MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Performance Related => Topic started by: chrismscotland on October 21, 2018, 23:24

Title: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: chrismscotland on October 21, 2018, 23:24
Folks, based on reading a lot here I realise that bracing is one of the biggest recommended upgrades.
I was keen on the Megillian Motorsport under-brace (their larger one that goes under most of the car) however their lead times are quite lengthy.
I've spotted the Ultra Racing Braces which are all in stock but wondered what folks experience of them was?
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: jvanzyl on October 22, 2018, 09:58
I have the UR front strut brace. It's excellent.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Carolyn on October 22, 2018, 10:27
Quote from: chrismscotland on October 21, 2018, 23:24
Folks, based on reading a lot here I realise that bracing is one of the biggest recommended upgrades.
I was keen on the Megillian Motorsport under-brace (their larger one that goes under most of the car) however their lead times are quite lengthy.
I've spotted the Ultra Racing Braces which are all in stock but wondered what folks experience of them was?

Even with the lead time it's still probably your best option.  I have a Mattbrace, (which is ok but no longer available) but looking at the Megillian one, I'd say it should be quite an improvement on the Matt model.

Might be worth trying to organise a group buy for, say, five units, just to make it worthwhile to produce some?
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: shnazzle on October 22, 2018, 10:48
Quote from: Carolyn on October 22, 2018, 10:27
Quote from: chrismscotland on October 21, 2018, 23:24
Folks, based on reading a lot here I realise that bracing is one of the biggest recommended upgrades.
I was keen on the Megillian Motorsport under-brace (their larger one that goes under most of the car) however their lead times are quite lengthy.
I've spotted the Ultra Racing Braces which are all in stock but wondered what folks experience of them was?

Even with the lead time it's still probably your best option.  I have a Mattbrace, (which is ok but no longer available) but looking at the Megillian one, I'd say it should be quite an improvement on the Matt model.

Might be worth trying to organise a group buy for, say, five units, just to make it worthwhile to produce some?
Might be tough going as Steve's priorities have shifted away from producing kit. Worth a try of course

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: moredun on October 23, 2018, 00:33
I got the Megillian front strut brace, what a difference it made, and last week I ordered a mid brace, can't wait to get that installed  ;D
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Carolyn on October 23, 2018, 09:47
Quote from: moredun on October 23, 2018, 00:33
I got the Megillian front strut brace, what a difference it made, and last week I ordered a mid brace, can't wait to get that installed  ;D

Hope you don't mind me asking.  How much is one of these?
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: moredun on October 23, 2018, 12:52
Quote from: Carolyn on October 23, 2018, 09:47
Quote from: moredun on October 23, 2018, 00:33
I got the Megillian front strut brace, what a difference it made, and last week I ordered a mid brace, can't wait to get that installed  ;D

Hope you don't mind me asking.  How much is one of these?

https://www.megillianmotorsport.com/shop-online/vue4hqbaude5jmitb8az3v045kusri
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Beachbum957 on October 23, 2018, 13:09
I think a lot of bracing produces a placebo effect, and often the improvement isn't that great for a single brace or change. 

Having said that, we have a 2002 with a lot of bracing, most of which isn't available anymore.  We have a Tom's front member brace, a TRD strut brace, a Corky's breastplate, a Carbing steel rear member brace, and an Autopower roll bar. The rollbar was primarily for chassis stiffness, not protection.   The bracing was added mainly because we went with stiffer springs (Tein-S) and flex was evident on rougher roads

The braces with the most noticeable differences were the breastplate and the rollbar. The others, not so much

The Toms' did stiffen the front and reduced cowl shake, while a friend has a cheap TRD front lower brace replica and claims it did nothing.  The TRD strut bar, which is probably the stiffest available, made a small change on really rough roads, but not a lot.  The Carbing rear lower brace really didn't do much if anything at all

Each brace was installed one at a time, which made the effect of each easier to evaluate.   They all work well together, but we also have a stock 2003 that only has a breastplate, which made a significant difference and seems to be enough with stock springs.  While Corky is no longer making braces, anything that replicates that would be a worthwhile addition.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: james_ly on October 23, 2018, 15:23
Quote from: Beachbum957 on October 23, 2018, 13:09
I think a lot of bracing produces a placebo effect, and often the improvement isn't that great for a single brace or change. 

we also have a stock 2003 that only has a breastplate, which made a significant difference and seems to be enough with stock springs.  While Corky is no longer making braces, anything that replicates that would be a worthwhile addition.

