Z3 Strut braces
Z3 Strut braces
Quick background. I am friends with various people involved in the world of motorsport at various levels all the way upto manufacture of parts and calibration of Formula One cars.
Tonight I have been talking to one such friend who runs a small company called Vision Racing Developments - http://www.visionracingdevelopments.co.uk/ they are a young company but with the right knowledge and the right stuff to go a long way. They are interested in expanding into producing some parts for Z3s and of cause I am now encouraging that! After having a long chat tonight, we are looking at designing and producing a front strut brace, and if that goes well I am sure I could persuade them to make rear brace and body brace aswell.
What I need to know from you guys is how many would be interested in a good quality (equivalent to strong strut), UK supplied strutbrace, and what price point would you like to see such an item at?
Tonight I have been talking to one such friend who runs a small company called Vision Racing Developments - http://www.visionracingdevelopments.co.uk/ they are a young company but with the right knowledge and the right stuff to go a long way. They are interested in expanding into producing some parts for Z3s and of cause I am now encouraging that! After having a long chat tonight, we are looking at designing and producing a front strut brace, and if that goes well I am sure I could persuade them to make rear brace and body brace aswell.
What I need to know from you guys is how many would be interested in a good quality (equivalent to strong strut), UK supplied strutbrace, and what price point would you like to see such an item at?
I bet everybody clicks less than £100
I have a strong strut so no vested interest from me but here are my thoughts for what they are worth.
There are some basics with a strut brace :
- it does not flex
- it fits well
The only real issues with fitting the Z3 ones are the battery terminal cut out, fits flush with the strut tower (which has ridges) and engine clearance / hood clearance for the various models.
Certainly a few out there seem to be for other models and don't have the battery terminal cut out or ridge cut outs to fit flush.
The strong strut is work of art, fits perfectly and looks fantastic in terms of style and finish but........ it is over engineered to actually do the job and you are paying a big premium just for the finish and looks.
I had a srut brace on my first Z3 that was unbranded, looked ok, fitted perfectly and did not flex ie it did the job just as well as the strong strut and cost me £90.
I think to really make this work you would need to produce one for <£75 that fitted perfectly with a design that did not flex and looked "OK".
I think if you go above £100 you are competing against the "named" brands and if you go high end nd copy the strut brace you simply will not sell many.
Just my thoughts but a decent quality sub £75 strut brace that fits perfectly should be a compulsary purchase in my book.
ps insurance disclosure puts a lot of people off fitting one of these
I have a strong strut so no vested interest from me but here are my thoughts for what they are worth.
There are some basics with a strut brace :
- it does not flex
- it fits well
The only real issues with fitting the Z3 ones are the battery terminal cut out, fits flush with the strut tower (which has ridges) and engine clearance / hood clearance for the various models.
Certainly a few out there seem to be for other models and don't have the battery terminal cut out or ridge cut outs to fit flush.
The strong strut is work of art, fits perfectly and looks fantastic in terms of style and finish but........ it is over engineered to actually do the job and you are paying a big premium just for the finish and looks.
I had a srut brace on my first Z3 that was unbranded, looked ok, fitted perfectly and did not flex ie it did the job just as well as the strong strut and cost me £90.
I think to really make this work you would need to produce one for <£75 that fitted perfectly with a design that did not flex and looked "OK".
I think if you go above £100 you are competing against the "named" brands and if you go high end nd copy the strut brace you simply will not sell many.
Just my thoughts but a decent quality sub £75 strut brace that fits perfectly should be a compulsary purchase in my book.
ps insurance disclosure puts a lot of people off fitting one of these
Like Jonttt I also have a Strong Strut and agree with most, if not all of what he has said.
I will add though, I got mine via a Group Buy through this forum and paid well over £200, so although they may be over engineered for Jonttt's tastes it goes to show that people will pay a premium for a very high quality product.
I will add though, I got mine via a Group Buy through this forum and paid well over £200, so although they may be over engineered for Jonttt's tastes it goes to show that people will pay a premium for a very high quality product.
