Author Topic: Strut Tower Brace for M42 (Read 43594 times)

M42boy · « **on:** July 13, 2006, 04:04:10 PM »

Hey guys...

I see a lot of options for strut tower braces for the E30 3-Series cars, but not sure which of them will actually fit our cars. I guess I could order one and try it. Send it back if it doesn't fit, but I'd rather do without the hassle.

So, I really want one that has a good reinforcement ring where the mount goes all around the entire surface of the upper strut tower.

I've found these options that have this feature (the Sparco does not):
Racing Dynamics (but, don't think it will work with M42)
Bavarian Autosport (looks like it may work best)
Hartge (I think this one might be discontinued)
AC Schnitzer

My big concern is with how high the intake manifold goes up on the M42. The ones that go straight accross may not clear this. Ones with a design that go back toward the firewall I think will work fine, however. There are several designs like this as the E30 M3 has the same issue (high intake).

Do any of you have any of these options. If so, please tell me more. And, of course, pictures are worth a thousand words! :cool:

asubimmer · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2006, 04:07:49 PM »

I have always loved the look of the double bar ones.

M42boy · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2006, 04:10:34 PM »

I actually stumbled upon this picture of the Hartge brace. Really looks nice, and you can see how the strut assembly bolts through it. But, I'm pretty sure this piece of equipment has been discontinued.

How clean is THAT engine bay!!! :cool:

Mike 91 318ic · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2006, 04:46:31 PM »

Bav Auto can get the exact same brace as the Hartge one, and it's made in the same factory (from what I've been told). I have it on my car and IMO it's the best bar around. The IE bar is flimsy and it's a copy of the sparco so I assume it's no better. Also with the Hartge you don't need to drill the shock towers which is not a good idea *imo*

e9nine · « **Reply #4 on:** July 13, 2006, 05:14:35 PM »

I was going to use my Sparcos but sold them as I just didn't feel the need this time around and had to fund other things :rolleyes:.

I think they are the best bar period and had them on one of my older m42s with some spacer washers to clear the intake manifold.

The 3rd bolt to apply when using the Sparco's is optional and it supposedly does help a little as most of the cars you see @ the track have them so my guess is it does help a bit?

I thought someone was organizing a GB on them a while ago?

ak96ss · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2006, 05:25:29 PM »

I'm running a Sparco on mine - it is *tight* over the intake manifold. Even with washers, I couldn't get a sheet of paper between... I ended up grinding down the very back top end of the intake manifold slightly. There is still barely enough room to breathe in there, but it fits, and it doesn't look like it is rubbing. I'll get a feeler gauge in there and see how much room there is, but really, not much at all.

I darn near took the Sparco to a shop to have them notch it and weld in a plate to cover the notch, but decided I'd run it this way first.

It's been on for several weeks, and the roads I drive in DC are none too friendly to lowered cars, but it seems to be doing well. Certainly an improvement in handling, and, as I said, it looks like I solved the clearance issues.

asubimmer · « **Reply #6 on:** July 13, 2006, 05:28:31 PM »

Quote from: Mike 91 318ic

Bav Auto can get the exact same brace as the Hartge one, and it's made in the same factory (from what I've been told). I have it on my car and IMO it's the best bar around. The IE bar is flimsy and it's a copy of the sparco so I assume it's no better. Also with the Hartge you don't need to drill the shock towers which is not a good idea *imo*

awsome, how much was it?

e9nine · « **Reply #7 on:** July 13, 2006, 06:38:10 PM »

Notice how the Sparco mounting point that rests on the strut towers has the part that folds down and prevents all the stress from being put on the strut mount bolts. That's all I seek in a strut bar in addition to it being one piece and non-hinged

You can also see the hole for the "3rd bolt" on that same extension.

StreetSpec_iS · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2006, 08:40:18 PM »

easiest option is to run ITBs. then you can fit the sparco.

I thought about doing the 'box section' cut and shut on the sparco to make it clear, but i cbf'd. i'l leave the sparco in the garage til im on ITBs. or DASC'd hehe.

Mike 91 318ic · « **Reply #9 on:** July 13, 2006, 09:30:26 PM »

Sorry I don't remember, check their web site.

M

Quote from: asubimmer

awsome, how much was it?

M42boy · « **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2006, 09:33:02 PM »

Quote from: Mike 91 318ic

Bav Auto can get the exact same brace as the Hartge one, and it's made in the same factory (from what I've been told). I have it on my car and IMO it's the best bar around. The IE bar is flimsy and it's a copy of the sparco so I assume it's no better. Also with the Hartge you don't need to drill the shock towers which is not a good idea *imo*

Looks good Mike! Nice to know, and looking at the pictures side to side, they look EXACTLY like the Hartige one in the picture above.

Well, unfortunately, through a situation beyond my control.. my strut towers have been slightly "modified", which is part of my reason for wanting a strut tower brace to begin with... to basically add more reinforcement to that area. And, of course, the cornering stability is a sweet upside as well! :cool:

This may be the next mod! Thanks for the info.
BTW, your engine bay is a close second to that M3 in the cleanliness department! I love the black valve and intake covers.

dino245 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 14, 2006, 10:04:24 AM »

I think you should study the function of a strut bar and the stresses on the car before you buy a bar. I would sudjest reading Gustav,s E30 M3 web sight. He has a PHD in mechanical engineering and has discused the dtrut bar and how it should work. My conclusion is that most bars are made for looks and not function, and thats ok if thats what you are into. My sudjestion for a strut bar is to buy on off of ebay. I know this sounds crazy but there is a guy selling a bar that he is making out of California and it is made properly. His bar accounts for the actual stresses on the strut tower.

Gustav,s sight http://e30m3performance.com/
and the strut bar on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E30-RACING-FRONT-SHOCK-TOWER-STRUT-BAR-STEEL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33591QQihZ017QQitemZ270006898099QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

The bar is made by John Mason, he spent years building real race cars and knows what he is doing, besides he is a realy nice guy.

asubimmer · « **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2006, 12:44:29 PM »

GB possiblility? I would be more than happy to head it up.

M42boy · « **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2006, 04:10:25 PM »

Quote from: asubimmer

GB possiblility? I would be more than happy to head it up.

On which one? I'm inclined to go with the BavAutosport one as it looks like it's proven to fit/work well.

The Ebay one look basically the same design, albeit a little cheaper. I figure for $245, the BavAutosport one looks like pretty much a winner. If we can get that price down, I'm all for it!

The only downside I see to the ones that go all around the strut tower is that it doesn't look like you can really access the top of the shock, which means it isn't real practical to make adjustments via an adjustable camber plate.

The Sparco one looks like it's the best option if you want to run adjustable camber plates. For the BavAuto/Hartge stut tower brace, you will either have to run something like BavAuto's 3/4 deg fixed OE replacement stut bearings or basically leave your camber plate set to a "neutral" setting like 3/4 or 1 deg of neg camber. Of course, that really defeats the purpose of an adjustable plate.

I'm still leaning towards the Bavarian Autosport strut tower brace. It looks great and looks like a very good design.

nickmpower · « **Reply #14 on:** July 14, 2006, 04:28:27 PM »

has anyone inquired about the aluminum ones from the ebay auction? 3lbs seeems pretty light