Shock Tower Brace Question

Miata Parts, Intakes, Superchargers, Headers, Exhausts, Shocks, Springs, Sway Bars, Brake Kits, Autocross and track mods.
avera01
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2011 2:20 pm

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Post by avera01 »

KurtH460 wrote: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
You are absolutely right about tire pressure, just going from 28 to 29 the car ride is firmer and road variations more noticeable.

My RoadsterSport SB are not as strong as the Progressive brand from GWR and set to the middle hole F/B gives a nice flatter ride but with some body roll; not like the huge dips before.

I also have a performance alignment which made a huge difference in handling even with stock tires/shocks/springs. Tire to be replaced when worn to the 215 size as I likely will be keeping the stock rims.

Note my car is an auto trans GT so the GWR under body braces are currently not available.

So, from the responses so far, its worth for added handling improvement to get a STB installed and that a RS STB will provide similar results, perhaps not to the same extent, as the more robust Cobalt STB.

Now wondering if changing to Bilstein shocks with stock springs worth the expense and trouble in order to keep stock height. My ride is fairly comfortable and stable and has to be wife approved......
KurtH460
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2018 2:58 pm

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Post by KurtH460 »

Like I said before, I wouldn't argue against a STB WITH the straight cross brace, but the RS brace is super rigid because of the honeycomb aluminum tubing..I can't imagine there would be any noticable difference between the RS and the Cobalt w/ cross brace. Plus, the RS is one-piece, so no worries about joints loosening up and negating the braces benefits.

I'm going to try to keep the Bilsteins/stock springs this year..it's my wife's toy..and any decrease in comfort/joy WILL come back to me!! I do think I'll have to make some strut/spring change when the new wheels/tires go on though...wider tires aren't gonna look right with that ~2.75" tire/fender gap!!

My wife doesn't want her car lowered, but I'm gonna probably have to do a 1" drop to have the right look/stance. So, will probably switch to Konis (so I can adjust/tune them for best sport/comfort compromise) and then RS or PG springs...on the sly, and claim ignorance (or beg for forgiveness!!) :)))
Kurt
avera01
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2011 2:20 pm

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Post by avera01 »

Thanks to all for your time and responses.
KurtH460
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2018 2:58 pm

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Post by KurtH460 »

No problem at all..that's what we're on this forum for..to help other enthusiasts:))
***side note, just got notification from GWR that the Underbody Brace kit will be to me next Weds!! Yeah!!***
KurtH460
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2018 2:58 pm

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Post by KurtH460 »

The RS Underbody 4-piece brace kit showed up yesterday. I got them installed this morning (very simple, easy install..even the welded nut rods into the frame).

REALLY AMAZING tightness to the body now!!! You woyld never guess you're riding in a convertible now..feels even more like a full frame car!!

I also noticed that the steering is more precise, tighter, and more accurate now..ABSOLUTELY satisfied with how all the RS braces have transformed this MX-5 CLUB!!
KURT
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KurtH460
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2018 2:58 pm

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Post by KurtH460 »

A little peak at the PG rear sway bar in pic.
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KurtH460
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2018 2:58 pm

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Post by KurtH460 »

Added note***

Ground clearance from lowest point of RS UB braces to ground is 5.25" on a stock height 2017 MX-5 CLUB.
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avera01
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2011 2:20 pm

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Post by avera01 »

Looks great!!! Hopefully I can exploit some of those benefits with an auto GT in the near future.

One question, I know you mentioned the new ground clearance, but what was it before or better yet, how much distance did you loose?
KurtH460
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2018 2:58 pm

Re: Shock Tower Brace Question

Post by KurtH460 »

The lowest point is at the front K-member, which is where I measured the 5.25" ground clearance. The straight portion of the K-member is 1.5" lower than the frame there. (the factory K-"plate" was about 0.25", so it's 1.25" lower now)
Kurt
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