REAR STRUT BRACE

[shaft69]

Do they make a difference or are just for show?

[takethefifth]

From what i'v heard yes they do but you get more difference fitting uprated anti roll bars...  Not sure how true that is as i haven't fitted either myself!

[Brads MK2 GTI]

The top front brace that goes across the engine is just for show on a Golf MK2, it won't do jot for the handling or anything else. You will probably have to relocate the expansion tank to fit it though.

The front bottom brace is a very good thing on the MK2's, and will make a difference if you fit one, just make sure you torque it up right, there's a lot riding down there!

I think also the rear brace does work, though probably not as much as the front bottom as the car's FWD.

Be carefull of making the car to rigid though....

[Judderi]

Im braced top bottom and rear allong with polly bushes all round and KONI coil overs. Plus a full set of vibra technics engine mounts. Needles to say my car handles like a go cart and feels solid and safe on the road. I dont suffer from vibrations and get good comments about the cars handling from everyone who gets in. Go for it i say!

[Dizzie]

I plan to put one on the front for show. if it improves the handling it'll be a bonus

[rubjonny]

front top brace will do more than a bottom brace, as the subframe is already pretty stiff.  On a MK1 Golf or Polo a bottom brace will help more as they don't have a subframe

[Gambit]

rear brace is pointless

front top brace will work

bottom front brace wont do anything unless your wishbone bushes are knackered.

uprated front anti roll bar will promote understeer
uprated rear anti roll bar will promote oversteer

hence you want a nice balance on the anti roll bars

[...joe]

^^^^ totally agree, when i got my eibach strut brace it was very noticeable!

but i also like the look of them too. and in my opinion the eibach front is the best looking strutbrace ever!! i got a rear just for the hell of it

edit: mmm sexual front brace

[bulk66]

Do you notice a differance when you uprate all the bushes.........

[Organisys]

rear brace is pointless

front top brace will work

bottom front brace wont do anything unless your wishbone bushes are knackered.

uprated front anti roll bar will promote understeer
uprated rear anti roll bar will promote oversteer

hence you want a nice balance on the anti roll bars

^^^ Very True. Eibach matched pair of ARBs a good bet. H&R Adjustables the ultimate, but require setting up correctly, which needs a track really.