AC-Schnitzer Style Front Strut Brace

[srhutch]

So the point on the middle triangle pointing towards the front of the car?

The rounded mounts at the end which the suspension struts screw through do twist and are not fixed solid.

If that doesnt work im half tempted to get some round 15mm thick discs made to lift the bar high enough to miss the engine and filler cap

If you added 15mm discs you would probably hit the bonnet. Just something to think about.

 

[NathanZ4C]

Well it appear a little bit of cushioning between the brace and the oil cap has done the job

 

[Stug]

Looks good buddy. However I don't like the idea of it actually resting on the oil cap. Cushioned or not. ..

 

[NathanZ4C]

There's no a lot in it once I'd got everything seated correctly. So it's not like it's heavily bent over.

I have only 3 options as I see it.

1. Leave it as it is.
2. Find a way to raise it.
3. Sell it on.

 

[Stug]

There's no a lot in it once I'd got everything seated correctly. So it's not like it's heavily bent over.

I have only 3 options as I see it.

1. Leave it as it is.
2. Find a way to raise it.
3. Sell it on.

Option 4. Get it machined slightly to give you clearance?
Option 5 get someone else to try it on their 3.0si coupe to see if the problem is with your car? Lol

 

[srhutch]

Think I would go with option 4. Looks as if the centre section is already thinner, not that that helps you.

 

[NathanZ4C]

After reading some very old posts I'm pretty sure it's not a problem with my car. More that the brace is better suited to a different engine.

If I get it machined then I've got to get it repainted too

 

[srhutch]

After reading some very old posts I'm pretty sure it's not a problem with my car. More that the brace is better suited to a different engine.

If I get it machined then I've got to get it repainted too

Don't see why, you would only remove some material from the underside.

 

[Stug]

After reading some very old posts I'm pretty sure it's not a problem with my car. More that the brace is better suited to a different engine.

Ahhh that was really just a poor attempt at getting you to give me your brace lol... I would just get it machined slightly buddy.

 

[Wa'ya]

I have a question, (excuse my stupidity) but when mounting a brace like this is there any precautions you take to avoid messing with your alignment? I really like the design of this brace, and I have access to a cnc plasma cutter. I was thinking about designing something similar and having it cut out of plate metal, except having a ring designed into the layout to miss, and provide access to the oil cap, since mine is a N52.

 

[NathanZ4C]

The brace has 2 mounting plates that the bar connects to. The bar has a wider hole to allow for adjustment and so it can be bolted down into place on the mounting plates when the car is level. I think you either have to manufacture the brace near perfect if it's going to be a solid piece or allow for adjustment with the way it's mounted.

 

[srhutch]

I have a question, (excuse my stupidity) but when mounting a brace like this is there any precautions you take to avoid messing with your alignment? I really like the design of this brace, and I have access to a cnc plasma cutter. I was thinking about designing something similar and having it cut out of plate metal, except having a ring designed into the layout to miss, and provide access to the oil cap, since mine is a N52.

There is a camber pin to stop the strut from moving whe the bolts are loosened. That along with the wheels being on the ground ensure nothing moves.

 

[Wa'ya]

Yeah I was looking at the adjustment bolts side to side where the cross member bolts to the mounting plates, I don't see a problem with that. My concern was to mount the plates you have to unbolt all 3 bolts I was wondering if there was a chance of something slipping and messing up when doing this? Again I have no experience with the alignment process and I was wondering about that.

Also I'm guessing you would want this made out of aluminum or some light weight metal? and what thickness do you think (not sure the conversion) but I'm thinking 3/8 to 1/2 inch

 

[Wa'ya]

I have a question, (excuse my stupidity) but when mounting a brace like this is there any precautions you take to avoid messing with your alignment? I really like the design of this brace, and I have access to a cnc plasma cutter. I was thinking about designing something similar and having it cut out of plate metal, except having a ring designed into the layout to miss, and provide access to the oil cap, since mine is a N52.

There is a camber pin to stop the strut from moving whe the bolts are loosened. That along with the wheels being on the ground ensure nothing moves.

Ok, yeah I can see that. I think I'm gonna take some measurements and start playing around with an idea on cad.