Hi, I'm about to purchase strut tower reinforcement for my '03 MCS, and have decided on M7. But I've not yet decided whether to get the strut tower reinforcement plates (STR) or strut tower brace (STB). I understand they both provide the same amount of protection against tower mushrooming (my main intent) and the brace leans more toward high performance. But given that the MCS is pretty well-balanced and tightly-sprung right out of the box, is there truly that much of a need for a cross brace? I'm a track experienced driver, but this will only be used for fun spirited daily driving... especially on the twisty bits. I understand it may simply come down to personal choice, but other driver's thoughts or experiences are greatly appreciated.

Benson

 

Had the same decision to make and I went to STR of M7 as I don't do AX but just some spirited driving. The MCS is already very stiff to begin with.

 

I have the M7 STBar, it's mostly bling and most others available on the market are also bling (my opinion of course). With the M7 (and a few others I think) there will be slight interference with the bonnet. Search "soak and slam" and you will get the idea. The plates for the stb, however, have done their job so far. I had mushrooming before and I've gone 6 months with the STB without additional mushrooming. The M7 STB is really well made and of those out there I believe it's one of the better made ones if your are looking for that extra bling with marginal effect (again, my own personal opinion).

 

We've (CMS) sold almost three times as many M7 strut tower braces as reinforcement plates.

Steve

 

i went with the plates.

 

I got the SRT because I did not want to worry about the bar lifting the hood.
The bar is nice looking and some say it helps with the handling.

 

I went with the bar, for another $80 i said why not. Turns out it was a good move, i dont really feel like it helped handling in the corners a ton but it does a whole lot of good over bumps and stuff like that. The front end just feels more connected and composed in situations like those.

 

You can see in my sig that I have a brace. The car felt a bit more solid at higher speeds, but it pushed a little more in corners. I got the 19mm Alta (anti)sway bar to compensate and I think they work well together. You can always buy the STB and not use the B part and still have reinforced towers. For the extra money, it may be worthwhile to have options.

dan

 

It also looks great as well!

 

+1 -- the plates are great - but I can't feel any benefit from the bar (even in the less stiff cabrio). I only got it 'cause I bought a used STB+USS set from a NAM member, but if I was paying retail . . . well, it just comes down to whether you feel the bling is worth the money or not

 

The real benefit of the STB, that I noticed, was the stability felt while traveling somewhere north of our posted speed limits. Most daily driving wouldn't present much noticeable difference.

dan

 

Hi guys!...need your help once again...GP #0395 just rolled in the first 1000 miles in it's Odo and needs protection...Is the M7 STB a good choice for strut tower protection? Will it fit the GP? Also, I have inquired from our local Mini dealer re Factory R53 alarm and I was told that the GP is not pre-wired for it!!!... Is this true? (I don't think a company as prestigeous as BMW will offer this accessory item without the provision for it's installation!!) ..Thank you in advance.

 

The bar appears to provide zero handling benefits, based on my experimentation:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=150258

 

I don't believe you were able to properly place a "load" on the bar using the technique described. The bar prevents body flex and has relatively nothing to do with camber and caster of your tire/rim set up.

My first STB purchase was in 1984, it was manufactured by NUSPEED, and it was for my 1st Gen VW GTi. Yes it made a difference. Knowing this, I recently purchased an STB for my 03' MCS as well made by M7 Tuning.

I recently had to remove my M7 STB to add my ALTA CAI and Top cover. The bar had been on for two months. When I released the bolts that secure it to the towers, it was VERY evident that their had been a load placed on the bar as it sprung back some when loosened. Since adding it to my car, I have also noticed a little difference when driving hard on some off ramps in the area as well.

Additionally, the M7 STB is not a wearable part. So, should you ever decide to part with it, you could practically get most of your money back selling it here in NAM's Marketplace

 

Just how do you think "body flex" translates to handling, aside from dynamic changes in the attitude of the wheel and tire?

The turnbuckle on the OMP bar allows you to expand or shorten the bar to pre-load the attachment. Neither had any effect on the position of the strut towers, as measured by a very sensitive suspension test.

I respectfully disagree with your description of the need, and I cannot imagine why you would think that improving a GTi 24 years ago by adding a STB has anything whatsoever to do with whether it will have an effect on the handling of a MINI. If the strut towers are already strong enough that they don't move, nothing you bolt onto them is going to affect handling at all.

I'd put down money on a bet that if you wear ear-plugs and a helmet (to remove the ability to hear changes in the interior plastic noises) you will be unable to tell whether the bar is installed or not by driving it.

Even though I have one on my car, I agree with Randy Webb's conclusion on this one - a STB on a MINI has no effect on handling at all.

 

Instead of either an STB or STR, get front camber plates. They will stop mushrooming completely because they reinforce from the bottom instead of the top, and, with anywhere from 1.5-2.0 degrees negative camber dialed in, they will DEFINITELY improve handling.

 

second the comment on improved handling... i got fixed plates, ireland fyi. just a customer...