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Old Jun 12th, 2007, 06:46 PM   #1
Max Stetson
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Strut brace or not??

Anyone got one on their cabrio?

Does it make a difference?
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Old Jun 12th, 2007, 07:38 PM   #2 (permalink)
laura f
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Yep, had one on the convertible we had and it did make a difference
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Old Jun 13th, 2007, 09:28 AM   #3 (permalink)
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Yes but I've had it since new so couldn't really say how much of a difference it has made. The scuttle shake is still there but maybe to a lesser degree.

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Old Jun 13th, 2007, 09:43 AM   #4 (permalink)
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I have one on my Mini (hard top) and i really noticed a difference! So i think the convertible will gain even more from it as the chassis flexes abit more.

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Old Jun 13th, 2007, 02:04 PM   #5 (permalink)
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The Convertible needs the GTT Brace!

I had the Works one from new, and once removed prior to fitting the GTT one I couldn't really
notice the difference.

However the GTT one is a different beast altogether, and allied with the 2 lower braces the
ragtop feels so much better!

Its probably the best upgrade i've ever made to the car, and that includes the GTT 220 kit.
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Old Jun 13th, 2007, 02:10 PM   #6 (permalink)
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I have got an OMP lower brace on my conv an it has definately made a difference, the steering is definately more positive. I am down on the group buy to get one of the GTT upper braces, I have only heard positive things about them and what they do especially to the conv

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Old Jun 13th, 2007, 02:14 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Unfortunately I can't vouch for the differences when it comes to the convertible as I'm sure it handles different from the hatchback anyway.

However, I fitted the JCW on my hard-top, I was not expecting a lot of change, but there was a huge difference and in addition to the bling factor in your engine bay, would say is well worth it.
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Old Jun 13th, 2007, 03:33 PM   #8 (permalink)
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I have fitted upper and lower OMP strut braces to my car, and without doubt they are the best modifications I have made so far. The steering feels tighter, more responsive and very positive, a complete transformation to how it felt prior to the braces being fitted.

This mod should be top of the list for every cabrio owner in my opinion!
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Old Jun 14th, 2007, 01:49 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Quote: Originally Posted by Serby (original)
I have fitted upper and lower OMP strut braces to my car, and without doubt they are the best modifications I have made so far. The steering feels tighter, more responsive and very positive, a complete transformation to how it felt prior to the braces being fitted.

This mod should be top of the list for every cabrio owner in my opinion!


Saw a video of your car on Youtube, very nice looking convertible i must say!

Alex

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Old Jun 14th, 2007, 09:43 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Roland at GTT is getting a visit from me end of next week Thanks all
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Old Jun 16th, 2007, 06:40 AM   #11 (permalink)
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GTT is the best, my top brace made a significant difference.Enjoy
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Old Jun 28th, 2007, 12:36 PM   #12 (permalink)
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Does it have to be a whole set? If not, which one should be the first to go on? Front top?

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Old Jun 28th, 2007, 02:52 PM   #13 (permalink)
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Quote: Originally Posted by MiniPetrolHead (original)
Saw a video of your car on Youtube, very nice looking convertible i must say!

Alex

Cheers mate! Awesome looking and sounding motor you have yourself

Quote: Originally Posted by dalboyne (original)
Does it have to be a whole set? If not, which one should be the first to go on? Front top?

Ian

I had my front top one fitted first and it literally transformed the feeling of the whole car. A week or so after, I had the front bottom one fitted. In comparison I could barely feel any beneficial difference to how the car felt the week or so when I was driving with only a front top one on.

So based on my experience I'd say front top first
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Old Jun 28th, 2007, 04:21 PM   #14 (permalink)
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Yes definitely top first!
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Old Jul 7th, 2007, 09:54 AM   #15 (permalink)
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anyone have any problems shutting the bonnet flat...when the upper strut brace is on???


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Old Jul 7th, 2007, 10:17 AM   #16 (permalink)
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No problem shutting the bonnet with the GTT one
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Old Jul 7th, 2007, 10:25 AM   #17 (permalink)
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I've never had a problem with shutting the bonnet flat.. perhaps removing the sound deadening may help? I removed mine, and at first my bonnet rubbed quite badly on the brace, but I just put some small pads on the contact areas and since then everything seems fine.
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Old Jul 27th, 2007, 08:43 PM   #18 (permalink)
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what is one??

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Old Jul 27th, 2007, 09:48 PM   #19 (permalink)
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There is a good explanation of strut braces on Lohens website, here.

Here are a few pics of some different ones available...

Upper front strut braces... (The most common type and best place to start)


But in addition to these it is also possible to get...

Lower front strut braces...


Lower middle strut braces..


Upper rear strut braces..


They are of particular benefit on the convertibles because of the less rigid nature of the car due to there being no fixed roof. I noticed a difference on mine straight away, and you don't have to be driving quickly either, on bumpy surfaces the car feels a lot more stable and controlled... kind of less jelly like I would have said... if that makes sense

Hope that helps
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Old Jul 28th, 2007, 01:00 AM   #20 (permalink)
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Yeh that helps alot thanks!! I will definatly be buyin some very soon!! think it'll be the omp ones I prefer the look of them not that anyone will see them! but they definatly make a difference then??..cant wait to see the difference.

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