Miata Mailing List: June 1998, Message #522

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Previously on subframe brace, David E. Ralph <dralph@stny.lrun.com> said...

> 	The question is, aside from large differences in price, what recommends
> any actual differences among Bill Cardell's Racing Beat (big $$), Kelly
> Patterson's, and Moss's front subframe braces??  Is installation
> essentially the same?  Clearance issues, both ground and the car's
> structure?  Any real difference in handling?  Durability, both to miles and
> to long term oxidation?

My only first hand experience is with the Team Flatspot brace, although I'll pretend
to know something about the others anyway.

The Moss/factory brace:
Pros: Easy install, reasonably light, relatively inexpensive, low profile so no
ground clearance problem.
Cons: Lightest duty of the three, more likely to flex.  Painted, so corrosion is an
issue after the paint chips off.

The RB brace:
Pros: Easy install, very stiff, made of lightweight aluminum, 4 mounting holes vs 2.
 Extremely low profile - no ground clearance problem even on a lowered car, aluminum
is extremely resistant to corrosion.
Cons: $$$$$$$$$.

Team Flatspot brace:
Pros: Very stiff - as stiff as the RB brace, but stronger because it is steel,
lowest cost unit of the three, galvanized for corrosion resistance.
Cons: Bar is big and reduces ground clearance by at least an inch - can be a problem
on lowered cars, it is also the heaviest of the three although it isn't /that/ much
weight, installation requires either minor grinding to flatten a weld on the car or
the addition of spacers which lower the bar further.


My overall impression is that if money were no object the RB brace is the best.  If
money is an object, then how high your car sits is the next consideration.  If
ground clearance isn't a problem I'd go with the Flatspot brace.  I would reserve
the Moss/OEM brace only for a lowered car with a tight budget.  In fact, you can
always try the Flatspot brace and see if you like it.  For the price, even if you go
with a different brace later, it isn't a big deal.

Happy shopping.

	-John

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John Freas (jfreas@earthlink.net)
Red '90 Base-ish #7690
Birmingham, AL
Team Laguna Seca, Sears Point...
Team dlralt, PBC, Roebuck, Voodoo...
"I have no idea what those dimple things on the windshield frame are for."
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