Interesting. For me it's quite a lot of money to commit to spending on all the braces, they pretty much add up to the cost of coilovers.... For me also as mine is mainly a track car, smooth tarmac is the main environment, so as long as it is ok on that I'm happy. Plus mine is 2003, maybe I don't need braces for my application?
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: chrismscotland on October 23, 2018, 16:46
I've managed to procure a mid brace from Megillian (the largest one) and the other lower front brace so will start with that and see how I go, will probably look to add the Rear and Front Strut ones too - Coilovers next and aside from a few minor bits and pieces I want to do just so their "done" (Timing Chain Tensioner and Lower UJ) the car will be pretty much "done" mechanically (fingers crossed!)
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: 1979scotte on October 23, 2018, 17:03
@james_ly (https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=25285)

Mid brace and front strut brace before coilovers good quality track orientated tyres before either.

All bracing makes some difference more so when power is added or suspension stiffened especially on earlier cars.
I have fitted mid brace front strut brace meister r coilovers and Yoko AD08R to both the roadsters I've had and would do the same to any I owned in the future.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: roadsta on December 12, 2018, 23:38
Anyone got a number for Steve at Megillian?
His website hasnt got one. I seem to be in the common position of chasing an order and he hasnt replied to emails, s'funny cos communication was always immediate when it came to paying, but they are now 2 weeks overdue and I cant get a response. Really dont want to have to drive to Hull to find out why. Cheers
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Call the midlife! on December 13, 2018, 07:57
Quote from: roadsta on December 12, 2018, 23:38
Anyone got a number for Steve at Megillian?
His website hasnt got one. I seem to be in the common position of chasing an order and he hasnt replied to emails, s'funny cos communication was always immediate when it came to paying, but they are now 2 weeks overdue and I cant get a response. Really dont want to have to drive to Hull to find out why. Cheers
Have you tried him on Facebook messenger?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: BahnStormer on December 13, 2018, 08:55
Quote from: Call the midlife! on December 13, 2018, 07:57
Have you tried him on Facebook messenger?


He's active on FB messenger now! Apparently they're busy churning through a large batch for a US group buy, so I've arranged for him to put an extra set on the end of that order and I'll do Cash on Collection + install when I collect them in January... so in plenty of time for the track tyres going back on in March/April :)

Exciting times - this is the last mod I had promised myself before I turbo it - although I will still be considering a roll-cage if I go full track-toy :)
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: DropLinked on March 11, 2019, 15:33
Quote from: roadsta on December 12, 2018, 23:38
Anyone got a number for Steve at Megillian?
His website hasnt got one. I seem to be in the common position of chasing an order and he hasnt replied to emails, s'funny cos communication was always immediate when it came to paying, but they are now 2 weeks overdue and I cant get a response. Really dont want to have to drive to Hull to find out why. Cheers

Did you manage to get in touch and get your order in the end?

I'm in a similar position, with an overdue order, and no reply to my emails or FB messages.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Nvy on March 11, 2019, 15:43
Quote from: DropLinked on March 11, 2019, 15:33
Quote from: roadsta on December 12, 2018, 23:38
Anyone got a number for Steve at Megillian?
His website hasnt got one. I seem to be in the common position of chasing an order and he hasnt replied to emails, s'funny cos communication was always immediate when it came to paying, but they are now 2 weeks overdue and I cant get a response. Really dont want to have to drive to Hull to find out why. Cheers

Did you manage to get in touch and get your order in the end?

I'm in a similar position, with an overdue order, and no reply to my emails or FB messages.

I ordered one and they said 2 weeks lead time but i guess thats 2 months lead time. They will eventually ship it but when thats gonna happen is another story. Pay with paypal and you can request your money back for up to 6 months.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: JerryL on March 11, 2019, 16:13
1st time I have had to cancel an order because of bad customer support.
Waited 2 months before I contacted them, emails ignored, finally got them on facebook and got more waffle about delivery time.
Cancelled order and was told my brace would be passed to next person in queue, so they didn't give a crap.

