ALL* the Cusco bracing - A Review

[Tomm]

Nice, write up... Sub'd to remember which ones to buy... lol

[ZDan]

0.02c:
I'da spent some of that $$$ on better damping! Really impressed with Bilsteins vs. stock PP/Sachs

As a structural engineer, I'd say that for sure these braces will locally increase stiffness. But I'd like to know how much they increase the overall stiffness of the chassis. Not practical but would be great to see N-m/degree for stock vs. addition of braces.
For my car, I've never felt like it needed additional chassis bracing. I did install the Whiteline rear subframe stiffeners though, which seemed to settle the rear end a bit in rapid transitions.

[Cephas]

Originally Posted by ZDan

0.02c:
I'da spent some of that $$$ on better damping! Really impressed with Bilsteins vs. stock PP/Sachs

<snip>

For my car, I've never felt like it needed additional chassis bracing. I did install the Whiteline rear subframe stiffeners though, which seemed to settle the rear end a bit in rapid transitions.

That's kinda funny, I've so far been quite satisfied with the stock damping, but have felt the chassis wiggle in some undesired ways over bumps and such, so have been looking at bushings/inerts/bracing. I don't track the car, though. Horses for courses I guess.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by Cephas

That's kinda funny, I've so far been quite satisfied with the stock damping, but have felt the chassis wiggle in some undesired ways over bumps and such, so have been looking at bushings/inerts/bracing. I don't track the car, though. Horses for courses I guess.

I was initially fine with the factory dampers, though over the years/miles I got tired of the high-speed compression damping that IMO makes it *feel* a bit more sporty/go-karty initially. Ultimately factory PP/Sachs struts didn't have enough bump travel for me, lowered 1.25" with springs and with camberplates that took another ~0.75" of bump travel. Every bump I'd bottom out the front suspension, BAM! Bilsteins are a lot smooother in terms of high-speed compression damping, while also having more low-speed damping for control, especially with stiffer springs. And they have a ton more bump travel, no problems with bottoming out the fronts now! Love it...

[new2subaru]

Originally Posted by Cephas

That's kinda funny, I've so far been quite satisfied with the stock damping, but have felt the chassis wiggle in some undesired ways over bumps and such, so have been looking at bushings/inerts/bracing. I don't track the car, though. Horses for courses I guess.

You'd like the rear subframe inserts from whiteine. It settles that feeling you're describing.

[therealstoly]

Originally Posted by ZDan

0.02c:
I'da spent some of that $$$ on better damping! Really impressed with Bilsteins vs. stock PP/Sachs ...

The Sachs/Eibach set-up has always been a band-aid to hold me over as I researched/learned this platform and unlearned the Miata. Found the XIDA from 949Racing to be the best I ever had with a Miata and am watching (along with everyone else) their development for this platform. I've also talked with RCE about the Tarmac 2. I think I've whittled it down to about three options and I hope to have new coilovers in the next month or two. Haven't been in a huge rush as I didn't want to swap suspension before I finished the Cusco experiment.

[therealstoly]

Originally Posted by Cephas

I'd love to see photos as well, but thanks a bunch for the reviews. Answered a lot of questions I had!

Here are some pictures of everything but the transmission collar. There really isn't anything to see once installed and I guess I never took a picture of it.

[PulsarBeeerz]

Interestingly Motoiq.com used the same Cusco braces on their Project FRS and had much the same impression as you have with them! I'm am very much interested in the front cross member brace and rear member sides, but IDK if they would be compatible with the MCA traction mod bracket I run. Only one way to find out.. I plan to devote more mods to suspension in the new year including 949 Racing's coilovers when they come out.

[Celica00]

Bravo , this read like a novel.

I wasn't going to invest in bracing, but now you've got me curious

[Cephas]

Originally Posted by new2subaru

You'd like the rear subframe inserts from whiteine. It settles that feeling you're describing.

Gotcha, thanks! I did the diff mount inserts from them and was VERY happy with the improvement in driveline lash.

Originally Posted by therealstoly

Here are some pictures of everything but the transmission collar. There really isn't anything to see once installed and I guess I never took a picture of it.

Thanks so much for those! Cusco owes you some commission on future sales, I think.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by therealstoly

Here are some pictures of everything but the transmission collar.

LOVE the plaid trunk carpet But that gloss light blue sub has gots to go

[Cephas]

That plaid is pretty dope, not gonna lie!

[Racecomp Engineering]

I'm a sucker for plaid, so that's pretty cool.

Cusco at least used to make front lower control arm braces that did not have the cross bar. Haven't seen this one. Neat.

I think some of the function of the 2 rear braces you really liked would be similar to the Whiteline subframe bushings (or bushing inserts). I need to have a closer look at the rear side braces though.

More weight with the braces vs bushing inserts, but easier to install (and uninstall). The inserts are still pretty easy to install.

- Andrew

[snuff58]

hey therealstoly,


Thanks! Now I can name you a culprit regarding my purchasing!