I am confused as to what to get,, so am thinking of trying strut braces at the front before i go for coilovers (if i ever do) now i have seen lots about them, but not many actual opinions on if they do any good, ColinD has set me off on this now lol.. so please let me know your findings

I am confused as to what to get,, so am thinking of trying strut braces at the front before i go for coilovers (if i ever do) now i have seen lots about them, but not many actual opinions on if they do any good, ColinD has set me off on this now lol.. so please let me know your findings

Braces won't improve the handling as much as the suspension...just gives a more stable feel to the front end.

Your struts are 2 pillars...apply force to them and the move side to side....add braces top and bottom to create a square....this is a much more rigide structure.

I only have the bottom brace and it has improved the front end feel...also made the steering a little heavier which I prefer.

Both a standard parts off S3 and cheap as chips...bottom brace is circa

I felt no difference after fitting the upper and lower braces on my Octy, both on and off track.

I think the standard suspension was too soft for them to take any effect. It may well be different if you have coil overs fitted.

Steve

Thanks, i may try just the bottom one for now as i dont really fancy drilling my bodywork.. looks like i may have to get coilovers afterall... oh hell i dont know :confused:

I think it feels firmer - definitely better on long sweeping bends. It seems to be more stable under hard acceleration too.

It's subtly different!

Edit: Sorry, forgot to say - I had upper and lower front braces fitted

Rob, are yours the S3 ones or neuspeed/eibachs or similar

Mine are S3 ones.

Mine are neuspeed...it pays to read, I'd go for the S3, drill the towers do it. Reminds me I need the front lower doing to complete the square.

Honestly not sure what I would truely gain for coilovers presently...however it was widly cited that the wrc was different to the standard vRS in performance and handling. Perfomance was quickly stablished to be the same, handling never has been so I might be talking from a slighlty of to one side position.

IMHO struts are worth doing (not rear as we have some for free). Lower front ARB is a commitment as it's sub frame of or 60 quid to your local tuner.

Right, thats decided, i am going to order the S3 stuff, and some drills!!! Now to do a search for part numbers

Have both fitted (S3 ones) and it definately stiffened up the front... well into understeer country

Well if it understeers i can go to the hardest setting on my rear ARB

Got them ordered, should be here in about a week