed because of the cross member)?

Do you think you would get the same steering response using a bar without the additional cross member such as GWR RoadsterSport model or the material used (aluminum vs SS)?

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 5:02 am
by KurtH460
Pics of STB with electronics attached (attach before bolting down).
I'm doing complete RS brace kits install!!
You will be 100% satisfied if you add STBs & bracing to you car!!
With the PG 28.5mm/16mm sway bars set to full tight/tight, it's like a "slot car on rails"
Kurt

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 5:22 am
by KurtH460
Additional pics of RS braces.
Kurt
(sorry, file is too big for pic of finish panel reinstalled over rear brace, can't load to site)

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 9:07 am
by BillK336
Improvement in turn-in, initial entry into a corner.

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 9:26 am
by KurtH460
Absolutely!!
But, I do have the PG sway bars (set full tight) which also makes a HUGE difference!!
Right now, even better turn-in is limited by the "skinny" stock tires, AND by current alignment specs (had to realign after pulling the steering rack for the sway bar install..the two bolts that hold the rack are not zero spec fitments, so rack will be off alignment no matter what).
Current "stock" alignment is Front: -0.2° chamber, 7.5° caster, 1/32 toe in. Rear: -1.0° chamber, 1/32" toe in.
Alignment shop said they'll realign when I get the 6UL/tires soon, as the alignment will be slightly different then. Will go to about -1.0 to -1.2° chamber F&R then.
Kurt

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 10:00 am
by avera01
So is steering turn noticeable in normal street usage or only with aggressive driving?

Will I get the same steering improvement result with the RoadsterSport bar or do I need the 3 point Cobalt bar with the added cross member and SS construction?

Not sure if I prefer a "go-kart" flat on the rails handling, but reduced body roll is welcomed which is why I added the RoadsterSport SB set to medium. Stock springs and shock seems to work fine with the upgraded SB as I did not want to lower the car and was not looking (or have the need) to do coilovers at this time. Mountain driving is a 800 mile trip in each direction from south Florida so comfort is very important.

For my needs, any improvement in handling and reduce body rattle/shake is desired except as noted above with the springs/shocks.

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 10:09 am
by KurtH460
I should mention, Mazda calls for stock tire pressure of 29psi, but I usually set at 30-32psi..currently 31psi. Tire psi does make a difference in handling/turn-in, etc also.

With the stock tires, low front camber, and sway bars set full tight, the car is "rolling" on the sidewall..and right at the point of pushing in the 90° sweepers that we have on some of the country roads near me!! I always set my cars on the edge of pushing, it's my preferred way of handling..I just feel a car that gets "tail loose" will spin you out faster than controlling a pushing car that you can feel getting there through the steering wheel! (but that's just me). The new wheels/tires/added camber/tire psi will correct the sidewall roll, and the "edge of push" when all dialed in.

Here's what is IMMEDIATELY noticable with all the braces and door bushings..so far...the Club rides "like a dream" compared to stock (those Bilsteins are great for cornering, but are way over-valved for comfort on such a small, light car!! The braces completely changed that!)

I hope to have the RS K/X/Y braces on in next two weeks..depending on wait/delivery time. Can post how that changes handling, etc then.
Kurt

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 10:20 am
by KurtH460
Normal street driving is...still normal. Not much change noticed unless getting into corners..and the more speed, the more the noticed improvement!

It's hard to argue against the added cross-support bar on some STBs! I just like stuff that matches (ALL RS in my case). And, I want the Edelbrock S/C as last mod...and GWR shows that it'll fit with their RS STB..so easy choice for me.

As to "riding on rails", to me that's the point of adding stiffer sway bars...hence, my always "full tight" mentally :))

This Club could now be reasonably, comfortably driven long miles now...and I wouldn't have said that before the mods :))
Kurt