- SpaceMonkey
- Joined: Tue 08 Dec, 2009 15:24
- Posts: 174
- Location: Wallington
I would love an under bonnet brace that actually fitted properly on the M43 engined Zed, however it can be Zed specific even with the same model. I've been through 2 e-techs and a cheaper unbranded brace all supposidly for the 4 Cyl models. The e-techs were good but still had to modify to fit around the tower earthing point. The unbranded brace wouldn't fit at all even though the seller said they had never had any problems it fitting 4 Cyl Zeds. Problem I had with the e-techs was underbonnet clearance which pushed the bonnet up. Real shame as it definitely made an improvement. So if you do go ahead with making them, please make sure they will actually fit.
Tim.
Tim.
My Front Strut Bars brand is "Ultra Racing" and it is for E36 328i. It fits perfectly to Z3M and just takes 2 minutes. I just paid 50 GBP.
The link is;
http://www.ultraracing.com.my/Bars.asp?ID=2787
The link is;
http://www.ultraracing.com.my/Bars.asp?ID=2787
i have an e-tec one that works fine but has started to discolour and looks like im going to have to spray it....so for me it still has to look the part under the bonnet as well as perform.
also i have to echo the O/P about the rear strut........noway on this earth would i pay that kind if money for a one piece bar...if they could do a rear strut for 50 quid they'd fly off the shelf.
also i have to echo the O/P about the rear strut........noway on this earth would i pay that kind if money for a one piece bar...if they could do a rear strut for 50 quid they'd fly off the shelf.
I have access toboth my 2.0 6cyl and a 1.9 4cyl so will do what Ican to help get one that fits both, or one that for each as required.TitanTim wrote:I would love an under bonnet brace that actually fitted properly on the M43 engined Zed, however it can be Zed specific even with the same model. I've been through 2 e-techs and a cheaper unbranded brace all supposidly for the 4 Cyl models. The e-techs were good but still had to modify to fit around the tower earthing point. The unbranded brace wouldn't fit at all even though the seller said they had never had any problems it fitting 4 Cyl Zeds. Problem I had with the e-techs was underbonnet clearance which pushed the bonnet up. Real shame as it definitely made an improvement. So if you do go ahead with making them, please make sure they will actually fit.
Tim.
Thanks for all the feedback guys. Lookng positive.
theduck wrote:I have access toboth my 2.0 6cyl and a 1.9 4cyl so will do what Ican to help get one that fits both, or one that for each as required.TitanTim wrote:I would love an under bonnet brace that actually fitted properly on the M43 engined Zed, however it can be Zed specific even with the same model. I've been through 2 e-techs and a cheaper unbranded brace all supposidly for the 4 Cyl models. The e-techs were good but still had to modify to fit around the tower earthing point. The unbranded brace wouldn't fit at all even though the seller said they had never had any problems it fitting 4 Cyl Zeds. Problem I had with the e-techs was underbonnet clearance which pushed the bonnet up. Real shame as it definitely made an improvement. So if you do go ahead with making them, please make sure they will actually fit.
Tim.
Thanks for all the feedback guys. Lookng positive.
Cheers for that, I would definitely be interested if one could be made that fits OK.
Some of my threads which may help. If you look at the pics of the e-tech I fitted it sits over the top of the engine which means fine tolerences between the bonnet closing and not closing correctly. I reckon if one was made so the cross bar sits further back and slightly lower would help.
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... ight=etech
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... ight=etech
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... ight=etech
Cheers,
Tim.
cosmo strut brace.
i have just got a cosmo one off rasberry on the forum,it was on his 3.0,i want to fit it to my 2.0,i looked up the brace and it fits all the six cyl models up to 3.0 ,has any one fitted the same,or could i find any problems.thanks pete.
-
- Joined: Thu 05 Aug, 2010 09:24
- Posts: 50
- Location: Nr Blackpool
Strut Brace
Depends what your main issue for fitting it is, I just wanted a structural brace due to the terrible condition of our roads, same everywhere at the moment. I wanted to pay less than £100 for a functional strut brace and was not particularly bothered what it looked like. I realise others want it to look good as well so there must be room for two versions:-
1) Does the job.
2) Does the job and looks good.
I ended up with a ChromiumTech one that is beautifully engineered and looks great. Had no problems with fit to my 2.0.
1) Does the job.
2) Does the job and looks good.
I ended up with a ChromiumTech one that is beautifully engineered and looks great. Had no problems with fit to my 2.0.
Hi, may be up for giving you some assistance. Where abouts in Wiltshire?
I have a 2.0 6cyl if thats of any use.
