Has anyone added a midchassis brace such as the Tanabe 4 point or the GT Spec 4 point with a dual exhaust and what has been your experience? I had the Stillen unit on and it worked as advertised,but I could not get adequate clearance for the dual exhaust system I have so that it didn't rattle under load(the Fast Intentions Intimidator) and the midpoint peaked design drug on every transition I normally encounter in my day with only a 3/4" drop on my 2007 Z. This is not meant to be a criticism of the Stillen brace, because functionally it worked very well,and is well made. It just was not the right combination for my mix of mods. I really miss having this type of brace but can't keep buying braces until one clears. Help!

 

I have the Tanabe 4 point mid brace and i'm running the stock nismo suspension with a custom made exhaust. So far I've learned to angle my car around speed bumps and such so really no problem for me, as far as handling wise...I couldn't tell the difference but my dual piping was fab'ed to clear it.

 

Just installed one of those @ my buddy's car. So far so good.. he's not bitchin or anything about rubbing or hitting issues. Perfect fit actually... looks good under the car lol...

This is the one he bought...



He is dropped.. but not sure how low. I think he's running GF210s or something.

 

Thanks so much for your help! The Tanabe is the one I was considering most seriously. I called Tanabe and they thought that there would be enough clearance as well. I'll let everyone know how it turns out!

 

did you order one?

 

the GT Spec fits much closer to the underside of the car than the Tanabe...which is a good thing. I've yet to run into any clearance issues with it on any exhaust. The Tanabe is a nice piece, but sits way (too) lower...unecessarily so IMHO, causing scaping depending on the rideheight

 

I haven't ordered one yet,DangerZone. Z1,that's great information-exactly what I wanted to hear. Does the GT Spec quality and performance justify it's difference in cost over the Tanabe? The website shows the midpoint chassis brace by GT Spec as only fitting through 2006. Is that correct,or will it fit the 2007 as well?

 

fits all year Z's

IMHO, the fitment alone makes the GT Spec one worth the money vs the Tanabe

 

I just ordered the Gt-Spec unit,and will report on clearances and performance when I get it installed. Thanks again for everyones input!

 

Any updates on clearance/fitment on this?

 

my gt spec fits great with my aam 3" true dual. im also lowered on bc coils. not slammed to the floor but finger gap between each tire and fender. it scrapes on alot of things like speedbumps, etc. but better that than my exhaust setup, so to me that makes it worth it

 

Did you notice any noticeable changes in handling? I have heard the it is negligible...

Seems like i have heard of better results with fender braces than these under braces (f or R)...

 

the tanabe and gt spec mount in 2 of the same holes but the other 2 mount in different locations. the tanabe mounts forward more while the gt spec mounts rearward. Ive heard people able to run both at the same time. Also heard that the tanabe sits lower than the gt spec so will scrape more if thats an issue

 

In general these kinds of braces do nothing to improve the handling of the 350Z on street tires. Even on DOT-R tires and/or slicks you'll need spring rates up in the 600s or more to see any possible benefit from improvements in chassis stiffness. You just can't generate loads high enough to create measurable chassis movement in the areas these braces reinforce until you're pulling 1.25 Gs or more.

 

From all the pics i have seen i have to agree that pretty much ALL the alternative brands, whether it be megan or tanabe, sit noticeably lower than the GT spec stuff...

Thanks for the info, sorry for bringing back up an old thread...but OP left us hanging