Front Strut Brace

[joshalabama]

I know it says in the Welcome to teamzx2 thread that the Mazda 323 strut brace will work. What is the best to go with? Should I just buy one off ebay. I mean what is the best brace that we can use on the zx2? What have other people went with. Thanks!

[Blue ZX2]

Well i just got the cheap like $30 one off ZXtuner, and iv had good luck with it. But Im sure any ol one will work, I mean as long as it sturdy and keeps it from flexing it does the job. No need for a really pricy name brand unit.

[mechtech]

Gt anything that will fit.
We are not in dire need of a brace on our cars.
But there are long term benefits to stiffness [prevents micro fatigue], and sometimes short term for handling.
I got an adjustable RAACTIVE MX3 bar. Fits perfectly.
And don't worry about one piece or adjustable types. When they are tight, they are tight.

[joshalabama]

Would this work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Front-Upper-Up-Strut-Tower-Bar-Mazda-MX3-93-94-95-96-97_W0QQitemZ350050176589QQcmdZViewItem

[Mike]

Yes...

[Canuck]

Marco bar FTMFW!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/2223364313_38362b4492.jpg

[joshalabama]

That looks real nice.

[Fordboy]

ok what about ac lines, are they a hassle to work with, do u go over or under them?

[iceracer]

I went under them on mine.

[Fordboy]

and can it be any year mx3

[Texas Tracer]

Yes

[Blue ZX2]

ok what about ac lines, are they a hassle to work with, do u go over or under them?

No hassel, mine went right under the lines.

[Manbearpig]

Can't believe no one said it...

Corksport!

Besides the uber rare Marco bar...nothing comes close.

[joshalabama]

I ended up buying a cheap bar off ebay.

[Manbearpig]

All strut bars are cosmetic. You won't notice any difference. To be effective the bar needs to tie into the firewall some how.

IE look at the hood under an EVO. See how it ties into the firewall...that bar does 100x the strength any ebay/corksport/marco bar would on the zx2.

http://www.barryelysportscars.co.uk/images/EVO%20Engine.JPG

[mechtech]

MBP - 100X? I'm glad you gave an objective provable number.
Triangulation IS stronger, no doubt. But remember that the loading is in one dimension, not three or four. A simple push/pull on our cars.

BTW - That EVO only uses 2 strut bolts to mount it. We use 3.

[Manbearpig]

MBP - 100X? I'm glad you gave an objective provable number.
Triangulation IS stronger, no doubt. But remember that the loading is in one dimension, not three or four. A simple push/pull on our cars.

BTW - That EVO only uses 2 strut bolts to mount it. We use 3.

My numbers are scientifically determined by a complex formula..

And an extra bolt on each side isn't going to make it any stronger. If 2 bolts can hold the bar in place without moving...an extra isn't going to help.

[Blue ZX2]

Man bear pig does speak the truth. But for 20 bucks or if you fabed one yourself what can it hurt... I may be tieing mine into my firewall this summer.

[Apex]

Tying into the firewall would stiffen the bar further. But if the bar is flexing, then its definetely not just cosmetic, it is still increasing chassis rigidity.

[mechtech]

That same scientific formula shows that the extra mounting bolt is not helpful?

[Manbearpig]

That same scientific formula shows that the extra mounting bolt is not helpful?


Untill you can prove to me that the 3rd bolt on the strut tower makes a difference....yes.

[Manbearpig]

Tying into the firewall would stiffen the bar further. But if the bar is flexing, then its definetely not just cosmetic, it is still increasing chassis rigidity.

Are you trying to say the zx2 bar works or not...I didn't think we were arguing if the EVO bar works or not

[mechtech]

You can't prove a negative.