GTSPEC Fender Braces - Review + Pics
09-06-2007, 12:54 PM
#25
That is beautiful.
I was waiting for GT spec to release these for the Z. I remember they had them for the subaru guys for quite a while and I kept drooling over it. I might ****** me a pair for sure. These things + the lower gt spec bars are a great combination to stiffen up the chassis of the Z.
Great write-up, and I love the car guys. Keep up the magnificent work!
I was waiting for GT spec to release these for the Z. I remember they had them for the subaru guys for quite a while and I kept drooling over it. I might ****** me a pair for sure. These things + the lower gt spec bars are a great combination to stiffen up the chassis of the Z.
Great write-up, and I love the car guys. Keep up the magnificent work!
09-06-2007, 07:29 PM
#30
First, PHENOMENAL writeup on installation and driving impressions!
I am interested in this product, but must admit that I am somewhat skeptical of it's benefit. Those two bolts towards the wheel well don't strike me as providing major chassis stiffening support (maybe they are contoured to the chassis, making the bolts only a marginal part of the overall support). Also, I am trying to run through the physics of how this bar will provide a tangible gain in chassis rigidity given its location (is there really that much flex in that ~1.5 ft of real estate?). For hardcore racers, or even occasional weekend racers (such as myself), I do understand that "every little bit counts," but my question is will adding this brace provide a tangible benefit when measured against the effort in installation and added weight (marginal, I know)?
Your thoughts are welcome to make me sleep better about my eventual purchase
(Thx again to GTSPEC for the great products and to SinCity350Z for the detailed writeup).
I am interested in this product, but must admit that I am somewhat skeptical of it's benefit. Those two bolts towards the wheel well don't strike me as providing major chassis stiffening support (maybe they are contoured to the chassis, making the bolts only a marginal part of the overall support). Also, I am trying to run through the physics of how this bar will provide a tangible gain in chassis rigidity given its location (is there really that much flex in that ~1.5 ft of real estate?). For hardcore racers, or even occasional weekend racers (such as myself), I do understand that "every little bit counts," but my question is will adding this brace provide a tangible benefit when measured against the effort in installation and added weight (marginal, I know)?
Your thoughts are welcome to make me sleep better about my eventual purchase
(Thx again to GTSPEC for the great products and to SinCity350Z for the detailed writeup).
09-06-2007, 08:37 PM
#31
Thanks guitman32!
The brace itself takes the majority of the load not the bolts, so the triangulation of the brace is actually the part that provides the strenght, not so much the bolts that hold it to the fender. Think of it kinda like a mini roll cage for your fender. When a car rolls, its the shape of the bars that keep it from colapsing, not the bolts or welds that connect it to the frame. Make sense?
Maybe GTSPEC can step in and get all mathmatical on us?
The brace itself takes the majority of the load not the bolts, so the triangulation of the brace is actually the part that provides the strenght, not so much the bolts that hold it to the fender. Think of it kinda like a mini roll cage for your fender. When a car rolls, its the shape of the bars that keep it from colapsing, not the bolts or welds that connect it to the frame. Make sense?
Maybe GTSPEC can step in and get all mathmatical on us?
LoL.... Can't wait to hear further results as well as for the G's.
09-07-2007, 05:49 AM
#40
Originally Posted by SinCity350Z
Thanks guitman32!
The brace itself takes the majority of the load not the bolts, so the triangulation of the brace is actually the part that provides the strenght, not so much the bolts that hold it to the fender. Think of it kinda like a mini roll cage for your fender. When a car rolls, its the shape of the bars that keep it from colapsing, not the bolts or welds that connect it to the frame. Make sense?
Maybe GTSPEC can step in and get all mathmatical on us?
The brace itself takes the majority of the load not the bolts, so the triangulation of the brace is actually the part that provides the strenght, not so much the bolts that hold it to the fender. Think of it kinda like a mini roll cage for your fender. When a car rolls, its the shape of the bars that keep it from colapsing, not the bolts or welds that connect it to the frame. Make sense?
Maybe GTSPEC can step in and get all mathmatical on us?
Hmm, I get the concept, but I'm not sure I agree with the analogy. From the looks of the brace, it contacts the chassis in 3 distinct points. Any force to counteract chassis flex the brace provides (which, to your point, is a direct function of the triangulation) will be transferred to the chassis through these 3 points. I posit therefore, that these 3 points are absolutely critical to ensure the brace's effectiveness. If there is a weak link at the front mounting point, then the brace's chassis stiffening ability *could* be compromised.
Your thoughts?
For GTSPEC and everyone else, Id like to reiterate (in case this post comes off as harsh - got to love the internet
)that I am not questioning the purpose of this brace. I am sure it provides a benefit, however small or great. All I am really trying to assess is on which end of the spectrum said benefit lies, and maybe get some details to back it up!