The cabrio (or so I hear) already has additional stiffening elements that the coupe does not have, to mitigate the flex you mention, but many people still use the USS system AS WELL. Sounds like you prefer this new unit to the M7. Doesn't the M7 have 2 different bracing points, one fore and one aft though?

Also, can someone confirm that the X-brace will attach to the cabrio?

EDIT - never mind the second question - saw buried in the thread history that the cabrio fitting was successful - missed that the first time through. :: checks wallet for funds :::...

 

A little more feedback from an avid track junkie after installing his x-brace:

"Today was the first day I drove the MINI after attaching the x-brace.

To be honest, I was very pessimistic that it would make any noticeable
difference.

I was wrong.

obvious benefits:

1. Traction. I can't believe the improvement in traction on launch,
especially when turning from a stop.
2. Wheel hop/wheel fight. The wheel is "dead" when launching hard.
I've never seen that before. It's uncanny.
3. High speed turns - the car is very obviously more stable. It went
from being tricky to drive to being SO benign.
4. Low speed turns - TRACTION. It's an autocrossing dream! Nail it
out of a turn, and (within reason) I can put at least 20% more power
down.

WTF? obviously I had a lot of unwanted motion in the suspension and
chassis. This, with strong springs and "solid" wishbone bushings."

 

Not sure if I saw it in the thread. And I'm sorry if I missed it in the thread.
But can it be confirmed that this x-brace will not interfere with aftermarket exhausts as some have claimed that the M7 does.
And more particularly with an aftermarket convertible specific exhaust.
TIA

 

I was one with issues with the USS. The x-brace is nowhere near an issue...I'm running an RMW longtube header.

 

How do you like it, PGT? I'm thinking of throwing one of these on before this season...

mb

 

I also had clearance problems with the USS and a long tube header. Being local to TSW I was one of many they test fitted before going in final production. No clearance issues. I bought one too.

 

so far so good. I'm a bit worried about clearances once I lower it again, but we'll have to see how that works out.

 

So far so good clearance wise...I've bounced over a few track side curbs with no problems where the previously installed device by another company got a little banged up.

 

Cool - cause I remember you being put off by the price, so it's good to see it's worth it.

mb

 

when you buy a mini and take it to the track for the first time you realize the upgrades you need to make,brakes then tires then suspension in that order(my opinion folks)you along the way become a suspension nut,with that said i have messed with both the uss and the upper stress bar and found my car to handle way better with neither of them,i have coilovers with 450 front and 550 rear,camber plates,no front bar,22mm rear bar set on the softest setting,-3.1 front camber,-1.0 rear camber and the car feels like its on rails,when i put either system back on it would bring back some understeer,dont forget on a fwd car soft front stiff rear I know both companys make good stuff,their reputations prove that,i just had to add that

 

please also note the uss was the omp which i totally destroyed because my car was lowered and the upper bar was the jcw,the omp bar i found to be really chincy material,i wouldnt mind trying the tsw setup and then adjusting my swaybar if necessary

 

 

+1

 

I don't know man, but if I set up my car with -3 front camber and only -1 rear with no front bar and a 22mm rear, I think I would spin out at every turn. Talk about an over-steering monster.

I don't need that much oversteer to get my car rotating but then again, maybe you know something I don't.

 

if you run stiff enough springs, a sway bar never comes into play. 10kg F/R = no need.

 

We welcome your review of X-Brace at https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...uct/265/cat/73

 

The X-Brace is no longer on the TSW website. Has it sold out and ended production?

 

We sold out the initial production run, but we've got more coming. We were pleasantly surprised at the enthusiasm for the X-Brace! We'll get them back in stock ASAP. In fact, I need to switch desks over to my CAD station and finish up the drawings for the next couple of... woah, can't talk about that yet!

 

DRMike,

Any idea when they will be back in stock?

Have you started a waiting list for the next run?

Thanks,
John

 

We can start a waiting list... best way would be to email jeff@txwerks.com to get the list started.

 

Sorry, I might be the guy that dried up supply. I got mine last week and installed it on my cabrio yesterday (20 minutes, including putting the car on stands). I didn't expect to feel much of a difference until I hit some twisties, but boy was I wrong. I felt the change backing out of the driveway. No more creak, and the car definitely tracks better.

One question: should there be a need to re-torque after a certain number of miles? The brace seemed just as tight this morning, but I read where some of you re-torqued (to 150lbs ) after initial drives.

 

We're aiming to have v2 back in stock here in the next 3-4 weeks... Handmade takes time! To be honest, we were somewhat caught offguard by the rest of our stock selling out in the last 1.5 weeks or so - we were waiting to pull the trigger on the next order and then it was too late! Heh.

It's always a good idea to check torques on everything a bit after you install it, so yes, I would re-check... In fact, we go through the entire suspension, subframes, brakes, etc. twice a year with a torque wrench - we call it the 'complete nut and bolt' job. Nothing like spending a few hours under the car with a torque wrench and flipping through the Bentley looking for the specs (although I think now I've got 75% of them memorized).

 

can you guys check your PMs. i emailed you a week ago about my damper failing again for the 3 or 4th time and wanted info on the new style one your selling. thanx

 

what improvements differentiate a v2 from a v1?

thanks

 

It's a surprise...