(next up) The New GTT Lower Front Chassis Brace+ pics

[GoodFinder]

Roland - Thanks and there are a number of pics of the underside of the GP over at Ian Cull's wonderful site The GPMINI go to the "gallery" link and in the "2006 General" folder there is a hyperlink to "Charlie's GP was Up on a Lift" folder and that has a number of different pics to the underside of the GP.

[obehave]

Roland;
Look at picture 9 of 12 on this page.
Looks like it should work fine.

There's a large closeup of the following pic linked on that page.

[roland2003]

Thanks Obe, yes it looks like it will be fine. Should the brace need spacing down a few mm to clear the subframe we can supply (no charge) some shims.
Best Regards Roland GTT

[obehave]

Roland. There's a rumor you're working on something along the same lines for the rear of the car.
Any truth to this?


I was glad to find that the bar I bought from you adds to the already nice improvement the OMP bar I have.
For anyone looking for improved handling I'd suggest getting both bars.

[MiniBimmer]

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave (original)

Don't have Roland's unit ( which is much more attractive than mine ) but I can tell you this is money well spent. Berthil and I both did writeups on the OMP unit and I'm sure this is as good or better than that unit.

You will notice more suspension compliance. My wife noticed the car rode smoother. I did notice a small amount of understeer but that is easily corrected and to me it was a worthy trade off for the improvements gained. In my experience this has a more positive improvement than an upper strut bar.

I didn't see it noted but the bolts used are one time stretch to torque units and should not be reused. It'd be nice to see them included with the bar. Hint hint

Hello
Thanks For reply me Obehave.

Which is the difference of "GTT Lower Mid Chassis Brace" and the "GTT Lower Front Chassis Brace"

Best Regards

Best Regards

[GTT 280]

You gotta be joking right?

The clue is in the questions - "MID" / "FRONT".

Both are lower, but one is more frontal than the other, here look....



The black chunky unit is the GTT "MID" lower brace. The red unit is the OMP "FRONT" lower brace.

Cheers,
K.

[MiniBimmer]

Hello
Thanks for reply 260GTT.

I Know the two unit´s it´s better...

I now only go to put one of them, in your opinion which the best choice (MID or Front)?

Best Regards

[Haggi]

front even thow ive only got an omp one its made soo much differnace at the bottom front its worth it as the one to have if your only fitting one

[MiniBimmer]

Hello
Thanks, I go to order one for the front

Roland do you have Lower Front Chassis Brace in black finish?

Best Regards

[roland2003]

Hi Guys, I think the mid chassis brace may be of marginally more benefit than the front. The reason being although both our braces are very strong,the mid chassis brace uses four 12mm bolts to attach whereas the front uses just two 10mm bolts(one at each end,) therefore the mid chassis brace becomes a 'more integral part of the chassis.' All brands of front chassis braces use the same 2 'original' bolts to secure.
The front brace is stainless steel so does not need painting etc. We can powder coat one for you though if you want it black. £15 extra
Best Regards Roland GTT

[THE ITCH]

I have a few questions on this brace.

1. Has anyone fitted this to a GP without having to alter the underbody paneling? After looking at the paneling it appears that it may fit with the stock JCW exhaust manifold if spacers are not required. If an aftermarket manifold was used and spacers were required I'm not sure it would fit.

2. For those of you that have this fitted were there any changes in NVH?

3. What are you impressions of the addition of the mid brace? I would really like to hear from people that have added it to a car that already had a GTT top aero brace and omp lower/GTT lower brace fitted.

Thanks for your help, it seems that their has not been any new data for a while.
Steve

[roland2003]

Hi, yes you can fit the lower mid brace to a GP , just use the optional spacer /long bolt kit (£15+vat extra ) . You can cut 4 small circles 30mm diameter in the plastic undertray where the spacer/bolts clamp. Very neat & easy . I havn't done it but I know Dave has ,with good sucess.
Best Regards Roland GTT

[NeuroBeaker]

Quote: Originally Posted by THE ITCH (original)

I have a few questions on this brace.

I can't comment on the addition of this brace individually, as I had the GTT Aerobox and GTT lower front fitted simultaneously. However...

Quote: Originally Posted by THE ITCH (original)

2. For those of you that have this fitted were there any changes in NVH?

Noise and harshness: Less of a 'crash' sound when you hit bumps. It felt like a slightly softer impact as the chassis doesn't twist as much. This forces the suspension to take more of the impact and less of it is transferred to the cabin.

Vibration: I have noticed fewer rattles in the car as a result of having the braces fitted.

Quote: Originally Posted by THE ITCH (original)

3. What are you impressions of the addition of the mid brace? I would really like to hear from people that have added it to a car that already had a GTT top aero brace and omp lower/GTT lower brace fitted.

Simply awesome. The three braces combined make the front end much more pointy into corners and give a great driving feel. About 10 minutes into the drive I decided I'd I never again own/run a MINI without them - a few I still enthusiastically hold.

I later added the GTT Rear Brace and this further tightened up the car, making the back end feel as enthusiastic as the front to get into and round a corner.

Quote: Originally Posted by THE ITCH (original)

Thanks for your help, it seems that their has not been any new data for a while.
Steve

No worries.

All the best,
Andrew.

[wozcoop]

Can Roland or anybody provide advice on how to remove the lower front and mid chassis brace. On the face of it it would seem simple to unbolt; remove and replace bolts etc... But I am worried that the bolts would then be too long. Anyone able to confirm?

Re the mid brace... was this a replacement of a flimsy original brace or an additional brace? Again, don't want to remove and find the car is unsafe to drive etc.

BTW - all three GTT braces were fitted to my MCS convertible and completely transformed the handling. Unfortunately the time has come to sell the car on and I want to return to standard spec if possible.

Thanks in advance:-)