Front (Upper) Strut Brace

[ChrisUK]

Morning

Just to give you a bit of info really if your thinking of getting a front strut brace....

I know most people opt for the Audi S3 strut brace or OMP version, and have either had to put up with the vibration on the engine cover, remove the engine cover or modify it.

Edit: It appears this only rubs on the diesel covers......

I got an adjustable Sparco Leon MK1 brace from Demon Tweeks the other week & had it fitted on Sat by Pete @ Bell Auto's, and it doesn't even come close to the engine cover.

In fact there is a good inch between the strut & engine cover, I was well pleased

Much improvement in handling around corners from standard.

So, just an alternative to the "normal" options - I'll get pics up at some point today if possible

 

[jonjay]

I am going to have my lower and upper struts fitted this month, just need to chase the tuners. Reason why I am opting for Audi struts is that they look totally OEM.

You will get more of an improvement Chris if you get suspension, trust me the difference is out of this world.

 

[kez]

i fitted my s3 brace at the weekend, too. it's also nowhere near the engine cover.

did have to grind a little off to get it past the bonnet lifter, but no major drama.

drilling the turrets was a bit nerve wracking, with no one to hold the bonnet out of the way. had to do most of them left handed

also had to cut a section out of my jabbasport heatshield for it to pass through.

i'll also get pics later.

 

[ChrisUK]

You will get more of an improvement Chris if you get suspension, trust me the difference is out of this world.

Don't tempt me, spent far too much on this car lol - I'm getting a bike as well though, booked my CBT & lessons.....

 

[RikH]

got to remember the diesels, LC's and LCR's have different covers due to different engine

fitting the strut brace gave me no engine cover issues, it was fitting th TIP that did

 

[RobM]

The Audi S3 one is the one on my shopping list, as I like the OEM look

 

[ChrisUK]

Ah right !

I've only seen a few diesel covers & everyone of the with a strut has it rubbing & vibrating, I'll edit the title.......

 

[RikH]

drama queen

 

[jonjay]

Don't tempt me, spent far too much on this car lol - I'm getting a bike as well though, booked my CBT & lessons.....

Thats it now Chris, every thread you post from now on I am going to pressure you into wanting some....

 

[jonjay]

The Audi S3 one is the one on my shopping list, as I like the OEM look

I was going to go for a red FK one but seeing Slicks it just looked right with the car. So much so if you ever sold it no one would really know unless they of course knew about the car they were buying.

 

[RobM]

That's what I like! Same reason I have a black TIP and will replace other standard hoses with black silicone ones

 

[RikH]

reason i took the s3 brace exactly
but i got blue pipework, cos im a chav tart-or am i
lol

 

[kez]

i've gone for blue hoses, too. apart from the lower intercooler ones, which aren't seen anyway.

 

[Phillc]

i am looking to do this aswell i have done a lot of searching to find more info and got loads, but i couldnt find the part numbers for the lower front and upper front strut braces, i found the rear lower so thats not a problem.
Cheers.

 

[Avant4me]

S3 Brace self fitting?

i fitted my s3 brace at the weekend, too. it's also nowhere near the engine cover.

did have to grind a little off to get it past the bonnet lifter, but no major drama.

drilling the turrets was a bit nerve wracking, with no one to hold the bonnet out of the way. had to do most of them left handed

also had to cut a section out of my jabbasport heatshield for it to pass through.

i'll also get pics later.

I was thinking about doing it myself but a previous thread advised against it due to needing to drop the chasis legs out and the thickness of the steel to drill through. How did you find it??
Matt

 

[kez]

not bad, really. drilled the holes, then jacked it up to allow a bit more room to get the bolts in.

if you're doing it yourself, make sure you use a centre punch to mark where you want the holes, then drill a pilot hole (6mm) then use the 8mm bit. you MUST use HSS drill bits.

it's also easier if you take the bonnet lifter off, and get someone to hold the bonnet out the way

final tip: get someone to hold a vacuum cleaner while you're drilling. there's rather a lot of metal filings produced !

 

[ChrisUK]

Damn - forgot about this thread, I was meant to post some pics up.....

I will do if it ever stops raining !!!

 

[Phillc]

Hello, any chance of the part numbers for the upper and lower braces?
Thanks again

 

[Balf2k]

Guys, I have my S3 brace ready to go on, I read somewhere that someone recommended M8 x 35mm bolts, I got some from work but the holes in the strut brace can easily accomodate M10 bolts, tha M8's are nowhere near the size of the large holes. Should I use the M8 bolts I have or get some M10 ones? Confused

 

[kez]

i used bolts from B&Q - the ones labeled '416' think they were M8

by the time i used spring washers and threadlock, they weren't going anywhere

just use whichever fit the best. slightly smaller ones might allow you some leeway with positioning. if you sue bigger bolts you'll have to get the holes spot on.