On the flip side I ordered an Ultra racing front brace from the other side of the world and it was delivered and fitted in less than 2 weeks.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: DropLinked on March 11, 2019, 16:55
I got told approximately 6 weeks lead time for a 2zz exhaust and it's now been 11 weeks.

I appreciate he's a busy chap whose service are in demand, but the lack of contact / updates is frustrating.

I've finished every other job on my swap now, so now just waiting for the final piece of the jigsaw.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Gaz2405 on March 11, 2019, 19:38
This thread doesn't fill me with hope, I've just ordered 3 braces from Megillian (I say just, 7 days ago)..Only ordered them as they said they were in stock on the website, hopefully they turn up soon.  :(
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Gaz mr-s on March 11, 2019, 21:12
Producing stuff for MR2's is not his day job, & when he is on the day-job it's usually abroad.
He has a history of giving people supply dates & not fulfilling. And some people believed they were getting bullsh1t excuses. He was an Affiliate on here & dropped-out of that.

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=63129.msg774439#msg774439

If I was to want something from him in the future I wouldn't pay until it was made & ready to be shipped.
That assumes getting accurate info.....

He is a really nice, skilled guy, pity about the hassles.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Gaz2405 on June 6, 2019, 09:30
Anyone else had any luck with their braces being delivered, I'm sick of chasing now.

Going to order some more from elsewhere and just sell the others when they eventually turn up!
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: jvanzyl on June 6, 2019, 09:47
I've heard good things about barbarian bracing... Plus it's aluminium.

Go for their front and mid under braces.
Then put an ultra racing front strut brace on (only get the back if you've got cash to burn?

And then to top it all off get a corky breastplate copy... Sorted.

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Petrus on June 6, 2019, 10:53
Utra Racing front strut brace
https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=67389.0
Dev´s door thingies

Should cover it.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Beachbum957 on June 6, 2019, 13:08
Another breastplate type option

https://www.spyderchat.com/forums/showthread.php?153749-FS-Phat-s-BP-Brace (https://www.spyderchat.com/forums/showthread.php?153749-FS-Phat-s-BP-Brace)

This is one sturdy brace
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Petrus on June 6, 2019, 13:47
Quote from: Beachbum957 on June  6, 2019, 13:08

This is one sturdy brace

Rather overkill at the price of ground clearance, weight and $$$.

Oh, and it is stiffer than the bolts/ bolt holes...

I am mounting the alloy Snelbaard as a véry neat ready made one. Otherwise would have strung two tensioned steel cables cross bracing the OEM braces.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Carolyn on June 6, 2019, 14:12
David and I are currently working on a front strut brace that comes close to the rigidity of the TRD (which is impossible to improve upon).

If there's interest we'll make a batch.  The first two are going on my Blue car and a certain Wifey is getting the second.

Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: jvanzyl on June 6, 2019, 14:18
Quote from: Carolyn on June  6, 2019, 14:12
David and I are currently working on a front strut brace that comes close to the rigidity of the TRD (which is impossible to improve upon).

If there's interest we'll make a batch.  The first two are going on my Blue car and a certain Wifey is getting the second.

Sounds interesting.... I'd say there is a market for TRD reproduction stuff! And at least you've got a bunch of originals to copy from!

I'm hoping/assuming they'll be made out of aluminium? Or are we going for magnesium? 8)
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Carolyn on June 6, 2019, 14:33
Quote from: jvanzyl on June  6, 2019, 14:18
Quote from: Carolyn on June  6, 2019, 14:12
David and I are currently working on a front strut brace that comes close to the rigidity of the TRD (which is impossible to improve upon).

If there's interest we'll make a batch.  The first two are going on my Blue car and a certain Wifey is getting the second.

Sounds interesting.... I'd say there is a market for TRD reproduction stuff! And at least you've got a bunch of originals to copy from!

I'm hoping/assuming they'll be made out of aluminium? Or are we going for magnesium? 8)

They pretty much have to be steel.   Can't weld steel to ally and the plates that bolt onto the tops of the struts can't be very thick, because of the available tread length.  Ally would have to be so thick it won't work.  This is why we see these bolt-together abortions with ally cross bars and steel plates.

