Miata Mailing List: August 1996, Message #71
sponsored by



     


   From: "Fletcher Blades" 
Subject: Re: Subframe braces
   Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 17:19:00 -0400


>From: Rick Dickens 
>Subject: Subframe braces
>Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 09:29:19 -0400
>
>I for one would be very interested in seeing how you did this.  What is
>the difference between subframe braces and sway bars?  Can you add
>both?  Which is more useful?  I have a new 96 base with power steering
>and A/C.
>
>Thanks.

Rich,

You don't need my subframe braces, they were added to cars as standard   
around '93 or so.
It is bracing that stiffens up the suspension mounts, so the suspension   
can do its job without the car flexing. Racing Beat make substantial   
braces that I think are cast aluminium, they may be an upgrade to   
standard, but the cheap pipe ones like I made are no use to you...

Anti-Sway bars, or anti-roll bars, are part of the suspension, they   
connect the left side to the right side in such a way, that both wheels   
can go up or down together, but for one wheel to go up, and the other   
down, the bar is twisted. Changing the thickness of the bar (and   
therefore its resistance to twisting) changes how flat the car can travel   
through a given turn. Once again, all Miatas have these, but you can buy   
stronger ones.

Which ones you want is really up to you. See if you can try out a   
modified car down at your local club. Just sitting in the passenger seat   
should be enough. (In-fact I don't notice body roll whilst I am driving,   
but I do when I'm not in control...)

Hope this helps..

Fletch.