Not really, I don't have any numbers that would substantiate any sort of conclusion on the effectiveness of these braces, but am still happy with the purchase 6 months later.

Still haven't gotten around to installing the front and rear tie braces, guess the lazy bug hit me pretty hard.

 

I'm going to rain on the parade with a thought, doesn't this just kinda eliminate the crumple zones in that part of the fender?

 

That has already been brought up and I tend to agree with you, though I'm not willing to wreck my Z to test the theory out. All in all, I definitely don't feel endangered because of these fender braces.

 

Yeah. Some guy at a local shop started making them (has a CNC plasma cutter) and was trying to sell me a set. I looked at the G35 he was putting them on, saw the crumple zone creases that he was covering with it and just said "no thanks, probably helps but that looks like a lot of work and $$ for a fairly stock car like mine."

In reality, most PTG cars run the cage bars forward to the strut towers to achieve what this helps to do, but with a caged track car safety equipment changes.

 

They would also be completely worthless if you're into drag racing.

 

I just lived close to a drag strip, I'm getting into road course stuff pretty heavily now. Autox in the Z, and looking for an E36 sedan to build for club racing.

 

Nice, those are some pretty decent times for a stock HR.

 

Subscribed might be getting these in the future.

 

Thanks for the write up! I just finished installing mine.

A couple of comments from my install:

-You can remove the fenders without removing the front bumper or the under diffuser. It makes one of those bolts a real ^&)*(* to get a hold of, but it certainly can be done. The two clips under the diffuser can be pulled just by bending out the diffuser a bit. I'd removed my front bumper on the initial install. I didn't when I had to pull the fender a 2nd time because I found out my passenger door wasn't quite lined up properly.

-It looks like your brace kit came with new bolts to replace the four bolts in the hinges? Mine didn't, and I had to go purchase bolts long enough to reach through. They're M8 standard pitch. If your kit doesn't have replacement bolts, go get 8 before starting this process

-I had no luck keeping the door properly lined up with a friend pushing on it. The best way I found to line the doors up properly is to loosen the four bolts, then open the door about a half an inch (don't drop it ) and lift. You'll feel it hit a little ledge. At that point, crank the four bolts down, and you should be golden.

-Be very careful pulling the fender. On both sides I made some very minor scratches with the tab attached to the fender that sits under the door. It sticks out a couple inches, and is very easy to knock against your car without realizing it.

Thanks again for the write-up. I can't wait to go test these out some. I've got these installed, as well as the two rear gt spec braces. Soon I should have the front brace and mid-ladder installed as well

 

I just did this install last week and it was fairly simple. However, I think I'm going to go back since my fenders are still off and paint over the holes that I drilled to prevent rust from forming in the future (I've got long term plans for this car). This maybe something to keep in mInd for those who plan to do this install in the future.

 

Did you have any trouble getting the fender to fit back under the black part on top? the 2 bolst closest to the headlight on top.

 

I'm having an issue where the fender tab that slides under the core support at the top of the head light won't fit back under. Any tips? Thanks in advance.