I'll start a thread....
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: tricky1138 on June 6, 2019, 14:40
Definitely interested but spent far too much last month and this month!

Do you have any idea of timescales and or cost yet?

Also are these designed to work with the frunk lid? I know you cable tied yours!
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: 1979scotte on June 6, 2019, 19:15
Quote from: Carolyn on June  6, 2019, 14:12
David and I are currently working on a front strut brace that comes close to the rigidity of the TRD (which is impossible to improve upon).

If there's interest we'll make a batch.  The first two are going on my Blue car and a certain Wifey is getting the second.

I'm getting the third one then.
Thanks Carolyn.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Snelbaard on June 6, 2019, 21:50
Quote from: jvanzyl on June  6, 2019, 09:47
I've heard good things about barbarian bracing... Plus it's aluminium.

Go for their front and mid under braces.
Then put an ultra racing front strut brace on (only get the back if you've got cash to burn?

And then to top it all off get a corky breastplate copy... Sorted.

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

The Barbarian is on my wish list. Then I'll just fab up a Tom's rear under brace replica and I'll be sorted.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: FredyCro on August 18, 2020, 13:30
Im in the market for lower braces (front and mid) and atm looking into barbarian racing and megillian supplier options. One is aluminum other steel, one is 115 gbp other 140+, for one Ive herd nothing negative for Megillian read on this forum ona a few ocxasions that delivery time can be problematical ad long.

My concerns are, one delivery time and two is the aluminum option strong enough to do a good job at reducing chassis flex under great load i.e. Track use? Im fond of lower Alu weight but not if it does not do its job properly.

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Joesson on August 18, 2020, 14:12
Quote from: FredyCro on August 18, 2020, 13:30Im in the market for lower braces (front and mid) and atm looking into barbarian racing and megillian supplier options. One is aluminum other steel, one is 115 gbp other 140+, for one Ive herd nothing negative for Megillian read on this forum ona a few ocxasions that delivery time can be problematical ad long.

My concerns are, one delivery time and two is the aluminum option strong enough to do a good job at reducing chassis flex under great load i.e. Track use? Im fond of lower Alu weight but not if it does not do its job properly.

Any thoughts?

Quote from: FredyCro on August 18, 2020, 13:30Im in the market for lower braces (front and mid) and atm looking into barbarian racing and megillian supplier options. One is aluminum other steel, one is 115 gbp other 140+, for one Ive herd nothing negative for Megillian read on this forum ona a few ocxasions that delivery time can be problematical ad long.

My concerns are, one delivery time and two is the aluminum option strong enough to do a good job at reducing chassis flex under great load i.e. Track use? Im fond of lower Alu weight but not if it does not do its job properly.

Any thoughts?


Have a look on here at Market Place / Commercial Sales and see what @Snelbaard has on offer.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: FredyCro on August 18, 2020, 14:44
Quote from: Joesson on August 18, 2020, 14:12
Quote from: FredyCro on August 18, 2020, 13:30Im in the market for lower braces (front and mid) and atm looking into barbarian racing and megillian supplier options. One is aluminum other steel, one is 115 gbp other 140+, for one Ive herd nothing negative for Megillian read on this forum ona a few ocxasions that delivery time can be problematical ad long.

My concerns are, one delivery time and two is the aluminum option strong enough to do a good job at reducing chassis flex under great load i.e. Track use? Im fond of lower Alu weight but not if it does not do its job properly.

Any thoughts?

Quote from: FredyCro on August 18, 2020, 13:30Im in the market for lower braces (front and mid) and atm looking into barbarian racing and megillian supplier options. One is aluminum other steel, one is 115 gbp other 140+, for one Ive herd nothing negative for Megillian read on this forum ona a few ocxasions that delivery time can be problematical ad long.

My concerns are, one delivery time and two is the aluminum option strong enough to do a good job at reducing chassis flex under great load i.e. Track use? Im fond of lower Alu weight but not if it does not do its job properly.

Any thoughts?


Have a look on here at Market Place / Commercial Sales and see what @Snelbaard has on offer.

arent those like 250 gbp a piece?

Too steep imho when compared to two early mentioned options
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Petrus on August 18, 2020, 15:58
Quote from: FredyCro on August 18, 2020, 14:44arent those like 250 gbp a piece?

