Suspension Springs, struts, coilovers, sway-bars, camber plates, and all other modifications to suspension components for Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S (R56), and Cabrio (R57) MINIs.

Suspension Forge Motorsport strutbrace

Old Jun 3, 2008 | 04:32 AM
  #1  
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Forge Motorsport strutbrace

I'm considering a strutbrace for looks and slightly added handling benefits... the JCW strut is nice but I wondered what the aftermarket has to offer for better pricing..

I discovered this, the Forge strutbrace:



This strut brace has been designed for the Mini Cooper S R56 Model. ( Those produced from 2007 onwards). When it comes to structural strength this really is the best you can get, made from billet alloy on CNC machines and anodised for durability. Even if you were to ignore the stunning looks, this brace has been designed to illiminate any steering geometry changes that occur when the strut towers flex .
Installation guide

Any ideas? My car is a R55 Clubman S.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 12:21 PM
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It seems they are using the same bolts to attach the strut to the struttowers.. don't you need different bolts or something? Maybe longer?

I like the design and Forge Motorsport is the specialist when it comes to aluminium.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 06:31 PM
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The mounting looks acceptable, but for the fact that it only uses two of the bolts. Most use all 3, and imho, that would make for a more reliable mount, with better rigidity.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by penguinpwrdbox
The mounting looks acceptable, but for the fact that it only uses two of the bolts. Most use all 3, and imho, that would make for a more reliable mount, with better rigidity.
Good point..
 
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 07:30 AM
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How about the fact that they use the same OEM bolts (one can see it in the pdf file I included) ...

Don't you need longer bolts or so??
 
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 07:47 AM
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Can you verify this is going to do what it says it will do? I know there is a problem or was a problem with mushrooming towers, but that seems to be a problem another product covers. A bar under the rear of the car will help with more rigidity that a tower bar..but don't let me stop you...I can't say I wouldn't get one myself...maybe in a different color though.
 
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 09:14 AM
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Mushrooming was a big problem on the Mk.I, the Mk.II (R55, R56) do not longer have this problem as the struttowers are much stronger now.

The single reason I want a strut is because of the way it looks...

Maybe it adds some stiffness..
 
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 05:15 PM
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My friend already have it, the real one is very beautiful...
 
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by William Blake
Mushrooming was a big problem on the Mk.I, the Mk.II (R55, R56) do not longer have this problem as the struttowers are much stronger now.
This is great news. I have an '08 R56 and just bought some Eibach springs. I was contemplating buying some STD's to install while I had it all apart. But, would rather spend the $ on something else.

Is there an article or something that I can read up on the "stronger towers"?
 
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 10:22 PM
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Originally Posted by tachophile
Is there an article or something that I can read up on the "stronger towers"?
I'd say that the evidence is indirect. The R56 has been out for over a year in the US (over 18 months in Europe) -- hundreds of thousands of vehicles, and there has not been a single case of mushrooming reported in the forums. I haven't seen anybody actually analyze the old vs. new strut towers.
 
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 11:42 PM
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Originally Posted by tachophile
This is great news. I have an '08 R56 and just bought some Eibach springs. I was contemplating buying some STD's to install while I had it all apart. But, would rather spend the $ on something else.

Is there an article or something that I can read up on the "stronger towers"?
Not that I know of.. but my dealer explained me the new chassis is stronger and better built than the Mk.I.

But hey.. designwise this Forge strut looks the part but I'm a bit sceptical about the fast that it utilizes the very same bolts.. while (I think) the JCW strut uses different bolts.
 
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 11:42 PM
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Originally Posted by wimsaab
My friend already have it, the real one is very beautiful...
Great! Do you have any pictures by any chance?
 
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 03:16 AM
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So would you guys buy it or would you opt for something different?

Forge, JCW... what else is there?

Thx in advance!
 
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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 04:29 PM
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Wonder how it fits with the ALTA and other intakes? Also, m7 has the SRP plates for the R56 now and they have the bolt holes for the strut brace upgrade coming out soon. Might be worth waiting?

Either way certainly a worth while upgrade!
 
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