Chassis bracing in Evo 1-3/GSR

[EvoOne]

Question to the more track orientated members here - but what are the weak points in the early Evo chassis that need additional bracing?

For example, everyone has seen front and rear strut braces. But some are three point (ie to the firewall or to the boot floor) and others two point. Does the additional point make a difference?

Or the four point Cusco subframe braces - worthwhile?

Or the brace that sits behind the centre console inside - ie in the rear footwell.

I'm wondering whether any or which of these actually makes a difference?

Thanks!

*Disclaimer - I may have most of these already on my car and was seduced by the shiny Cusco parts and money burning a hole in my pocket

 

[EV0300]

Im sure they all make a difference in their own way. I only have front and rear strut braces on mine definitely noticed a difference in the way the car behaved in corners

 

[ENGINR]

When you start adding additional bracing to other points of the car, you really need to start considering how hard you're actually driving the car (ie will you even notice the addition of the new braces?) and how you'll maintain the overall dynamic balance.

For occasional circuit work, a pair of 2-point strut braces across the front and rear towers will be adequate for improved stiffness and response. A 3-point brace that ties back to the firewall or boot floor will triangulate the loads generated but you'll need to ensure the attaching structure is strong enough to contribute, otherwise you might introduce new problems (ie cracking or flex) which will be detrimental.

The 3-point fender bracing is a simple and worthwhile upgrade IMO, but it's hard for me to comment on how an incremental addition of bracing will improve/degrade the overall handling of the car, as I've gone with a full weld in rollcage which alleviates the need for a lot of additional bolt on bracing, but stiffens and reinforces the body in a totally different way.

My suggestion would be to do a bit of research and work out for yourself what you think would be a worth while spend. A lot of the marketing material for the aftermarket braces now contain some video/simulations of how their product will reduce flex in the area of concern.

 

[!Jonzap!]

Braces work to a degree as mentioned above. Some designs work better then others too.

A good suspension setup is a much better area to spend money, so the question is, what suspension are you running?

 

[EvoOne]

Thanks guys.

Good info ENGINR. Interesting that you mention the fender bracing too.

Jonzap - agreed. Will save suspension discussion for another day, as I was more interested in working out what upgrades actually made a different vs marketing,

 

[khubner1]

as above the most worthwhile braceing for our cars is the
front rear strut braces and the 3 point front fender braces (the fender brace corrects a weak point where cracking may become an issue) i'd also suggest the clutch pedal firewall bracket correction to reduce the chance of cracking around the clutch master.

from there it's realy up to you/superfluous. UR claims their full compliment of bracing is almost equivalent to a full rollcage without any of the rollcage safety benefits.

there are other little braces around the evo that are factory that you could replicate if you want.