R50 Strut Brace - MINI Cooper Forum

samjacko123 · #1 (**permalink**) Sep 2nd, 2012, 12:32 PM

Just been looking at making a few teaks to the cooper.

Have read a lot of reviews about strut braces and a lot of people seem to think they are not worth fitting unless you've had the engine modified.

Just wanted to know your opinions as I don't want to add unnecessary weight to the car.

I only have a 125bhp R50 Cooper.

Sam

The Nun · #2 (**permalink**) Sep 2nd, 2012, 02:27 PM

I doubt you will notice much if you drive normally and it will like you say add weight, only a little, but still weight.
They are fitted for racing and high performance handling on the limit to stiffen up the suspension towers to stop the natural flexing, I think most fit them just for show, if it was an absolute necessity they would be fitted as standard.

Hartge220 · #3 (**permalink**) Sep 2nd, 2012, 02:48 PM

Very good mod imo, noticed the difference on mine instantly, car feels much more planted on turn in & generally 'tighter' at the front, we all love the go-kart type handling of our cars & these just make it better

.

Best one to get (again, imo) is the GTT one GT TUNING PERFORMANCE Brakes/Suspensions etc quite expensive brand new, but they occaisionally come up for sale second hand

spikeyadrian · #4 (**permalink**) Sep 2nd, 2012, 05:36 PM

I fitted the GTT strut brace on my 2004 Cooper.
It does make it handle a bit better, better into corners etc.
Also, looks FAB under the bonnet!

samjacko123 · #5 (**permalink**) Sep 2nd, 2012, 05:50 PM

Thanks for the replies

I will have a look at the GTT. How much do they weigh? They look under 2kg

Sam

The Nun · #6 (**permalink**) Sep 2nd, 2012, 06:46 PM

I had one on of my other cars, a Peugeot 205 16v Gutmann, I couldnt feel any difference to speak of comparing before or after and that was fast, perhaps because it was so good anyway to start with.
I think some of its down to the placebo effect, youve paid a fortune for it so it must work.
I wont bother on the MINI.

Hartge220 · #7 (**permalink**) Sep 2nd, 2012, 08:48 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by The Nun (original)

I think some of its down to the placebo effect, youve paid a fortune for it so it must work.
I wont bother on the MINI.

Then you'll never know

Do a search on all MINI forums for reviews on upper strut braces

Why are you so bothered about the extra weight of a strut brace? The benefits of better handling far outweigh any minor increase in overall weight