For everyone who doesn't have a breastplate

Hey everyone, I guess it's time for me to stop lurking about and share some knowledge I found, regardless if it's useful to anyone or not s:D

s:D

So I've read a lot about bracing and I believe it's nescessary - the first time I drove an MR2 I was amazed at all the vibrations and jiggly-jittery feelings (roads in Lithuania are quite bumpy, real Eastern Europe style). So I've weighed the possibility of ordering from Corky, his breastplate being the most popular choice. But the price+shipping+taxes was around 190-200 pounds, at that to me is a huge amount. So as always, I've tried to find some DIY solution, but there seemed to be only a few attempts at making a breastplate. I went to an aluminium milling place and got a 70x50cm 8mm thick sheet for under 20 pounds. Today cut the width to 30cm, drilled six holes and mounted the beast onto the car. The length was ~6-7cm too long, but I kinda had to saw the sheet by hand, so I left the shortening for another day s:D

s:D

Went out for a drive and was amazed by the immediate improvement!!! s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce: Even though my breastplate is just a rectangular sheet of aluminium (I chose 8mm instead of Corky's 6mm because I couldn't replicate the X), there's a huge difference in how the car feels - the jittery vibrations are gone, my rear view mirror image doesn't get blurred on bumpy roads, steering seems more direct and intuitive, the car rides in a straight line more willingly, weight shifting during sharp turns is more natural, transition into oversteer or understeer is much milder, without any drama. That piece of metal feels like a full sport suspension package!! Another day when I want to relax and do something to the car I'll improve the plate by taking out the excess material to reduce weight, although even now it's ~3-4kg, which compared to the cost and effects is really tolerable.

Bottom line is - if you don't have an aftermarket breastplate and can't afford one, build one yourself! Even if you gave this job to a professional, it would be 30mins work for him and that isn't costly. If you follow this advice, you WILL thank me! s:D

s:D

For everyone who doesn't have a breastplate

feralcrew

Frankie187