What would be the most noticable effect of fitting a front strut brace to an otherwise standard '98 uk wagon?

 

Looks

Especially if its the CF STi one

 

Ok barring asthetics what are the noticeable (if any) effects of fitting a front strut brace. or is it all subjective...

 

Iain, a strut brace should make a useful difference (especially on a track day) by keeping the chassis more geometrically 'true'. Everybody says that the new MY01 car has better steering (turn- in) and much of this must be down to the chassis which is substantially more rigid (250% I think).

Okay, but the Impreza's problem is that the intercooler sits in the way of making a really strong brace and all those that I've seen are mechanically flawed by having to go up and over the i'cooler. The design lacks inherant strength.

If you accept the foregoing, then a strut brace, if sufficiently strong, should be beneficial. (I have a bendy alloy brace and I can't say it does any noticeable good.) So I'm having a heavy steel brace made for me. Okay, it will still have to go around the intercooler but will be sufficiently over-engineered to have the strength to cope.

Richard.

 

I never felt the need for one before driving on track

Anyone recommend a good place to get front and rear (online preferable)?

Thanks
Richard

 

I asked this one as I have just fitted a Steel Sparco brace, my perception says the front end feels more "controlled" ie less un damped suspension movement when flinging it round roundabouts *ahem* but i was suspicious that it was just a placebo effect. Was hoping a straw poll of others eperiences would confirm mine or not.
I picked the Sparco b'cos it was there, cheap, matched the body colour, and I figured any stiffening is better than the previous "air" brace between the tower that was fitted as standard..

 

I have a STI front brace, not much noticable difference. But i'm getting fitted a front lower alloy frame which picks up on 4 points and a rear alloy brace at the weekend, hopeing it will make a bit difference, i'll post and let you know. If you want to see them your local to me so it'll be no problem.

Anyone had experience of the Forge alloy brace, looks a tasty bit kit. Was thinking of selling my STI one to get one.

Skip.

 

Hi Skippy

Where'd you get them?

Thanks
Richard

 

Yea Skippy,

More info pls.

TY

Ian

 

Richard/Ian

The STI brace was from a lad in Hull selling it on here.
The rear and lower one are coming from a mate who is selling a car, swapped them for a set of 16" standard wheels and tyres I used on a trackday once. These are no good to me as I have AP's

Sorry I can't be more help, although I will be selling all this stuff on next year.

Skip.

 

Cusco make the bottom front and rear braces.

J.

 

Whiteline make a front lower brace which works well. I know that there are a few resellers of their products in the UK.

Their webpage is

 

The strut brace will also help the understeer of AWD cars, give you better turn in especially at speed. Should make the car handle more neutral with a slight tendency to oversteer a little