[737flyer]

Hi,

I have a new (08) Cooper. Does anybody think getting a JCW strut brace would do much to the handling of a Cooper?

Also, do you think it would help stop so many rattles in the interior of the car?

Any thought would be greatly received,

thanks

[ian67]

I dont think it would alter handling that much,it would just stiffen up the chasis. I think they can make turning into corners a bit sharper/quicker but it probably wouldnt be that noticeable

[Mini-Trainer]

If your taking the car on the track YES
If your not NO

Allot of money for a cosmetic piece of equipment know one ever see's

Rams

[737flyer]

oh ok, but does anyone have any thoughts on it firming up the car and therefore help to stop the interior rattling so much??

[MINIAC]

Firming things up will only make rattles worse

[Mini-Trainer]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

Firming things up will only make rattles worse

Beat me to it!!!

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

Firming things up will only make rattles worse

Firming the suspension up makes things worse, firming the body up makes it better.

Yes, bracing the body will help to prevent twist and that kills rattles. I run a late R53 Cooper S with 4 substantial additional braces and, even with 22,000 miles, it's almost completely rattle and squeak free!

The only problem is that the JCW item is little more than cosmetic (it's far too flimsy) and is very unlikely to achieve anything (though it's very shiny when you open the bonnet!). I'm not yet aware of an aftermarket version for the R56 that actually works. Save your money for the moment and wait for the aftermarket to make a real one!

Tigger.

PS: This is how substantial a brace needs to be to have any affect:

[tommo13]

And don't forget to tell your insurance company you fitted it if you do !