Drivetrain What does the upper stress bar do exactly?
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
>>Like the BMP one for example?
The BMP strut bar is available in polished aluminum (3.5 pounds) and powder coated steel (heavier).
It looks nice in the engine bay so from a cosmetic point it is dressy. Some people will debate that it is of any use in the MINI due to the very rigid/Stiff MINI frame while others feel that under hard track/cornering use it is very helpful.
>>Does it effect ride quality?
No. Only at high speeds and in corners under track conditions will it be more useful.
>>Useful for daily driving?
No. I would think that on a long track and in high speed turns it would be helpful.
>>Does it require other mods, or is it a good mod by itself?
By itself I don't think it would do as much as most people would like. It might be better suited to a MINI that has a full coil over set up in the front with adjustable camber and adjustable front swaybar with upgraded wheels/sticky tires.
Another consideration-
Once installed the strut bar conflicts with many of the cold air intake boxes except for a few like the BMP intake.
The strut bar is in the way of other mods like the pulley upgrade, ignition system upgrades, etc. You have to keep taking it off to clear space for routine oil and filter changes. It does add to weight a little. When I got my oil change done under warranty I was charged for extra time spent at the dealership to remove the strut bar.
Under normal driving conditions you'd have to corner pretty darn hard to notice any difference with the tower strut brace. I'd say the rear swaybar is a much better upgrade if that hasn't already been added to your MINI.
My BMP strut brace-
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The BMP strut bar is available in polished aluminum (3.5 pounds) and powder coated steel (heavier).
It looks nice in the engine bay so from a cosmetic point it is dressy. Some people will debate that it is of any use in the MINI due to the very rigid/Stiff MINI frame while others feel that under hard track/cornering use it is very helpful.
>>Does it effect ride quality?
No. Only at high speeds and in corners under track conditions will it be more useful.
>>Useful for daily driving?
No. I would think that on a long track and in high speed turns it would be helpful.
>>Does it require other mods, or is it a good mod by itself?
By itself I don't think it would do as much as most people would like. It might be better suited to a MINI that has a full coil over set up in the front with adjustable camber and adjustable front swaybar with upgraded wheels/sticky tires.
Another consideration-
Once installed the strut bar conflicts with many of the cold air intake boxes except for a few like the BMP intake.
The strut bar is in the way of other mods like the pulley upgrade, ignition system upgrades, etc. You have to keep taking it off to clear space for routine oil and filter changes. It does add to weight a little. When I got my oil change done under warranty I was charged for extra time spent at the dealership to remove the strut bar.
Under normal driving conditions you'd have to corner pretty darn hard to notice any difference with the tower strut brace. I'd say the rear swaybar is a much better upgrade if that hasn't already been added to your MINI.
My BMP strut brace-
_________________
Send a PM to minihune Mele Kalikimaka & Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Graham, NC
Wow! I'm amazed that your dealership charged you extra! I have the same strut brace. You remove one nut and bolt on the right and swing the bar up and out of the way. 45 seconds to one minute tops. Hope they aren't really as bad as they appear to be.
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