Too steep imho when compared to two early mentioned options

He has séveral brace options.

The large bottom brace is priced as Carolyn should have and will if she makes a second batch.

For the rest it is simply how stiff you want the car and how much you want that.

The vfm set is front strut brace, Snelbaards mid brace and DEV´s door spacers.

Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: FredyCro on August 18, 2020, 16:41
Quote from: Petrus on August 18, 2020, 15:58
Quote from: FredyCro on August 18, 2020, 14:44arent those like 250 gbp a piece?

Too steep imho when compared to two early mentioned options

He has séveral brace options.

The large bottom brace is priced as Carolyn should have and will if she makes a second batch.

For the rest it is simply how stiff you want the car and how much you want that.

The vfm set is front strut brace, Snelbaards mid brace and DEV´s door spacers.



The stiffest chassis vise!

Vfm, dev etc. Those are forum nicknames? I still dont have access to that part if the forum...
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: househead on August 18, 2020, 16:47
Quote from: FredyCro on August 18, 2020, 16:41The stiffest chassis vise!

Vfm, dev etc. Those are forum nicknames? I still dont have access to that part if the forum...


Dev is a user on here that sells a bunch of MR2 accessories, one of which is a set of door spacer / bushes that are designed to increase rigidity similar to the TRD door stabilisers but at a fraction of the cost.

Here are the TRD ones...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Toyota-MR2-MR-S-Roadster-Spyder-ZZW30-TRD-Door-Stabilizer-TRD-Genuine-OEM-Parts-/181352629492

As for VFM, I'm going to take a wild guess that it's Very First Modification, although I've never seen it before, and I think @Petrus just made it up :)
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Petrus on August 18, 2020, 16:58
Quote from: househead on August 18, 2020, 16:47As for VFM, I'm going to take a wild guess that it's Very First Modification, although I've never seen it before, and I think @Petrus just made it up :)

Bwahahahahah

@FredyCro ;  value for money

Concerning stiffness; if you are serious, then the large brace is a must. Also properly bolting down a hartop (again Snelbaard is your source) is the way to make a large difference. It basically converts the open tub in a solid hard top.

Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: FredyCro on August 18, 2020, 20:40
Quote from: Petrus on August 18, 2020, 16:58
Quote from: househead on August 18, 2020, 16:47As for VFM, I'm going to take a wild guess that it's Very First Modification, although I've never seen it before, and I think @Petrus just made it up :)

Bwahahahahah

@FredyCro ;  value for money

Concerning stiffness; if you are serious, then the large brace is a must. Also properly bolting down a hartop (again Snelbaard is your source) is the way to make a large difference. It basically converts the open tub in a solid hard top.



All tjat you wrote sounds good to me. I do not have access to that part of the forum, if mentioned members read this post please feel free to send me om with your offerings and Ill order if it makes sense. I won't be making any decisions before the following week when I meet my chief mechanic and decide on parts and time line.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Jay on January 31, 2022, 12:28
Random spot on the auctions this morning, fair bit of work has gone into them but that's some price tag:

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/s1010238788

Also, the typo on the plates is a pure bonus!
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: moca2cv on February 8, 2022, 17:51
On the subject of bracing... anyone been in touch with Steve at Megillian recently? Haven't been able to get a response out of him...
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Carolyn on February 8, 2022, 18:01
Not hearing from Steve is standard service, I'm afraid.  A lot of members have been let down by him.

On the bright side, our front strut brace (super stiff) is available right now. We are just finishing producing a batch of six, two of which are spoken for. This could be the very last time we make these.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: shnazzle on February 8, 2022, 18:58
Steve has shut down his "consumer" side. He only does large  builds now and his standard of service is great. Basically he wasn't equipped to deal with the demands at the time so he just shut that side down.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: moca2cv on February 8, 2022, 19:20
Thanks both. That's what I understood but I am still owed a front lower brace... from Jan 2020... the chase continues.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: shnazzle on February 8, 2022, 19:26
Quote from: moca2cv on February  8, 2022, 19:20Thanks both. That's what I understood but I am still owed a front lower brace... from Jan 2020... the chase continues.
Maybe @Snelbaard has something?

