Chassis rail bracing. The good, bad, and alternatives?

revhead · Postby **revhead** » Mon May 26, 2014 11:57 pm

So, i am looking at getting into some track work with this 93 na8 that i have. Not so much fussed on power, more interested in handling performance and drivability. It is also my daily which sees spirited driving (not yet anyway because is it a heap at the moment)
i have rpf1 15x7, nice tyres (still to be chosen) and MCA suspension waiting to go in. next on the list is AGI bolt in half cage with door bars. I am also in the market for a 4.3 torsen diff (not sure if I want type 1 or 2) and braided brake lines with nice pads (maybe big brake kit in the future if I get more serious with the track days) Currently i run a soft top and not the slightly stiffer hardtop option.

Anyway, point being i am also looking at under chassis bracing. More specifically the Flyin Miata (FM) bracing. Initially i wanted the full butterfly brace by FM but since i have decided to get the half cage and door bars i will opt for just the chassis rail bracing. But at $650 (mx5mania) this somewhat simple bent bit of stainless steel are expensive!!

i will be honest here and say that the main reason i want them is to act as a protective layer for the soft rails, as well as taking advantage of the rigidity added. i do not think FM is the only option though, surely? There have to be some other manufactures out there that achieve the same results at less cost.

What are some alternatives? MUST be stainless steel to avoid rusting away. Must behave in the same performance or close to the level that FM claim to have achieved. And of course, cheaper! Post away, fire off the discussions as to how amazing/useless the bracing is

winDMD · Postby **winDMD** » Tue May 27, 2014 1:59 am

omgpham frame rail group buy is running in the Sale area. Take a look.

sailaholic · Postby **sailaholic** » Tue May 27, 2014 7:17 am

Plohl also has a 4.1 Torsen and a set of braided brake hoses for sale. 4.3 Torsen is fairly rare so might be better of getting a 4.1 and 4.3 ring gear separate.

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revhead · Postby **revhead** » Tue May 27, 2014 11:08 am

I will check that out, thanks.
There is 4.3 torsen on ebay at the moment. But at 1300 it's pricey!

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chrons_rotary · Postby **chrons_rotary** » Wed May 28, 2014 11:24 am

Ive bent up my own frame rail at work out of some stainless. Sure it doesnt look as good, doesnt have holes cut out for lighter weight, but i saved a few hundred for the sake of an hour or 2 of my own time + cost of metal.
Consider making your own if you have the means, or know of any workshops that would let you use their guilotine and bender.

Dundy2456 · Postby **Dundy2456** » Wed May 28, 2014 11:38 am

Begi have their 'Frog Rails' for US$110 although I'm not sure about shipping details as they don't specify worldwide shipping.
http://www.bellengineering.net/product_ ... cts_id=932

*edit* They're steel, but they don't specify stainless (just re-read your initial post)

revhead · Postby **revhead** » Wed May 28, 2014 12:40 pm

I am a big diy-er but I do not have the means to make my own unfortunately.

I have seen a few cheaper alternatives but they are just steel.

I was lead over to the GB that omgpham is running for stainless steel rails. Shipped aus wide is estimated to be no more than 250 which I am happy with considering FM have them for 650!!

I am also taking part in Nitro Dans GB for his own engineered "frog arms" which again are looking to be a great price!

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speed · Postby **speed** » Wed May 28, 2014 10:26 pm

Paint em with gal mat. Galvanised coating ;)

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revhead · Postby **revhead** » Wed May 28, 2014 10:31 pm

But that coating will scrape off the second it touches anything

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speed · Postby **speed** » Thu May 29, 2014 9:33 am

True but I'd imagine your car would have to be pretty low to scrape the braces.

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Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Thu May 29, 2014 9:34 am

Yep, go stainless steel and never worry about rust.

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revhead · Postby **revhead** » Thu May 29, 2014 9:54 am

It's just an insurance policy really. I have plenty of overly large speed bumps in my area and my uni campus is covered in them. I would rather bump into some stainless rails than steel, or nothing at all. I will also get a slight benefit in stiffness while gaining that extra level of protection.

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plohl · Postby **plohl** » Thu May 29, 2014 10:07 am

speed wrote:True but I'd imagine your car would have to be pretty low to scrape the braces.

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No, it really depends on the speed bump. My old car was about 110mm at the pinch welds so hardly low. Even with a crazy angle of attack it would still scrap on some speed bumps. Always the chassis rails too

revhead · Postby **revhead** » Thu May 29, 2014 10:15 am

Speed bumps can get way too big. They would do the same job if they were smaller, only now they wouldn't be damaging cars.

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speed · Postby **speed** » Thu May 29, 2014 12:23 pm

Fair enough. Was just a suggestion but yeah you can't beat SS. Alloy could be an option but would have to be thicker to compensate for strength but then would more than likely scape more so that's no good.
I hate those non curved speed bumps they have at school zones with a crossing on them.

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