Fabricating a front strut brace??

[woodypk]

What is everyone's opinions on this?

I'm thinking of having a go at designing and fabricating my own front strut brace. I know there are options available for this kinda stuff but I thought I'd have a go anyway for fun if not any other reason.

I've recently started a new job and now I work nights too, which sometimes turn out to be very work free periods with no one around and so I thought I'd put my time into making stuff that I fancy.

I work in an engineering workshop and I do this sort of thing for a living, so I know my way around an angle grinder and a TIG welder. I also have access to pretty much any tools and materials I could need to complete this project.

Any thoughts on whether this is a good idea or If I should just save up for a genuine part? From what I've read, a front strut brace is a very good, bolt on mod.

Either way, I may try it. If it's no good, it's not cost me anything, I can scrap it and I always have fun making new stuff, especially the designing and creation phase - probably why I got into engineering!

Tom.

[lamcote]

I'd say, go for it, and let us know what difference it makes when you fit it.

[Topdownman]

Sounds like a good idea to me.

There are a few different ways these are made, kinked so you can keep your frunk lid, straight across for maximum rigidity or bolt on to the top mounts (not sure what particular reason for that).

I have a DD racing kinked one which I reckon is just a copy of an ultra racing one. I could feel a benefit from it personally.

The only pitfall could be making it too heavy?

You may be able to sell the odd one if they are any good!

[JoeCool]

Ultimately, it's a pretty simple device! Make 2 plates, Weld a suitably stout bar between them. The engineering comes in with the balance of weight and strength.

I've never been a fan of the designs with pivots either end of the brace, I can see why they're done that way on front engined cars (access) but it seems to compromise the core rigidity massively to me, since the idea is to transfer torsional loads across the top of the 2 strut towers.

I say go for it. Nice project, good way to save a bit of cash.

[Carolyn]

I've been contemplating a rear one for the supercharged car as I had to cut the pressed-steel angles from the top cross member in order to fit the custom exhaust.  Looking at the TRDs I have on the other car, they've added box structures to the top of the plates to stiffen them up, the did the same for the front brace.  I'm looking at something similar Perhaps a 1/2" vertical collar on top of the plate.
Worth taking a look at them.

[MR TWO]

I'd say, go for it, and let us know what difference it makes when you fit it.

Me too!

[woodypk]

Super. When I get a day of work I'll take some measurements and I'll get one of these knocked up! The TRD one looks relatively simple to make. I might us this as a benchmark/blueprint.

[JoeCool]

I'm just looking at that and it's annoying you have to cut the top off the frunk hatch to fit it!!I've just bought a TRD one.

[theredone]

I'm just looking at that and it's annoying you have to cut the top off the frunk hatch to fit it!!I've just bought a TRD one.

you don`t have to cut the frunk lid. I just run without it.

[shnazzle]

Indeed. Easier access to fluids  s:) s:)

[Essex2Visuvesi]

I have noe of the frunk plastics.... just a second Radiator for the Charge cooler

[Joesson]

The braces that I have seen link the two top suspension mounts in a direct/ straight line and then are cut or shaped to avoid the brake fluid container and the frunk lid needs to have the hinge section trimmed.
If the brace section was positioned as far to the rear as possible, offset from the " centre line" this would likely clear both items.
The mounting brackets could be shaped as a gusset to reduce the effective length of the strut.

[CrazySX]

Good idea.  Maybe an idea to buy one intended for another application  (cheaper than the likes of trd) and modify?

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