Hey everyone,
I currently have the M7 Strut Tower Brace and Rear Chassis Brace installed on Checkers. Since I have installed the X-Brace I don't think it is necessary to have both braces in the front and rear. I am thinking of just getting a set of Strut Tower reinforcement plates for the front, to protect against the dreaded mushrooming.
I would like to hear some thoughts and/or experience others have had with either the CravenSpeed reinforcement plates or the M7 Reinforcement Plates. Additionally if there is another product you recommend I would like to hear that as well. Thanks!

Edit: Or maybe I should just keep the M7 STB I have since it has reinforcement plates already and just sell the RCB. I don't know. I just think with the X-Brace, and from what others have said, the need for the STB is not necessary.

 

I would just keep the M7. Strut tower braces still provide support in keeping the top side of your towers from shifting during hard turns.

 

That is kind of what I am thinking.

 

I plan on going with the M7 strut bar with built in defenders as well. Unless you're finding that the top defenders aren't providing as well of a support as a bottom protection, I would just stick with what you have. On the other hand, if you decide to sell yours, let me know and I might just buy them.

 

RCB has no value or purpose except to waste money.
It does not effect rear suspension at all.
The stiffness that it provides is only to the connecting points.
STB is great choice, a keeper.
TSW Chassis brace will really help also.

 

I have the TSW x-brace now. Is there a different chassis brace by tsw.

 

I got the CravenSpeed plates, and they seem to be working just fine.

 

I started with the M7 plates and switched to the Craven Speed for three reasons.

1- Uniform thickness of plates.
2- No sharp edges to chafe cables.
3- I'm never satisfied.

Hope this helps...

 

Since you already have the M7 strut brace keep it. If you want to remove the RCB I wouldn't blame you, that way you can put stuff in the back of your MINI.

 

I installed the tops and brace from http://www.vipcustomparts.com/ . Van is a great guy to deal with and his parts are first rate.

 

I went with CravenSpeed because of the bolt adapters - I didn't like the relatively few threads that contacted the bolt on the M7 design. That said, I think VIP does an even better job with the one piece 'nutbolts'. I also like the flat top.

 

I have the M7's and have had no problem what so ever. They do exactly what they are suppose to do and seem to be high quality!

 

Eric, I have been looking at the VIP set up as well. I really like the way they look, ultra beefy. Plus I could add a strut bar later if I chose to do so.