Bravo/a lower subframe brace

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Bravo/a lower subframe brace

NigelO

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Sep 1, 2007
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Hi all - just showing my face in here with something you guys may be interested in.

I'm from the Fiat Coupe forum (www.fccuk.org/forum) - one of the founder members and recently promoted to board admin after several years as a Moderator.

I run a 20 valve turbo, but modded to just over 400bhp.

As you might imagine, 400bhp through the front wheels can get a bit unruly, so as well as fitting the optional extra Fiat front suspension brace, I've also designed and had made a lower subframe brace.

I know from my Coupe specialist (Motormech in Birmingham, who incidentally is just as good on other Fiats) that the front subframe on some other Fiats is the same as the Coupe - certainly the Tipo and Bravo/Brava, and probably the Marea - you guys probably know a lot better that I do.

I fabricated a mild steel brace as my first prototype - this lasted about 18 months before numerous groundings and two winters meant it was a bit secondhand. I've now designed a version 2 brace, using 20mm solid stainless, rather than 25mm mild steel tube.

Happy to meet up with any Midlands-based owners that would like to have a look.

Anyway - the original Group Buy for the Coupe owners is now finished, so I thought I'd extend it to all of you over here.

rather than repeat the content of the original Coupe forum thread here, this is a link to the subframe brace thread on the FCCUK forum


Price is very dependent on numbers, but we're looking at about £100 + P&P - this is a superb handling mod and the quality of the workmanship and materials is very high.

I realise I'm a newbie on here, but my credentials at FCCUK should give you the confidence to deal with me. I believe some of the regulars on this board are also regular at FCCUK.

feel free to ask any questions
 
very interesting.

first of all - Yes it will fit the Marea's (y)

second - i'm also concerned about it being constructed using solid not tubular, have you had a re-think about it?

finally - clearance from the pics really concerns me, especially as i want to go lower, can it not be run over the exhaust as suggested? or at least closer to it

Cheers,
Ry
 
I can vouch that Nigel is certainly reputable, as well as a big spender on Coupe mods (not that his wife knows ;))
 
There's no way it'll go over the top of the exhaust - cartainly not on a Coupe - I have a 3" downpipe and there's just no room.

Besides, to go over the exhaust would put a significant bend in the bar, which would reduce its resistance to bending under compression

Besbie = On the Coupe, its a doddle to fit - remove two bolts, re-fit using the (supplied) high tensile allen bolts - thats it. If fitted, the undertray needs a small amount of cutting.

Bulldog - I'm taking payment now for Batch 2 - how would you prefer to pay? I can take Paypal, bank transfer or cheque

hmallet - thanks for your endorsement - its always a bit difficult to trust a newbie, especially when they're selling high-value stuff. The wife still doesn't know how much the Coupe has swallowed ;)

As already mentioned, if someone from the Midlands wants to have a closer look or even a trial fit before buying, just let me know. As far as I'm concerned, the best advert for the brace would be one of this forum's prominent members fitting it and raving about it!
 
...i'm dubious of its benefits...
Perhaps you need a turbo to get the benefits, or maybe not have a boot the size of Ikea! :p

If the bottom strut brace provides half as much improvement as the top strut brace then you'll notice it. :)
 
You have to accept that this brace on its own won't make your car handle like a mid-engined Italian supercar

However, almost without exception, FWD cars are set up to understeer fairly early and if you're confident enough to drive a pointy car, the difference can be astounding.

My own car has uprated anti-roll bars front and rear, uprated shox, Eibach -25 mm springs and the Sparco upper strut brace and this custom lower brace.

As I mentioned in the FCCUK thread, the lower wishbones of the Fiats are mounted on forward-facing 'legs' of an open 'U' shaped subframe. Under hard acceleration or braking, the 'legs' =of the 'U' flex in and out, changing the steering geometry.

The more power you have, the more the flex. With over 400 bhp, I was suffering a fair bit.

My car came 2nd in class in handling in this years TOTB, so its certainly built to go round the twisty bits, as well as be fairly handy in a straight line.

Bulldog - I notice you already have several handling mods, so you'll probably notice less benefit than someone with say hard springs but otherwise standard suspension.

However, every Coupe owner that's fitted one is reporting better turn-in and greater stability in long hard corners.

I'm perfectly prepared to put my money where my mouth is and let you try it out before parting with your money.

Whereabouts are you?

EDIT - Doh! read your details - Bristol is a fair way from me - do you ever get anywhere near Birmingham at all?
 
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