And they need that triangulation to give it the rigidity needed! JIM
POLL Does Strut brace improve handling?
- Thread starter AllyZ32.8i
- Start date
Z
zedonist
Guest
Perhaps 14 are mis informed?
I've seen strut braces on M3 factory fitted. It must do something other than increasing the weight of the car.
Last edited:
I would think that those brace will only resist the turret tops leaning back under acceleration, caused by chassis flex between the front axle and the bulk head certainly they can't stop the turrets leaning in or out.Tony I agreebut still a brace for some reason
I wonder why
could it be to reduce flexing of the suspension because the engine is mounted way below the top suspension mounts?
Tony.
Might have more to do with preventing Scuttle Shake than anything to do with the front suspension towers.
Mike
Mike
That's the same thing under a different name Mike.
Tony.
Tony.
Definitely @EnthuZiaZT and that's why I believe there should be a triangulated system fitted no matter what the driving style of the driver is. I need one in my 66 mustang with the 289/271 hp combo as I know when doing slalom type things the turrets are moving constantly! Just the style of the front suspension. JIM
Guys I would agree with you all but then we would all be wrong
Not Really Tony, Scuttle shake is, as the name implies, the bit where the Scuttle moves. The triangulation between the Centre of the Scuttle and the turrets stop that by bracing the centre of the Scuttle which tends to flex in on modern cars. A strut brace stops the turrets flexing inwards towards themselves as load is put on the suspension. Because of modern designs and materials these two actions are largely nonexistent in modern soft top cars but can happen when the cars a traveling at extreme speed. At extreme speed the forces on these points are increased and that is where these braces become useful.
Mike
Mike
I think that's what I said Mike, it won't stop the turrets leaning but will stop them flexing backwards towards the bulkhead/scuttle.
Tony.
Tony.
From Wikpedia Tony
Scuttle shake (sometimes called cowl shake in the US) is the term used for the phenomenon experienced in many convertible or open top automobiles where, due to lower structural rigidity caused by the lack of a roof, the middle section of the chassis flexes, causing thebulkhead in front of the passenger compartment to move and vibrate when the vehicle is subject to uneven road surfaces.[1][2]Passengers feel it as a noticeable vibration and shudder.
Mike
Scuttle shake (sometimes called cowl shake in the US) is the term used for the phenomenon experienced in many convertible or open top automobiles where, due to lower structural rigidity caused by the lack of a roof, the middle section of the chassis flexes, causing thebulkhead in front of the passenger compartment to move and vibrate when the vehicle is subject to uneven road surfaces.[1][2]Passengers feel it as a noticeable vibration and shudder.
Mike
I learn something new every day here! JIM
So surely the diagonal brace bars help to reduce the bulkhead shake? The central section of the chassis must include from the front axle backwards?
Tony.
Tony.
Well in the Case of the Zed 4 I think its a bit of both, Tony. The braces stiffen up the entire front end and is designed to stop some scuttle shake and also brace up the front Turrets. You have to remember that especially with the larger engined cars there is also a lot of force exerted by the Torque of the engine especially if you decide to put your foot down and accelerate really hard. I believe the Z4 body shell is not quite as rigid as the Z3 body shell. There is also a similar triangular brace underneath the rear of the Z4 attached to the rear suspension.I might be corrected on that of course as its just my personal opinion.
Mike
Mike
No Mike you're correct. I saw the 3 point brace on Mac Romans car which sort of set me off thinking I would have one. But when I searched there is a company in Malaysia who manufacture brace bars for all sorts of cars and they make front and rear upper and lower ones for the Z4 but strangely on for the 2.5 not the 3.0. More research required I think. Boys and their toys eh?
Tony.
ps. Hope you all have a great time on Friday.
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2014
- Points
- 181
- Model of Z
- Z4 coupe sport.
Hi guys, this pic of my brace may answer your questions, looking at the angle the brace takes going rearward towards the scuttle tells me that the Z 4 so called brace is doing just a bit more than bracing just the scuttle. If I owned a Z4 I would be bracing it across between the two at about the same distance from the scuttle as mine giving it a bit more work bracing the struts. Best of both worlds. "No"? Insurance comps don't like the braces going straight across cos they reackon they cause more damage in a shunt, but then again they would wouldn't they cos that's the nature of their business. So if you have a after market brace and get a shunt anywhere past the door line on the front get your spanners out befor the assessor gets a look.
Maybe I should take my own advice and extend mine to the scuttle, now there's an idea. Rha.
Maybe I should take my own advice and extend mine to the scuttle, now there's an idea. Rha.
I don't think there's any need Roy, as Mike points out the Z3 is known to have a slightly stiffer chassis than the Z4. As for the insurers crafty hike it's most likely a con!
Tony.
Tony.
Appreciate that Paul, but they're not a real insurer, they simply sell insurance and there is a difference. I will contact Stacey next year when mine is due and see what the company she works for can offer.
Tony.