Front strut brace

[Mcwill]

Hi guys, will a front strut brace fit ok with abf engine?

[Mr Blue]

A 16v brace might clear but I would be more concerned about drilling into the top struts. Rust and permanent holes.

[Mcwill]

Thanks for reply mr blue, dint think about the drilling into the top struts and thinking about it the passanger side one has got a blob of rust on it dam it ordered one now

[Thom89]

A 16v brace might clear but I would be more concerned about drilling into the top struts. Rust and permanent holes.

Don't they fit over the existing strut mountings?

Thom

[Gambit]

Need to drill holes in turret for the base plates. Not a big deal really, just treat the bare metal. Front brace makes a fair difference on a mk2

Only brace i know that clears it would be an eibach. It might be tight with others, i know my omp one is tight and its not a tall back 2.0

[Mcwill]

The one I have ordered is the jom one so doesn't sound like it will fit

[Sgt_Lemon]

Possible dumb question. How does putting a strut between the two top plates (not the suspension itself) help the handling? Is it worth getting one?

[Thom89]

Possible dumb question. How does putting a strut between the two top plates (not the suspension itself) help the handling? Is it worth getting one?

Not a dumb question at all, you either know, or you don't
Basically, it stiffens the chassis, so under hard cornering you get a more precise feel to the car... very much placebo effect on a road car though that has one fitted with no other, or little other chassis/suspension mods,
A brace can also be fitted that connects the lower track control arms transversely under the car, for the same reasons, rigidity.
A strut brace can also be fitted in the boot, linking the rear struts together...

Thom

[matt@onlychargeddubs]

As above, stops the body flexing.

Personally, if you're bothered get a lower one for the subframe, you'll get more noticeable gains from this and you're not drilling holes in a place you will later regret! Struts braces in engine bays look terrible IMO and especially on an old classic car, they don't want more holes drilling in them

[Diamond Hell]

TBH for a strut brace to make significant difference the mounting plates should be welded to the strut tops, not bolted/screwed to them.  That's just ghey.