F55/F56 Which is more effective: strut tower brace or Craven’s “Big Pair”?
#1
Which is more effective: strut tower brace or Craven’s “Big Pair”?
I drive the four door hardtop. I already have a 22mm NM rear sway bar and JCW Pro Coilovers. Thinking that either a front strut tower bar or the CravenSpeed Big Pair (Big Trio for F55) are next. Anyone have experience with them both? Which is likely to make the most noticeable difference in handling?
I am leaning to the under chassis bracing since the 4-door is longer and probably is subject to more twisting. And the strut towers aren’t very far forward of the body framework; I can’t imagine they flex much.
Thoughts? What has been your experience with either or both of these?
Thank you!
I am leaning to the under chassis bracing since the 4-door is longer and probably is subject to more twisting. And the strut towers aren’t very far forward of the body framework; I can’t imagine they flex much.
Thoughts? What has been your experience with either or both of these?
Thank you!
#2
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#3
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#6
actually surprised at the difference. Check the reviews on Cravens page. There’s a long form of my impression there.
#7
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#8
#10
Here's my writeup from a while ago - https://myredmini.com/the-big-pair/
I had older instructions and it said a T40 bit was needed but it was really a T45. I let CravenSpeed know so it might be updated.
I had older instructions and it said a T40 bit was needed but it was really a T45. I let CravenSpeed know so it might be updated.
Last edited by Mini_Vinnie; 05-18-2018 at 11:50 AM.
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CravenSpeed (05-18-2018)
#11
#12
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There's also the Ultra Racing braces... a little further down my list, but I'd probably do the lower 4-point one before a strut tower brace. Vinnie has this- anything else you can say about it?
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...is-braces.html
https://ultraracing-usa.com/product/...f56-2014-2018/
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...is-braces.html
https://ultraracing-usa.com/product/...f56-2014-2018/
#13
There's also the Ultra Racing braces... a little further down my list, but I'd probably do the lower 4-point one before a strut tower brace. Vinnie has this- anything else you can say about it?
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...is-braces.html
https://ultraracing-usa.com/product/...f56-2014-2018/
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...is-braces.html
https://ultraracing-usa.com/product/...f56-2014-2018/
I do and I love them! I didnt appreciate how much they stiffened up my car until I got my winter tires off for one and got rid of my stock run flats.
The combination of them and the Big Pair really gave me the ride and handling I was looking for.
They are inexpensive compared to the name brands that are out there and work just as well.
I have the strut tower, and front and mid braces with the Big Pair in the rear
https://myredmini.com/ultra-racing/
https://myredmini.com/front-member-brace-install/
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J_L (05-22-2018)
#16
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I don't notice any difference with the front strut bar.
But the body braces underneath we do see improvement. I've been using the Chassis Bones version as they fit perfect and are cost effective
https://www.waymotorworks.com/chassi...5-f56-f57.html
But the body braces underneath we do see improvement. I've been using the Chassis Bones version as they fit perfect and are cost effective
https://www.waymotorworks.com/chassi...5-f56-f57.html
#17
Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks
I don't notice any difference with the front strut bar.
But the body braces underneath we do see improvement. I've been using the Chassis Bones version as they fit perfect and are cost effective
https://www.waymotorworks.com/chassi...5-f56-f57.html
But the body braces underneath we do see improvement. I've been using the Chassis Bones version as they fit perfect and are cost effective
https://www.waymotorworks.com/chassi...5-f56-f57.html
#19
Yes we have a 3pc set, only 2 pictured right now but you do get all 3.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/chassi...55-4-door.html
https://www.waymotorworks.com/chassi...55-4-door.html
Any chance you would sell me the 3rd brace a la carte?
#20
Yes we have a 3pc set, only 2 pictured right now but you do get all 3.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/chassi...55-4-door.html
https://www.waymotorworks.com/chassi...55-4-door.html
Now I’ll just wait for the site to come out of maintenance mode or whatever...
#21
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graff48 (06-27-2018)
#23
#24
i can’t believe I forgot to follow up here. Yes, they make a difference. It’s very subtle (read: not a huge difference) but very real. Throwing the car into corners, it is more stable and tracks more evenly. It just feels more precise. It could be placebo but I swear I can tell the difference.
That said, it’s not a night-and-day difference like a rear sway bar is and I will still recommend the RSB as a good first choice for improving handling. I consider the Big Trio – or In my case the WMW Chassis Bones – to be a very worthwhile addition. And they are cheap and very easy to install.
(For reference, I first did the RSB, then the JCW coilovers and struts and lowering springs kit, then the Chassis Bones. The three work very very well together. I’m happy as a clam.)
(Why are clams so happy, anyway? 🤔
Last edited by bratling; 08-02-2020 at 02:28 PM. Reason: corrected a confusing typo
#25
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