Gary
I have a 2.0 6cyl if thats of any use.
Gary
BMW Z3 2.0 Titan Silver - Progress Thread
(Pictures - http://s852.photobucket.com/home/gazhyde/allalbums)
(Pictures - http://s852.photobucket.com/home/gazhyde/allalbums)
Dude, could you please show mw some photo for yoour anti roll bar?swamper wrote:i have an e-tec one that works fine but has started to discolour and looks like im going to have to spray it....so for me it still has to look the part under the bonnet as well as perform.
also i have to echo the O/P about the rear strut........noway on this earth would i pay that kind if money for a one piece bar...if they could do a rear strut for 50 quid they'd fly off the shelf.
Very good looking
BMW Aero Side Skirt/rear spoiler & chrome roll bar/ handle
AC schnitzer front/rear bumper splitter,Exhaust,type2 17"
BC coilover/H&R swaybar/wiecher's strut
no........you might say its uglysobe_on wrote:Dude, could you please show mw some photo for yoour anti roll bar?swamper wrote:i have an e-tec one that works fine but has started to discolour and looks like im going to have to spray it....so for me it still has to look the part under the bonnet as well as perform.
also i have to echo the O/P about the rear strut........noway on this earth would i pay that kind if money for a one piece bar...if they could do a rear strut for 50 quid they'd fly off the shelf.
Very good looking
swamper wrote:no........you might say its uglysobe_on wrote:Dude, could you please show mw some photo for yoour anti roll bar?swamper wrote:i have an e-tec one that works fine but has started to discolour and looks like im going to have to spray it....so for me it still has to look the part under the bonnet as well as perform.
also i have to echo the O/P about the rear strut........noway on this earth would i pay that kind if money for a one piece bar...if they could do a rear strut for 50 quid they'd fly off the shelf.
Very good looking
Because I just install the similar llike yours, so that's why I want you can show me some of your picture........
BMW Aero Side Skirt/rear spoiler & chrome roll bar/ handle
AC schnitzer front/rear bumper splitter,Exhaust,type2 17"
BC coilover/H&R swaybar/wiecher's strut
-
- Joined: Fri 27 Mar, 2015 16:27
- Posts: 9
Re: Z3 Strut braces
Great idea. Make it over here. Hundreds of one/ two man steel engineers could set up for this. Find one who likes the idea of a modest regular income and negotiate the cost of making an accurate jig.
Even easier are the bottom cross and longitudinal braces.
I'm about to pay nearly a grand for the strong strut 'trilogy'. They use this description to mask the reality of spending so much money on few pieces of bent steel. Disgraceful. I wouldn't be surprised if bmw owned shares. I blame them anyway for giving these people the opportunity.
If they had made a car that went round corners properly we would all be a lot happier.
Even easier are the bottom cross and longitudinal braces.
I'm about to pay nearly a grand for the strong strut 'trilogy'. They use this description to mask the reality of spending so much money on few pieces of bent steel. Disgraceful. I wouldn't be surprised if bmw owned shares. I blame them anyway for giving these people the opportunity.
If they had made a car that went round corners properly we would all be a lot happier.
Re: Z3 Strut braces
Trilogy...yes good marketing!
I'd first spend that grand on suspension and bushes before any braces!
No point stiffening up a chassis riding on squishy bushes and suspension!
You've probably read it already but the rear brace is more useful as a spark generator on our UK roads if you plan on lowering the suspension to make it look and handle better..
I'd first spend that grand on suspension and bushes before any braces!
No point stiffening up a chassis riding on squishy bushes and suspension!
You've probably read it already but the rear brace is more useful as a spark generator on our UK roads if you plan on lowering the suspension to make it look and handle better..
Re: Z3 Strut braces
there is a guy on Z.org that had his strong strut butt strut stolen back in september, he found out last month whilst cleaning under the car.
must make a really noticeable difference...
Emperors clothes spring to mind.
must make a really noticeable difference...
Emperors clothes spring to mind.
Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)
I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
Re: Z3 Strut braces
I'd have liked to see what happened when it was tied into the side struts...that was the plan any way
- BladeRunner919
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: Re:
I think he may have sorted it since April 2011!!5harp3y wrote:Where abouts in wiltshire?theduck wrote:BUMP - Anyone wiltshire area for the above??
