1st mod: Jonnie Fraz Tension Rod Brace

[Crazyirish]

I decided my first round of modifications would center around stiffening the chassis and replacing worn out suspension pieces. I decided to start with a Jonnie Fraz Tension Rod Brace. (found in the NICO fabricators forum) Jonnie responded quickly to my email, and a bit later I had the parts. (I'm not going to do a thorough how-to as d!ck and Flatblackian have already done so for the s13 and s14 versions, respectively.)



Ignore the crappy silver paint job. The parts were sent with a decent flat black paint job. I just got a little overzealous with a spray can. Everything I needed was included and labeled.



The stock configuration.



Installation was very straight forword and only took a few minutes. Everything bolted together as advertised with no snags. Everything is definitely well engineered.

As others have mentioned, clearance to the sway bar is tight if the suspension is unloaded, but its not impossible to work around.

After installation, I did a bit of driving. Stop & go, highway, and some bumpy roads. The difference is definitely noticeable. The front is smoother and more predictable over bumps and unexpected pavement seams. At highway speeds the ride is improved. Even my girlfriend commented on how much nicer it felt. No real performance driving impressions though. That will have to wait for tires.



Overall I give the product one thumb and one beer up. (I would've given it two thumbs up, but I was drinking.) Jonnie seems like a cool guy to deal with and the workmanship of the parts speaks for itself.

[adrianfromthecastle]

[maj Andres]

[killbillet]

you should get some engine de-greaser, your motor will love you more

[Razi]

I have the brace too.It is a winner in my book, everyone should have this.

It rocks my socks.

[Ghast]

Just cause everyone is doing it.

Good Stuff....

Ghasty

[Chris28]

This will definitely be the next piece I buy for my car. Insufficient funds ftl

[Baby Zilla S14]

wow that looks sweet so how much was the brace or r u you guys going to make me look it up

[freakyjason]

wow that looks sweet so how much was the brace or r u you guys going to make me look it up

zer...age=1

[Crazyirish]

you should get some engine de-greaser, your motor will love you more

I was putting it off until some nice weather. I guess I have no excuse now.

[Jonnie Fraz]

Nice write up! Thanks for the complements! I am glad you like the bar, it realy does make a difference. Just wait until you change out you TC bushings.

Take careJonnie

[White Comet]

i've been meaning to get one of these. i've heard nothing but good things about them. it'll have to wait until the car is running though