Tuning StrutBrace Installed .. first impressions

[MarkRacoon]

HI FF,

Some time ago I bought an OMP strutbrace ... and finally got it installed

Broke a lot of drills and it was quite a hassle to tighten the bolts since space was quite restricted in the damper area underneath the Strut. Also I wasted 1 hour since I realized that I had forgotten to protect the newly drilled holes with paint AFTER having installed the strut - DOH :bang:

Appart from the little DOH's - the Install was pretty straight forward - took me 3,5 hours (without the 1 hour "reinstall") - patience is virtue.

Now to the fun bit.... can I feel it?!

I actually feel the strut working when cornering - especially the harder I fling it into a corner the more firm and rigid the car feels. :yum:

Its probably not going to make my wife go ..."good thing you got that installed - I really get the difference!" but hey as long as I feel the change! :devil:

Also - it really looks cool (pictures coming soon).

Thats it from the StrutBrace adventure for now.

cheerios :slayer:

 

[stormi]

I does it´s job + the looks, what else needed ? Fine job done, Pioneer

 

[MarkRacoon]

I does it´s job + the looks, what else needed ? Fine job done, Pioneer

Pioneer... hihihi ... well that must be a first for me then but thanx.

Saw you on the german forum bravo-info.info nice! ... They DO actually speak english... thinking about joining as well

cheerios

 

[stormi]

Yes, a member there also Are you going to join the Finnish FTCF ?

Ok, post some pics when you have the time. Will be interesting to see
those.

 

[stormi]

Mark. Can you give the name/ model of the OMP´ strut and a code
number, if some day somebody else want to buy that also, thanks

 

[MarkRacoon]

Mark. Can you give the name/ model of the OMP´ strut and a code
number, if some day somebody else want to buy that also, thanks

Sure... it doesn't say OMP on the brace but I was told by MW-Motorsport (where I bought it) that it was an OMP.

Heres the link where I bought it:

https://www.italo-tuning.de/product_info.php?cPath=1_98_2687&products_id=13853

And heres the link (in german though :/) on how to install it (with some photos):

http://www.fiat-bravo.info/thread.php?threadid=4442

Cheerios

 

[custard]

not that you really need the text but

Installation of a cathedral prop Fiat Bravo 198 one needs: 1 Kreuzschlitz screwdriver 1 slot screwdriver 1 13er ring spanner bent and nut Ratchet and extension 1 17er thin spanner 1 22er thin spanner 1 5er Allen key 1 grains Edding 1 hammer 1 cable strap 1 Bohrmachine and drill in 3,5mm/5,5mm/6,5mm/7,5mm/8,0mm/8,5mm size of 6 screws of the quantity M8 x 20 (high-grade steel) 6 suitable self-locking nuts (high-grade steel) 12 wearing parts (high-grade steel) a little patience and time lot go to ' s: Car to turn off and approximately roll away secure (tighten emergency brake) hood in fig. 1: The windshield wipers must be dismounted (13er key) then must the plastic screen off. The 4 cross-notched screws (A) and the 2 socket-head cap screws (B) remove. Rubber sealing rim take off. Then the screen carefully remove. (a little wedges in the corners) fig. 2: The underlying black sheet metal (see fig. 1) must away. Remove in addition the 9 socket-head cap screws (C). At the cathedrals the Verbindungstecker of the ABS of cable separates and with side puts (D).

(Caution: Starting from this moment, there you switch no more ignition on otherwise an error of the ABS in the BC have) the cable support (e) from the small screw mounting (front seat passenger side) to remove. This is not no more needed. Now place is to be put on around the prop to adjust and mark. Cathedral prop (the thread to it should be loose) to present and align in such a way that the ends on impact at the cathedral edges rest upon. If it sits with that grains/Edding the boreholes marks.

Prop again away, a little courage and spits and goes to ' S. fig. 3 loosely: Pre-drill and so for a long time the drills change to that of eight hole made is. The rear hole I 8,5mm large made, since one can there only easily diagonally bore (there over it still another sheet metal is in the way) if the holes is finished cathedral prop again to present and test whether all screws to fit. If their which wrong made. if necessary work on the holes some more. If the screws fit then all, the boreholes must be still sealed.

I a normal touch-up stick in addition took. If the color is drying, the assembly can begin. Jack car up, dismount wheels (for more freedom of movement), prop present, screws by the holes and the nuts from downside tighten. (13er key and ratchet Extension)

it is a little gefummel and palpation work however it goes. If the screws on both sides are firmly car the legs place and the prop thread tighten. (17er/22er thin spanner) now still the ABS plug again together puts and fixes (caution: on the front seat passenger side does not fit any longer into his original position. with a cable strap the piece further down fastened. (see fig. 4) fig. 4: All before removed in reverse order again together set, test run and make happy which one is finished!

Data without guarantee. For possible assembly and consequence error I am not responsible! This How ton of DO serves only for the illustration, as one could make it. This description is valid for the 1,4 for t-jet engine. The assembly with other motorizing can deviate possibly. To questions and suggestions can announce you to it gladly to me. greeting steve Red229 attached these pictures (reduced versions):

 

[stormi]

^^ Thank you both ! A shame that Eibach doesn´t have these ... yet.

 

[erda]

hey, that is my How To Do! it is really nice to read it in english!

 

[stormi]

Different languages, same interests ...

 

[erda]

Different languages, same interests ...

that's the main thing!:slayer:

 

[MarkRacoon]

that's the main thing!:slayer:

Hi Erda,

So youre the one that installed the strutbrace and did the how to thanx alot for the advice... it helped me alot... so now we are two with strut braces

I have been following the german forum a lot ... was also wondering whether I should join... but though I understand quite a bit of german I am really not that good at writing it myself

cheerios

 

[MarkRacoon]

^^ Thank you both ! A shame that Eibach doesn´t have these ... yet.

yup ... I would rather have had Eibach but OMP is a well respected brand as well i guess.

Hope that somebody will do the roll bar soon... the original is not that effective with the harder Eibach springs

 

[erda]

Hi Erda,

So youre the one that installed the strutbrace and did the how to thanx alot for the advice... it helped me alot... so now we are two with strut braces

I have been following the german forum a lot ... was also wondering whether I should join... but though I understand quite a bit of german I am really not that good at writing it myself

cheerios

so you are the first in denmark and i in germany!
you are welcome in our forum! you can see, we write also in english al well as we can. and the rest know's the google translator! german is not necessary!

back to topic: you notice the strutbrace? driving curves is an awesome feeling! it' feels like an other car!

 

[MarkRacoon]

so you are the first in denmark and i in germany!
you are welcome in our forum! you can see, we write also in english al well as we can. and the rest know's the google translator! german is not necessary!

back to topic: you notice the strutbrace? driving curves is an awesome feeling! it' feels like an other car!

Cool - I think I will join soon then

back to topic

As I wrote ealier in this post it probably takes more than a "normal" user to notice the difference... but I deffinately notice the difference... the best way I can describe it is that I can almost visualize the front of the car being much more a rigid box when cornering with determination.

I definately think its worth the €'s :yum: ... Strut Brace for the WIN!