Re: Z3 Strut braces
Haha you might be right!
on a similar note i've just seen these on eBay.
look great and really cheap!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-Brace-S ... SwaA5WjwLO
on a similar note i've just seen these on eBay.
look great and really cheap!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-Brace-S ... SwaA5WjwLO
Re: Z3 Strut braces
Aceman
Arctic Silver '98 Z3M
Previously;
Bright RED '99 Z3 2.8
Rocking seats ? You need seat bushes click HERE
Arctic Silver '98 Z3M
Previously;
Bright RED '99 Z3 2.8
Rocking seats ? You need seat bushes click HERE
Re: Z3 Strut braces
I have an ASC front strut brace on my 2.8. Its a good tight fit,sitting perfectly on the struts. Bonnet clearance is minimal, but okay. I have the strong strut butt strut and body braces. I haven't lowered my Z and don't intend to, so there is just about enough ground clearance. With all fitted I noticed a definite improvement in ride/handling. When pushing on, the ride seemed smoother and less 'jiggley', and the handling more secure.
Bonzo.
Bonzo.
Z3lda (Zelda), 1998 2.8, Montreal Blue, Beige Oregon leather interior and M steering wheel, Sports Seats, Wood trim, Chrome Line Interior, Centre armrest with Cupholder, Alpina Softline wheels, Chromed Angel Eyes, De- tango'd, Rear stone guards, Sport aerial, ASC front strut brace, Strong Strut Butt Strut and Body Brace, Uprated brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads 78k.
Re: Z3 Strut braces
Just seen these on EBay what does everyone think looks pretty good for the price not sure if it will fit a z3 though.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350693420175? ... EBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350693420175? ... EBIDX%3AIT
-
- Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
- Posts: 1733
- Location: Manchester
Re: Z3 Strut braces
Ive seen a few cars with this type on them. The only thing to remember with the front braces is that the up and over ones will fit the 6 pots - the 4 pots need ones that bend round the back of the engine - after that you take you choice.
Re: Z3 Strut braces
When you buy a strut brace, don't forget to factor in the extra annual fee to the insurance company .
It needs to be covered, as what would have been a repairable without will probably write the car off if fitted.
It needs to be covered, as what would have been a repairable without will probably write the car off if fitted.
Pingu
Re: Z3 Strut braces
Afterwards I also replaced all springs, shocks, front strut mounts and ARB mounting bushes (all OEM). Also rear shocks top mounts (Lemforder) and all drop links (Myele), and this seems to have improved ride and handling still further.Bonzo wrote:I have an ASC front strut brace on my 2.8. Its a good tight fit,sitting perfectly on the struts. Bonnet clearance is minimal, but okay. I have the strong strut butt strut and body braces. I haven't lowered my Z and don't intend to, so there is just about enough ground clearance. With all fitted I noticed a definite improvement in ride/handling. When pushing on, the ride seemed smoother and less 'jiggley', and the handling more secure.
Bonzo.
Bonzo
Last edited by Bonzo on Wed 06 Apr, 2016 21:12, edited 1 time in total.
Z3lda (Zelda), 1998 2.8, Montreal Blue, Beige Oregon leather interior and M steering wheel, Sports Seats, Wood trim, Chrome Line Interior, Centre armrest with Cupholder, Alpina Softline wheels, Chromed Angel Eyes, De- tango'd, Rear stone guards, Sport aerial, ASC front strut brace, Strong Strut Butt Strut and Body Brace, Uprated brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads 78k.
-
- Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
- Posts: 1733
- Location: Manchester
Re: Z3 Strut braces
sounds like you've turned your Z into a VolvoBonzo wrote:Afterwards I also replaced all springs, shocks, front strut mounts and ARB mounting bushes (all OEM). Also rear shocks top mounts (Lemforder) and all drop links (Myle), and this seems to have improved ride and handling still further.Bonzo wrote:I have an ASC front strut brace on my 2.8. Its a good tight fit,sitting perfectly on the struts. Bonnet clearance is minimal, but okay. I have the strong strut butt strut and body braces. I haven't lowered my Z and don't intend to, so there is just about enough ground clearance. With all fitted I noticed a definite improvement in ride/handling. When pushing on, the ride seemed smoother and less 'jiggley', and the handling more secure.
Bonzo.
Bonzo