Hello all,

I recently bought the VIP custom parts strut defenders to strengthen up my strut tower tops, but I did not order the brace that bolts to them. If you have the VIP brace can anyone tell me if this is a worthwhile purchase or would my money be better spent elsewhere?

Thanks!

 

Forget it. Many years ago here in NAM maybe 2003-2004, somebody made a test here to see if there is flex in the towers on aggressive street use and came out insignificant. Save your $.

 

For sure, so for 150 what is a better upgrade? I have a Hochkis rear sway bar, short shifter and Alta intake already.

 

Get a pulley!!

(That is if you have an S, can't see sigs on app)

 

On my cabrio a front strut brace made a significant improvement.

 

But you have no roof, so it's normal Cabrios have the strut tower braces up front to make it stiffer.

 

Yeah and they have something underneath too. It still improved dramatically and for $150 is a no-brainer purchase. I'm not trying to reduce my lap time or look cool, it's genuinely a safer and more predictable drive when the chassis flexes less.

 

I do have an S, and I've looked into pulleys but I can't afford the labor at a shop and i'm not sure I'm prepared to do the labor myself on that one...I've done bike engines before but taking the engine out of a car is foreign territory to me

 

It DOES NOT require you to do so either. You have to remove the air intake and a bunch of bolts on the left side of them engine, then to put a jack under the engine, remove both engine mount and jack the engine up from one side to gain access to the pulley. From there it's a matter of having a proper pulley puller and a torque wrench. If you are already used to mechanical work, I suggest you look at the how-to for the pulley, you'll see that it isn't that bad at all.

 

Funny thing with getting a pulley...
Some shops charge a couple hours labour....
But I have seen pros do it IN UNDER 30 MINUTES....so with no airtools, bet you could follow directions and do it in a short Saturday afternoon.....
Many mini folks used to have pulley parties....and one experienced person helping others....doing maybe 6 or 7....sharing one pulley puller...some pizza....the experienced person would be paid with a couple 6 packs.....

 

Yeah not a super difficult job and in my opinion the best mod for the MCS you will definitely feel (and hear) the difference!


http://www.billswebspace.com/MCSPull...tTensioner.htm

I followed this how-to, really simplifies the process.

 

If you really want to stiffen your ride... X-brace

 

Ooohhhh I like that....don't have $400 to spend right now though

 

One for half the money: http://mcspecial.net/shop/category_3...aram=cid%3D%26

 

I noticed with the VIP brace most of my dash rattles went away. Also, my towers were slightly mushroomed and I had to check the torque of the plates once or twice a week. The towers actually flattened themselves out over time, and now the nuts are staying torqued.

 

For $150 you can also get the Madness lower stress brace It made a significant reduction in chassis noise.

 

If you've got $150 to burn and you dont have a pulley...GET ONE!!!

It is the single most game-changing piece you can put on your car. I'm not a strut tower bar naysayer (i dont have one yet) but I believe any bracing is beneficial, especially with the windshield stress cracks I and others have seen. Rather than a strut brace, I recommend getting the cabrio braces though. For $40 or so bucks you cant beat it.

 

+1

I have this on my cabrio and a top strut brace. I think this is a great mod for any cabrio owners. Not sure if the lower brace is a top mod for a hardtop. I feel like I have almost eliminated flex in my ride..woot woot.

 

One issue you will notice with the VIP brace s, if you are running the under-hood insulation it will slightly raise the back of the bonnet where it meets the cowl. I never really noticed it on mine till I added stripes to the bonnet. now with the contrast in color it's definitely noticeable.