I am looking at the M7 STB. Is it worth it over the strut tower plates? Any alternatives?

M7 is running a spring sale of 15% so I thought I would pick up the STB and pulley...

I am also considering this:

http://www.dinancars.com/shop/D180-0...ce.aspx#page=1

 

My opinion on the set is go without. I had one and used it during an autocross and then removed it half way through and my times were better without it.

 

STBs are probably one of the most widely debated mods on whether they are effective. I was interested in the M7 brace but wasn't thrilled about how many separate pieces it has bolted together. Although I really like how the M7 looks though.

I think the bottom line with STBs is that they are more effective on some cars than others. In my e36 BMW convertible an STB made a dramatic difference. On an R53, which is pretty solid already the affect will be less but I really can't see that it would be detrimental as it will add some rigidity.

Out of all the STBs out there I ended up choosing the OMP unit. It is the only one out there that I'm aware of that actually let's you create a preload. Although its not as nice looking as the M7 unit it seems to be a more functional design. Also, the OMP is reasonably priced.

 

i forget what brand mine is. i may have gotten it from minimania. it was one of the cheaper ones but i liked the design. in my experience, there isnt a dramatic difference, and i dont track or cross my car, so i cant comment on extreme performance qualities it would show im those conditions. what i did find however, is that it provides a somewhat smoother ride, as it distributes the bumps in the road evenly across, sharing the shock across both struts, rather than if you hit a bump on one side, that side bumping hard. i also noticed some added stiffness. just taking somewhat sharp corners at above average speed, i can feel less roll in the front end. last but not least... its a preventative part. it should, in theory, help stop mushrooming of the strut towers. maybe not as much as the strut defender plates, but the brace wont hurt. oh, and the bling factor haha. more chrome under the hood is always a good thing!

 

Really? You sure it was not your driving skills getting better with each run? I highly doubt it had anything to do with the STB.

 

If your going to get a strut brace get the M7 brace as it works the best, and I've seen several dinan braces cracked and broken.

For the pulley check out our WMW 16% pulley as it is cheaper than the M7 sale price and will fit perfectly the first time, as we've had many problems with the M7 pulley. You can also get our 16% pulley package with the plugs and belt you need.