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Start with the subframe bracing, front and rear. It's hard to fit the later OEM parts (need to weld on the mounting tabs), but there are plenty of aftermarket versions. Be careful to consider ground clearance.

I'd do (if I had to do it again):
Racing Beat front subframe brace
FM/Cannon rear subframe brace (I have both of these)
FM butterfly brace.

after that you can start pondering new shock/coilovers etc.

Q: I'm still yet to fit my rear subframe brace but I was thinking would there be any issues mounting it upside-down, so it goes above the exhaust? I'd like to maintain as much clearance as I can.

jonno.

I doubt it would fit - mine only just clears the exhaust going below it.

If you were to try it, you'd need to get a custom brace made up I'd think.

Wow that was a quick reply . But yeah thanks I did a trial-fit it last week with no issues but then again my zorst is still stock(-ish). Just worried about the structural implications though (bends the wrong way..? )

jonno.

rodent wrote:Just worried about the structural implications though (bends the wrong way..? )

Couldn't imagine there'd be any at all.

I actually think that's a great idea if you can physically do it.

*Starsky and Hutch voice on*
"DO IT"

I had no clearance issues with the Mania brace on mine Jonno - and my car was fairly low (lowest point was ~110mm - which I think is lowest legal height). No probs with an aftermarket exhaust either.

It looks low, but you shouldn't snag it on anything.

Having said that, it should work just fine if you can make it fit the other way around. The only reason the bend is there is to clear the exhaust.

Yup I'll probably hang it the other way around then. Since I can't picture myself buying a new set of 17's anytime soon chances are my car will be very low on the stockies. I just don't wanna accidentally rip out my 2 camber adjustment bolts going over a bump.

jonno.

Butters,

I am very confident that the CAI you have will block any possibly of a normal strut brace.

If your brace comes out centred on the strut tower then it might work.

If that CAI and most braces were compatible, I would not have sold it

I have fitted the two underbody braces, then fitted a strut brace and with each brace, the body tightened up and handling became sharper and more predictable.

Theres that guy who sells stuff through the forum and Ebay??
As an example - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... %3AAU%3A71

red63sprint wrote:Theres that guy who sells stuff through the forum and Ebay??
As an example - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... %3AAU%3A71

Hrm it's probably going to be cheaper to just get the bars from Mania. $55 a piece, and postage to Brizzy can't be that much.

butters wrote:also do all the front bracing reduce ground clearance? i don't want to end up with issues from cops

Nah the front bar sits just behind the sump so it won't make any difference to your clearance. The rear bar however has a bend that goes around (below) your exhaust pipe which could have an effect, but if you bolt it around the other way like I'm gonna do it should be sweet.

I'll see if I can find you some pics.

jonno.

The front brace (notice it's not at the lowest point of the car):



The rear brace (the way it was designed to be fitted - may cause clearance issues):



Thanks Mr_Q for the pics! Hope he doesn't mind I post them up .

jonno.

rodent wrote:Thanks Mr_Q for the pics! Hope he doesn't mind I post them up .

No prob. You can see my bent front suspension in the top one.

You've probably noticed from the condition of the rear bar that it never hit anything. Unless your car is really low I don't think I'd worry about it (in fact, if your car is that low you'll probably be more worried about other stuff ).

How have you found the front brace Jonno? Makes the car feel a bit more solid, doesn't it?

I have both the sub-braces front and rear on my car...they are fine. I also have aftermarket cat-back and all is good...it does not scrape and Rodent it isn't really low enough for the rear one to scrape on anything...my 5 is lowered 1.25 inches and i only have problems scraping the front airdam lip. I would suggest just mounting it normally and not doing it up-side down...might be to much hassle that way.

Mr_Q wrote:You've probably noticed from the condition of the rear bar that it never hit anything.

Hahah you have a good point there - why didn't I think of that..? I might as well bolt in on properly then. It's finally going on tomorrow .

Mr_Q wrote:How have you found the front brace Jonno? Makes the car feel a bit more solid, doesn't it?

The front bar made a world of difference to my car - steering wheel no longer fights me when I drive over bumps or crappy roads. The back end has always been a loose mess though, so I hope the brace there improves it at least somewhat.

jonno.

rodent wrote:Hahah you have a good point there - why didn't I think of that..? I might as well bolt in on properly then. It's finally going on tomorrow .

Don't forget to mark the alignment bolts and count the turns to unscrew the bolt - otherwise you'll stuff your rear alignment.