i've wanted to do this as well but finding one isnt easy.
X-brace worth it? Does it really work?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
X-brace worth it? Does it really work?
I'm going to be getting my 96CE next week, stock with 18.5K miles and F45. I'm considering the x-brace from R-D Sports for the reason of better stability with the targa off.
Anybody who has this, does it make a difference either big or small? I'm just trying to see if it would be worth it or not. Honestly I won't be doing much fast or freeway driving with the top off. If I take the top off it'll be for around town crusing at around 45-55mph.
When I had a C4, a 96CE, 10 years ago I don't remember much vibration or flex when driving 75mph with the top off and the ride was comfortable from what I can remember. I've been reading alot on the board here and people complain about bad driveability with the top off.
Let me know what you guys have done.
Thanks!
Anybody who has this, does it make a difference either big or small? I'm just trying to see if it would be worth it or not. Honestly I won't be doing much fast or freeway driving with the top off. If I take the top off it'll be for around town crusing at around 45-55mph.
When I had a C4, a 96CE, 10 years ago I don't remember much vibration or flex when driving 75mph with the top off and the ride was comfortable from what I can remember. I've been reading alot on the board here and people complain about bad driveability with the top off.
Let me know what you guys have done.
Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 6
From: St Marys GA
I've never noticed a huge problem with the top off. Then again, I'm not normally canyon-carving with it off, it's just cruising and highway driving. I'm sure the x-brace stiffens things up though.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
When I had a C4, a 96CE, 10 years ago I don't remember much vibration or flex when driving 75mph with the top off ...
I'm not sure about the X brace under the car but I've hard that the harness bar that goes behind the seats does firm up the "feel".
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 87
I've posted this before, but I have the x-brace, camber brace and cross brace, the car has never been in an accident, and in my opinion, the amount of steering column shake and shuddering is still completely unacceptable with the targa top out. And the targa-brace is just too unsightly for me to put up with. But on the otherhand, some folks cars need nothing and drive absolutely fine with the top out.
I don't think you can go wrong adding any or all of the three mentioned braces though. Money well spent IMO.
I don't think you can go wrong adding any or all of the three mentioned braces though. Money well spent IMO.
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
I have the Camber-Brace, Cross-Frame and also a AFSB Targa Bar. I installed the Camber-Brace last year - it did make the front end feel more stable, and took away a fair amount of the steering wheel shake with the top off (and even on bumpy surfaces with the top on). I just recently installed the Cross-Frame, and didn't notice much difference. The AFSB Targa Bar makes it feel as solid or more so than with the fiberglass top, though. Here's a pic:
http://bradprestonmusic.com/Photos/V...s/dscn1087.jpg
http://bradprestonmusic.com/Photos/V...s/dscn1087.jpg
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
I have the cross-bar and camber brace kit on my vert. It is as firm as any FRC. I think you'd be better off with the cross bar to compensate for the targa top removal. R&D Racing made a fine product line.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
it is IMPOSSIBLE to build a frame with "0" flex... your car was subjected to many hours of test driving to optimize the spring rates with the frame flex...if you change the frame stiffness, you'll likely need to change the springs to re-establish max cornering ability.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 87
I have the Camber-Brace, Cross-Frame and also a AFSB Targa Bar. I installed the Camber-Brace last year - it did make the front end feel more stable, and took away a fair amount of the steering wheel shake with the top off (and even on bumpy surfaces with the top on). I just recently installed the Cross-Frame, and didn't notice much difference. The AFSB Targa Bar makes it feel as solid or more so than with the fiberglass top, though. Here's a pic:
http://bradprestonmusic.com/Photos/V...s/dscn1087.jpg
http://bradprestonmusic.com/Photos/V...s/dscn1087.jpg
