chassis braces
chassis braces
How much more can a 90 Q45's chassis be stiffened using chassis braces? I am aware that manufacturers use chassis braces on convertables to offset the loss of structural integrity of an open top. Also, how about using a combination of tower braces, structural foam, chassis braces? Would this be overboard?
Re: chassis braces
No.90azQ45 wrote: Would this be overboard?
-
Q45tech
- Moderator
- Posts: 14296
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
The Q is not very stiff compared to 2002 cars, if the factory felt it was necessary to install a front strut brace in the 97 and above you can be sure there was some positive imorovement and in reaction to something they found.
After I installed mine the steering precision was greatly improved and the flex on rough roads was reduced.
"First up on the Altima designers's wish list was "a sportier driving feel -- without compromising the car's outstanding ride comfort. The multi-faceted solution was found in a combination of increased body stiffness, controlled ride motion, and a firmer, sportier steering feel."
Body stiffness was improved through the use of a new rear tunnel brace and the addition of a front strut tower brace on models with 16-inch wheels and tires. Front and rear stabilizer bar diameters were increased (by 20 per cent) to reduce body roll, and lower profile 205/55R16 tires were added to improve lateral response. """In order to provide the Sebring coupe with more precise and responsive handling, DCX increased the two-door's body rigidity by 90 percent in bending and 9 percent in torsion, and added a front strut tower brace, front and rear sway bars, and a rigid rear suspension toe link bushing. "
Every manufacturer is going for bracing since the improvement vs cost is great.
"Now, ya wanna tell if your towers are flexing before you spring for themoney for the bar? Take a length of thin monofilament fishing line and runit tightly under the bolts of your strut towers. Cinch it down good andtight, with tension on the line and run it so there is a clean run on theline from one end to the other with no obtrusions. Now go out and play onyour favorite road. Make the car work hard in the turns. Come back home,pop the hood and if the fishing line is not broken in two, your towers arenot flexing. IF the line is broken, install an underbody X-Brace off theCabs (if E36) then go out and do the test again. Break the line, theninstall a strut bar.
You can also look at the welded area where the strut tower is joined to theinner fender. If your car is flexing, the paint will be cracked at theseam."
After I installed mine the steering precision was greatly improved and the flex on rough roads was reduced.
"First up on the Altima designers's wish list was "a sportier driving feel -- without compromising the car's outstanding ride comfort. The multi-faceted solution was found in a combination of increased body stiffness, controlled ride motion, and a firmer, sportier steering feel."
Body stiffness was improved through the use of a new rear tunnel brace and the addition of a front strut tower brace on models with 16-inch wheels and tires. Front and rear stabilizer bar diameters were increased (by 20 per cent) to reduce body roll, and lower profile 205/55R16 tires were added to improve lateral response. """In order to provide the Sebring coupe with more precise and responsive handling, DCX increased the two-door's body rigidity by 90 percent in bending and 9 percent in torsion, and added a front strut tower brace, front and rear sway bars, and a rigid rear suspension toe link bushing. "
Every manufacturer is going for bracing since the improvement vs cost is great.
"Now, ya wanna tell if your towers are flexing before you spring for themoney for the bar? Take a length of thin monofilament fishing line and runit tightly under the bolts of your strut towers. Cinch it down good andtight, with tension on the line and run it so there is a clean run on theline from one end to the other with no obtrusions. Now go out and play onyour favorite road. Make the car work hard in the turns. Come back home,pop the hood and if the fishing line is not broken in two, your towers arenot flexing. IF the line is broken, install an underbody X-Brace off theCabs (if E36) then go out and do the test again. Break the line, theninstall a strut bar.
You can also look at the welded area where the strut tower is joined to theinner fender. If your car is flexing, the paint will be cracked at theseam."