whilst lookin at random stuff came accross these little badgers. wonder what differences to expect ontop of ARBs, as they reccomend theyre use alongside their sway bars

KMD Tuning - KMD Tuning - Rear Lower Stress Bar

KMD Tuning - KMD Tuning - Rear Upper Stress Bar

KMD Tuning - KMD Tuning - Front Lower Stress Bar

supposably with stiffer ARBs on you get flex in the rear subframe which this reduces

the front one however looks like it bolts between the opposite ends of the subframe which looks to be one continuous bit of metal. i cant see what it would do

Thoughts???

I'm with you on this. The bar looks like it would stiffen the rear subframe by a factor of two maybe, but can't see it making any difference to the front which is a decent sized casting.

Les.

Do modern cars really need these and do they actually increase chassic stiffness?

I've had both upper/lower front and rear and didn;t notice fook all on the furby. Hence I sold them.

I understand the theory on these and they don't seem to be overly expensive, but I have to question their benefit when fitted to a road car for road use.

Fitted to a track-day, race or rally car, where the benefit of gaining a couple of tenths can be measured, and may be important, is fine; but to a regular road car, don't think so.

Having said that, I'm a sucker for some discreet modding so might well finish up getting them.

im tempted with the rear options i can see where they would poitentially reduce flex etc, however i wouldnt go for the front as i just cant see what it would do.

I understand the theory on these and they don't seem to be overly expensive, but I have to question their benefit when fitted to a road car for road use.

Fitted to a track-day, race or rally car, where the benefit of gaining a couple of tenths can be measured, and may be important, is fine; but to a regular road car, don't think so.

I entirely agree. there is the possibilty of having too much rigidity in the car, which could have detrimental effects to the drivability on the limit or in the rain.

Ill be waiting to see what the car feels like with the WALK on first(once i bothermy a*s to get it fitted), then the whiteline bumpsteer kit, followed by poly bushes all round. Decisions then, if i decide it could do with a tad more stiffening.

I'm not sure that these would noticeably increase roll stiffness. What they would do is ensure that wheel geometry is maintained by reducing subframe flex. Whether you'd notice this or not is a moot point. I think you'd be well into 'diminishing returns' by fitting these braces.

agreed on that point. maintaining the wheel geometry in hard cornering is a good thing though. but it is definately a mod to leave till last.