To go nicely with Carolyn's front top brace :)
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: moca2cv on February 8, 2022, 19:41
Quote from: shnazzle on February  8, 2022, 19:26
Quote from: moca2cv on February  8, 2022, 19:20Thanks both. That's what I understood but I am still owed a front lower brace... from Jan 2020... the chase continues.
Maybe @Snelbaard has something?

To go nicely with Carolyn's front top brace :)
It is a nice front top brace, I have one :)
I have a bunch of Snelbaard stuff too, but since I've already paid for the Megillian I'm loath to buy another just yet!
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Snelbaard on February 8, 2022, 20:32
A new batch of FMB's is at the powder coaters' right now, so if you ever change your mind.. ;)
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: bobbe on February 14, 2022, 10:36
Quote from: Carolyn on February  8, 2022, 18:01On the bright side, our front strut brace (super stiff) is available right now. We are just finishing producing a batch of six, two of which are spoken for. This could be the very last time we make these.


How much does your brace go for? I'm in the market for a front strut brace and looking at the Ultra Racing one, but I could be tempted


On the Ultra racing brace, Ultra Racing themselves sell a brace that looks like this (straight across):

front-upper-strut-bar-rhd-for-toyota-mr2-mrs-01-03-ultra-racing.jpg

Others sell a brace that looks like this (arched):

ur-tw2-957_ultra-racing-domstrebe-vorn-oben-2-punkt-99-07-toyota-mr2-w30-18-2wd-rhd-modelle_2.jpg

Does anyone know if there is any real difference between the two? Are they both legit Ultra Racing braces, or is one a knock off? I assume the arched one allows you to retain the lid for the frunk?
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Carolyn on February 14, 2022, 10:48
The flatter one will be more rigid.
Our strut brace (very stiff):

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=71911.0 (https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=71911.0)
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: bobbe on February 14, 2022, 10:54
Thanks. I'm getting "The topic or board you are looking for appears to be either missing or off limits to you" when I follow that link
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Topdownman on February 14, 2022, 11:00
Quote from: bobbe on February 14, 2022, 10:54Thanks. I'm getting "The topic or board you are looking for appears to be either missing or off limits to you" when I follow that link

You may need to get to 30 posts to have access to it but the link works for me.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: bobbe on February 14, 2022, 11:03
Ah well then I will endeavour to post more!
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Carolyn on February 14, 2022, 11:10
@bobbe :

I do apologise.  Our brace would cost you £165 (which includes £10 donation to the club).

It is super rigid;

Here's a pic:

plastics with brace..jpg

brace 1.jpg 
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: bobbe on February 14, 2022, 11:41
That looks excellent, thanks! I will PM you
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: bobbe on February 18, 2022, 17:26
Carolyn's brace fitted this afternoon.

(https://i.ibb.co/vwnytPQ/20220218-163207.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vwnytPQ)

I had it out for a quick test drive - it really sharpens up turn in and dials out that bit of understeer on the exit of corners. Looking forward to getting it out for a proper run tomorrow.

Thanks Carolyn!
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Carolyn on February 18, 2022, 17:41
Quote from: bobbe on February 18, 2022, 17:26Carolyn's brace fitted this afternoon.

(https://i.ibb.co/vwnytPQ/20220218-163207.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vwnytPQ)

I had it out for a quick test drive - it really sharpens up turn in and dials out that bit of understeer on the exit of corners. Looking forward to getting it out for a proper run tomorrow.

Thanks Carolyn!


You're very welcome.  It looks like you did a very nice job of cutting the plastic.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: bobbe on February 18, 2022, 18:57
Easy enough with the jigsaw! I'll probably pick up some rubber edging trim to give it a nice neat look
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: A7DUO on March 13, 2022, 21:48
is this the type of chassis brace bar worth fitting - make much difference for the weight disadvantage? anyone got experience of an earlier car before/after fitting one. Also what does the face-lift OEM version look like and how good is it when retrofitting to earlier cars compared to this after-market one do people think?
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: A7DUO on March 13, 2022, 22:28
and I take it this is the stock facelift chassis brace version we are talking about (that is not on the pre 03 cars like mine?)
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Gaz mr-s on March 13, 2022, 23:11
Quote from: A7DUO on March 13, 2022, 22:28and I take it this is the stock facelift chassis brace version we are talking about (that is not on the pre 03 cars like mine?)

