Cross (X) Brace
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Lemoore CA
Cross (X) Brace
After rebuilding the motor we were able to barely (forcefully) get the X Brace back into place. The tranny shop just said that they didnt think it was really necessary, but that it rubbing on alot of the undercarriage (shifter linkage, headers, and tranny pan included) was causing alot of wear and tear as well as the vibrations fealt at certain rpms. They removed the brace for me after trying to use spacers and finding it just wouldnt work (itd be too low to the ground) so they took it clean off. Now it is a convertible, but the shop is both reputable and fair. They did quite a bit of work (checking of the torque converter alignment and other stuff) all for free.... I really like the guy, plus now the car, although it rides sorta rough (may just be me being over sensitive) the car doesnt vibrate like it did at all, very smooth power. Can this safely be left off if I plan on doing no track racing (other than straight line)? If so I believe there were some members looking to buy one and mine might be up for sale. Another thing the shop pointed out was the brace was very maleable and weak metal not providing much....
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: Cross (X) Brace (Nomar116)
Well...if you want to leave it off, You can send it to me, I'll pay shipping, because I want to try and stiffen my car up a little.
What do you say? :)
BTW: I think they normally sale for around $100-150 used. :D
What do you say? :)
BTW: I think they normally sale for around $100-150 used. :D
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 1
From: Pinellas Florida Misfit
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Cross (BBA)
It can be left off, but the car is going to have a lot more flex in it. I'm looking for an X-brace myself for my coupe.. but if I were you, I wouldnt' leave it off.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Re: Cross (BBA)
I'm trying to figure out why it wouldn't fit back on to begin with. If you haven't done any modifying that would stop it, what's the problem. I would put it back on. The reason the IROC convertable wasn't available with the 350 was that that weaker 350 was capable of flexing and bending the frame under hard acceleration. If you are racing straight line, this is much more dangerous than turns. If you had power added in your mods, this will also increase your chances. Pretty soon after enough flexes, your top will be harder to fasten, then it will start tracking funny. As long as you haven't done anything radical with pipes, etc. it should just fit back on. Get a second opinion.
92TripleBlack :cheers:
92TripleBlack :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Re: Cross (X) Brace (Nomar116)
Just FYI for those interested in buing one of these braces...YES they do eliminate that awful shaking you get in a 92 or later car with the top off!
I know because I used to have that problem....that is until I installed an X-brace I bought off a nice guy in the forum....only problem I got now, is ground clearance on my already lowered car....oh well, can't have it all.
I know because I used to have that problem....that is until I installed an X-brace I bought off a nice guy in the forum....only problem I got now, is ground clearance on my already lowered car....oh well, can't have it all.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,525
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota, FL
Re: Cross (KORE YOME)
I would never drive mine without it on. Especially not hard. I went through a great deal of hassle whne I built my new exhaust to make sure it cleared the X-brace.
[Modified by BobMachus, 12:22 AM 12/1/2001]
[Modified by BobMachus, 12:22 AM 12/1/2001]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,516
Likes: 0
From: Lockport NY
Re: Cross (BobMachus)
About the only thing I can add is that the X-brace takes a beating...Scrapes, dings, and bends are common...Beating them out with a hammer take up a lot of my exhaust worktime...
I'm interested in trying some 1"x4" or 5" square tubing; ends tapered, and middle section welded (a true X); wall thickness at least 1/8"...
...Just haven't gotten to a steel shop lately... :D
I'm interested in trying some 1"x4" or 5" square tubing; ends tapered, and middle section welded (a true X); wall thickness at least 1/8"...
...Just haven't gotten to a steel shop lately... :D
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Re: Cross (X) Brace (Nomar116)
When I had my headers installed, the shop told me that long tube's would not fit with the x-brace. I decided to leave it on and install shorties. I really wanted long tubes but made the concession.
Anyone out there have long tubes and an x-brace on a convertable? :smash:
Anyone out there have long tubes and an x-brace on a convertable? :smash:
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Lemoore CA
Re: Cross (red-y)
Maybe I need to check my sig.... I AM running long tubes and a convertible. And I was able to force the X Brace to fit, but it was contacting alot of points... I dont really know why, but for example we had a hell of a time fastening the rear portion of the brace at the time because it was contacting up front. I didnt give it much thought at the time, but I know it just wouldnt go on right....Im still thinking I can leave the thing off as it really isnt very heavy duty and it seems like it provides very little frame support.... Im definately interested in the opinions, I dont straightline race all the time, but I will be taking it to the track from time to time, and running it some what hard on the street. It is a daily driver though (I like how it drives much more now, but maybe I should have a shop modify the brace to not contact........ Id just really rather not)
Paul
Paul
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks AK
Grease monkey engineering 101
After rebuilding the motor we were able to barely (forcefully) get the X Brace back into place. The tranny shop just said that they didnt think it was really necessary...Another thing the shop pointed out was the brace was very maleable and weak metal not providing much....
If you follow the tranny shop advice, I would encourage you to ship the brace to me--I will pay shipping, as I own a coupe and believe that a sports car chasiss should be stiffer than my woody at 6am. :bb
Yeah, Yeah, OK BBA you gots dibs on the X-brace. :rolleyes:
[Modified by Turismo, 10:10 PM 12/4/2001]
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Re: Grease monkey engineering 101 (Turismo)
The reason the X brace appears to be a weak, flimsy [malleable], useless brace, is because the brace is designed to be loaded in tension
