POLL Does Strut brace improve handling?

[AllyZ32.8i]

 

[AllyZ32.8i]

I've just got one

 

[GazHyde]

I voted yes, but with the caveat that it does assuming it's fitted on to suspension that is in good condition.

I have one my current wish list....

 

[pgunter]

I have one that will be fitted next year.. after all my suspension has been refurbished..

 

[Stormy_be]

it can cover up for bad suspension.
But with good suspension, and ONLY when you drive your car like it should be, then it will make a difference.
If you only drive it like a granny, you don't need it at all.

 

[AllyZ32.8i]

I've sensed the difference

 

[AllyZ32.8i]

it can cover up for bad suspension.
But with good suspension, and ONLY when you drive your car like it should be, then it will make a difference.
If you only drive it like a granny, you don't need it at all.

Totally agree.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Going to change my name to Granny Ratt

I've got one but haven't fitted it yet so I can't really comment other than to ask

"Do we really have to drive as if we're on a rally because we have a roadster?"

I know it's good fun to race around, but I'm sure our cars in standard form are more than adequate for 99% of us on here.

My brace came with my car when I bought it, still wrapped as the day the previous owner bought it.

 

[Stormy_be]

Going to change my name to Granny Ratt

I've got one but haven't fitted it yet so I can't really comment other than to ask

"Do we really have to drive as if we're on a rally because we have a roadster?"

I know it's good fun to race around, but I'm sure our cars in standard form are more than adequate for 99% of us on here.

My brace came with my car when I bought it, still wrapped as the day the previous owner bought it.

That's exactly why I mentioned it.
For 95% of people the car works very well in standard form....if all the components are in a state they should be: 15 year old suspension components or bushes are not like new for example.
People should better invest in that then on fancy stuff...but it just looks nice doesn't it

......I have it all, new rubbers, new shocks and braces all round.

 

[Grumps]

I have one fitted and I drive like a granny! On the very odd occasion ones foot does slip then yes it is noticeable. I am however needing new suspension as mine doesn't do a bloody thing at present. Driving over a bit of grit is like driving of a cliff! Slowly of course!

 

[Antm72]

I found fitting mine to make it feel more together and flatter through corners at speed before it an corner at speed always felt a big vague and not massive confidance.
Far happier with it fitted feels more planted into a corner.

 

[5harp3y]

I'm sure they do, slightly.

But you need to have top notch suspension first otherwise its a waste.

Saying that i still want one! haha

 

[5harp3y]

Going to change my name to Granny Ratt

I've got one but haven't fitted it yet so I can't really comment other than to ask

"Do we really have to drive as if we're on a rally because we have a roadster?"

I know it's good fun to race around, but I'm sure our cars in standard form are more than adequate for 99% of us on here.

My brace came with my car when I bought it, still wrapped as the day the previous owner bought it.

if you are looking to sell i might be interested

 

[Jack Ratt]

I haven't thought about selling it and I haven't really thought about fitting it either. I'll mull it over

 

[Bazza]

I have one that will be fitted next year.. after all my suspension has been refurbished..

Lets hope they knew what they were doing it must have been by the dynamic duo oh by the way mine stopped the tramming on motorways

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

I think the Z3 handles very well in standard form, unless you you take the cars to the limit, you will not really see any benefit by fitting a strut brace. If you do drive a car nearer the limit, you will already have upgraded your suspension to something a little lower and firmer. If you have done this already then a strut brace will definitely improve the handling as it stops the front suspension towers flexing when cornering hard and fast and altering the front suspension geometry.

Mike

 

[oldcarman]

Don't have one and never drove a car with one but I like the look and if it improves the cornering that's just a bonus to me! Still don't know why 1.9 braces are so expensive compared to those for six cyl cars. JIM

 

[Bazza]

Jim over here the motorways have track marks from all the lorries using the inside or middle lanes over time a small gully appears
and our Zeds can get a bit twitchy when we hit a gully these strut braces help to eliminate this so they do help trust me as for cornering
I feel that they don't improve the handling so much

 

[oldcarman]

ThAnks @Bazza , we have the same problem here, I wish I could find a reasonably priced one for a 1.9 model. Even used they are much more than for the sixes. You can get a used support for a six for £30-40 but a 1.9 goes over £100! JIM

 

[Stormy_be]

Jim over here the motorways have track marks from all the lorries using the inside or middle lanes over time a small gully appears
and our Zeds can get a bit twitchy when we hit a gully these strut braces help to eliminate this so they do help trust me as for cornering
I feel that they don't improve the handling so much

This is one of those were Strut bars shouldn't help.
Believe me, your strut bar is covering up something else.
Better check your lower triangles, your bushes and steering rods.