Strut Brace

chevaps · 07-08-2005, 04:43 PM

I went to WA suspensions the other day with the intention of getting a strut brace for my car. They are a Whiteline dealer and they got one in for me ASAP. But the problem was it didnt fit, it was designed for the ST170 only. So dissapointed, i went and did a bit of research and found it didnt fit because of the different throttle body positions of the Duratec and Zetec engines.

So what did i do, i rang Whiteline and asked why there wasnt one for the Zetec variant, they put me on hold for no more than 30s and got back to me saying that they hadnt even considered it, and they dont understand why they didnt make one, so my call had in fact prompted them to consider making one. They were fully aware of the different throttle body positions as well.
They said that they would propose it to the R&D team and see what they can come up with.

So now i ask how many of youz would be interested in getting a strut brace. Because the only way they'll make one is if they can see there is an interest for them. From what ive heard and read, Whiteline's products and packages a great and really show with figures on the track.

Tom

simonr · 07-08-2005, 05:47 PM

Not too familar with the brand,

but of course there is a decent market out there for zetec struts...

whippet_zetec · 07-08-2005, 08:22 PM

I thought I had seen a strut brace by Eibach for the Zetec Focus.......cant find the link to where I saw the pic...(could be wrong too)

king_pin · 07-08-2005, 09:20 PM

There are a few strut braces available for the Zetec engine

http://www.newedgeperformance.com/in...TS&Category=80

chevaps · 07-08-2005, 10:49 PM

Yeh there's plenty of stuff available overseas, especially in the US, but im still waiting on some H&R springs to come from the US and its been 4.5 weeks. I just cant be f**ked waiting that long after paying for the goods. Id prefer something local of which you get when you pay, none of this 6 week delay crap.
If theres something available from Eibach and we can get a hold of it through Eibach Aus, then id be interested.

Tom

Timmeh · 08-08-2005, 07:35 AM

I'd be interested, but it would have to be a competitive price I guess. Custom jobs can cost alot of cash, you're paying for the R+D for other peoples products, being some of the first to buy them. But if the price was right, sure, I would.

Tim

melbzetec · 08-08-2005, 05:23 PM

An interesting quote from the Haymes /Max Power Focus guide to modifying:

"The strut brace (in theory) does exactly what it says on the tin, by providing support between the strut tops, taking the load off the bodyshell.

Where this falls down slightly (for road use) is that

(1) no-one's going to have the car set that stiff
(2) no-one's going to drive that hard, and
(3) the Focus shell isn't exactly made out of tin foil.

The strut brace may have a slight effect, but the real reason to fit one is for SHOW- and why not?

You're looking at parting with up to 100 of your finest English Pounds, but your mates will be impressed and the girls will love it- and you can't put a price on that!"

Is it really worth the price? Fine if you want it for show, but why get someone to design and engineer one when it will have dubious performance benefits?

Plenty of people make them, including Momo for gawd's sake, so shouldn't be hard to find one

whippet_zetec · 08-08-2005, 05:51 PM

well some people like a bit of bling on their car so good luck to them...me personally, I would rather get one of those nice stainless engine covers for my bling...

melbzetec · 08-08-2005, 06:45 PM

Aaaaah. Nothing wrong with a bit of bling. Partial to it myself sometimes. Just as long as you admit to yourself that that's the reason you're doing it.

chevaps · 08-08-2005, 09:46 PM

Ok, well a strut brace does have some benefits when fitted. But yes, the major thing is that it does look sick under the bonnet. A big shiny bar running across the engine bay. Or even a carbon fibre one. But i think id prefer the shiny one

Tom

WRC1AB · 09-08-2005, 12:46 AM

Hay Tom (chivaps)
I wish I told you and the rest of the people on this forum that the same thing
happened to me with the strut bar about 3 moths ago.
I ordered it through wheels world Osborne Park.
It did not fit very disapointed.
From what I know is the 1.8L may have a slight difference to the 2L aswell.
I am Definetly up for a strut bar.
Since your in Perth we should order them togeather and save on shipment and
maybe get them cheaper.
Anyway thats the only thing my car need, I have the compleat whitline sus kit
including the front/rear swaybar.
And they make a huge difference to body roll and car stiffness.

chevaps · 09-08-2005, 07:58 PM

Hey Nick, im going to see how this strut brace thing goes, then do some more suspension work in the form of anti-roll bars etc when i get my car lowered. How much firmer is the ride now??

Tom

WRC1AB · 11-08-2005, 10:09 PM

well first I got my springs and shock kit, which made cornering much better cos of the stiffer springs.
This made the car change direction much faster and increased the corner speed.
I have 3 sets if island/roundabouts on one street,perfect test track.
Results:
Standard avg speed around the zig-zag road was around 70 kmh( this with a bit of fear).
With springs and shock= it went upto 80 kph much quicker responce and the backend follows much better.(less understeer)
Sus kit + front and back swaybar kit = 90 kph and thats with caution (keeping in mind stray kids on bikes, god forbide it ever happens).
this made it responde even quicker and is very stiff.
I can make the backend flick out without worrying of loosing it, all i do is lift of the gas peddle and let the front wheel drive do its thing.
BTW: I am not a hoon and do not promote these types of activities on public roads.
Oh and I also do Autokhanas, that helps.
(next on Belmont carpark 21 Aug)8am-1pm.