Miata Mailing List: August 1996, Message #49
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   From: Mike Lowe 
Subject: RE: Subframe braces
   Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 14:53:29 -0400


--- On Thu, 01 Aug 1996 09:29:19 -0400  Rick Dickens 
 wrote:

>What is the difference between subframe braces and sway bars?  

   Subframe braces stiffen the chassis.  Sway bars reduce the amount a 
vehicle leans through turns.  They are also called anti-roll bars.

>Can you add 
>both?  

   Sure!  But your car _already_ has both.  It's the pre-'94 people that 
choose to add subframe braces to stiffen the car.  You already have three 
braces from the factory.  One brace connecting the seatbelt towers, one 
subframe brace below the motor (the front subframe), and the third on the 
rear subframe.  A total of two subframe braces and a third chassis brace 
inside the car.
   You also have two sway bars.  Most vehicles have front and rear sway bars 
from the factory.  A few people like myself install larger bars for flatter 
turning with a slight sacrifice in the real world.

>Which is more useful?  I have a new 96 base with power steering 
>and A/C.
>
   As I said, you have them already.  Wish I had the braces.  Go drive on 
some twisty roads today and make those parts useful.  :-)


If you want more info, feel free to email me privately.

Mike Lowe (mikelowe@phoenix.net)
Houston Region SCCA -- Texas A&M SCC -- Miata Club of America
White '90 Miata    CS 93
Homepage:  http://www.phoenix.net/~mikelowe