Yes....they can be got in decent condition, but they're not well-protected.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: 1979scotte on March 14, 2022, 07:57
Quote from: A7DUO on March 13, 2022, 22:28and I take it this is the stock facelift chassis brace version we are talking about (that is not on the pre 03 cars like mine?)

There is an even later bigger stronger version fitted to the latest cars.
Mid and front bracing is well worthwhile rear not so much unless running stiff suspension.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: MrT on June 5, 2022, 12:18
Quote from: A7DUO on March 13, 2022, 21:48is this the type of chassis brace bar worth fitting - make much difference for the weight disadvantage? anyone got experience of an earlier car before/after fitting one. Also what does the face-lift OEM version look like and how good is it when retrofitting to earlier cars compared to this after-market one do people think?

Megillian Motorsport used to make a similar brace that also bolted across the tunnel like a breast plate. That was truly an amazing improvement to the car, tightening the chassis together and stopping almost all the shake and rattle of pot holes, let alone the significant improvement of stiffness to the chassis but still allowing some twisting torsional flex for undulating road conditions.
The comfort and improvements in the cockpit were far more noticeable for daily use than the chassis stiffening but push hard on back roads and you suddenly realised how much work that brace is doing. I believe it's the only design that combined the breast plate and bracing completely.

This design ties the rear tunnel mounts and triangulated the chassis rails so likely similar improvement and negligible difference for road use. I'd recommend either type of mid brace, and definitely include a front brace, either the facelift OEM or something a little stronger like Snelbaard's FMB. Again Megillian Motorsport also made these and a rare few occasions made a combined front and mid brace. I foolishly sold one a few years back and regret it. I should have replaced my face lift front brace with the full brace from Megillian...
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: tatieu on July 11, 2022, 21:09
A new brand in France for the braces is Roadney Racing : https://roadneyracing.fr/fr/ (https://roadneyracing.fr/fr/)

It's a very good product, I love it !
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Beachbum957 on July 12, 2022, 11:44
A breastplate like Snelbaard's works very well as it boxes the center tunnel into a torque tube, which really improves torsional rigidity. Where you fell this mostly is on rough and undulating roads that try to twist the chassis.  Most of the other mid braces tie the side rails, but don't fully box the center tunnel.

His is a copy of the original made by Corky's which we have been running for years on 2 different MR2's.  The effect is very noticeable even with stock suspension.  It is lightweight and easy to install. 

We have a 2002 with lots of bracing and most of it only shows an effect with stiffer than stock suspension that puts more loads into the chassis.  Oddly enough, the 3 braces that had the most noticeable impact were the breastplate, the rollbar, which was added for rigidity, not roll over protection, and a steering rack brace from Snelbaard that is a copy of a Tom's brace.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Petrus on July 12, 2022, 12:02
Quote from: Beachbum957 on July 12, 2022, 11:44A breastplate like Snelbaard's works very well as it boxes the center tunnel into a torque tube, which really improves torsional rigidity.

Agreed.

My PFL also notably improved with the TRD rear lower arm braces and Boris´s lower front brace. It markedly improved the feel. I was especially surprised by the effect of the two simple rear bars. I can feel múch better what the rear is doing.

For the rest I have Dev´s door spacers and the replica TRD front strut brace.

Ah and I would like to point out that an engine flopping about in engine room is not adding to a reassuring feel: It is a lót of weight moving about! Anyone feeling the need to bolt on bracing should imo also fill the motor mounts and add the head steady.
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Carolyn on July 12, 2022, 12:07
Herewith a picture of the ultimate mid brace (though I say it myself).  It ties the corners and middle together in a much more rigid structure than any other.  Unfortunately, we won't be making any more - but the jig is still here if someone wants it.

Superbrace.jpg
Title: Re: Bracing Recommendations?
Post by: Joesson on July 12, 2022, 13:28
Quote from: Carolyn on July 12, 2022, 12:07Herewith a picture of the ultimate mid brace (though I say it myself).  It ties the corners and middle together in a much more rigid structure than any other.  Unfortunately, we won't be making any more - but the jig is still here if someone wants it.

Superbrace.jpg

Those Struts and Ties remind me of diagrams from my early college days, nothing superfluous, each item there for a reason.