Strut Bar: worth it or snake oil?

RADRACR · 01-07-2015, 08:23 AM

For track days. I want proper suspension eventually but can I get at least some improvement from the bar or am I better off putting the money toward the kit?

chickdr · 01-07-2015, 08:28 AM

I would save for something better. The strut bar is mostly for show. Z4's are very stiff in general so don't need help there.

IN10SS · 01-07-2015, 09:15 AM

Coupes are pretty stiff, but even with that in mind, I have yet to install a strut brace on any car without a noticeable improvement, and that number is north of twenty by now. I sort of look at it as a bit of help to "keep" the chassis tight. I wouldn't say it was first on the improvement list, but it would be there somewhere. I can say it made my roadster feel much more solid with my spirited mountain driving.

Z4Murder · 01-07-2015, 10:31 AM

don't be like me... save your money and put it towards the kit.

Taylorguy74 · 01-07-2015, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IN10SS

Coupes are pretty stiff, but even with that in mind, I have yet to install a strut brace on any car without a noticeable improvement, and that number is north of twenty by now. I sort of look at it as a bit of help to "keep" the chassis tight. I wouldn't say it was first on the improvement list, but it would be there somewhere. I can say it made my roadster feel much more solid with my spirited mountain driving.

In my experience, I felt little or no difference with a 3 point strut bar installed on the M Roadster. I ultimately took it off and sold it.

On my 3 series sedan however, it made a noticeable difference.

PLCZ4MC · 01-07-2015, 11:15 AM

I have the OE bmw one in my M Roadster and difference is little or nothing. Maybe getting a harder strut bar might work no idea. But for tracking i would totally would just save up for a KW V3. Just my opinion.

Beedub · 01-07-2015, 11:28 AM

personally, from someone with a track based coilover setup and lots of track time, definitely get one...... its certainly not hurting and combined with the under turret strengthening plates IS cheap insurance... i wouldn't run my car without it, I'm glad its been on since like 4k miles!!

UntzUntzUntz · 01-07-2015, 03:24 PM

A brace can prevent roll and further the steering response, however, a brace is one of the last suspension mods you need. It's the cherry on top you put after getting a nice kit and some anti-roll bars.

You'll be well off without it but if you've set your mind on getting a brace, stay away from hinged design.

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01-07-2015, 08:23 AM	#1
RADRACR Captain 84 Rep 924 Posts Drives: '08 Z4 M Coupé // '09 X5 d Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota iTrader: (2)	Strut Bar: worth it or snake oil? For track days. I want proper suspension eventually but can I get at least some improvement from the bar or am I better off putting the money toward the kit? __________________ '08 Z4 ///M Coupé (#1765/1815) — 1 of 68 Sepang Bronze / Black Nappa / Madeira Wood / 1 of 1 this combo 19" Advan RS / AP Racing / Bridgestone RE-11 / Autosolutions SSK / R.E. Diablo / R.E. trans mounts '09 X5 35d — Space Grey / Saddle Brown 20" Forgestar F14 / SCR Delete
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01-07-2015, 08:28 AM	#2
chickdr Lieutenant Colonel 140 Rep 1,990 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buford, GA iTrader: (0)	I would save for something better. The strut bar is mostly for show. Z4's are very stiff in general so don't need help there.
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01-07-2015, 09:15 AM	#3
IN10SS Private 10 Rep 91 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Roadster Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Jamestown, NC USA iTrader: (1)	Coupes are pretty stiff, but even with that in mind, I have yet to install a strut brace on any car without a noticeable improvement, and that number is north of twenty by now. I sort of look at it as a bit of help to "keep" the chassis tight. I wouldn't say it was first on the improvement list, but it would be there somewhere. I can say it made my roadster feel much more solid with my spirited mountain driving.
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01-07-2015, 10:31 AM	#4
Z4Murder Major 28 Rep 1,110 Posts Drives: > speed limit Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Buffalo, NY iTrader: (1)	don't be like me... save your money and put it towards the kit. __________________ 2007 TiAg ///MCoupe * Dinan strut bars * ZHP knob * RPI scoop * Ultimate Pedals * RE Diablo * 3.91 TMS gears * Apex PS7 * Eventuri intake* Nitto NT05 * TMS pullies * Zeck CDV * RE tranny mounts * Tekarbon * Mstache 2 * '14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi... No more snow for the M!
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01-07-2015, 11:15 AM	#6
PLCZ4MC Proud E86M Owner 79 Rep 650 Posts Drives: 07 Z4M Coupe Monaco Blue Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: South California iTrader: (4)	I have the OE bmw one in my M Roadster and difference is little or nothing. Maybe getting a harder strut bar might work no idea. But for tracking i would totally would just save up for a KW V3. Just my opinion.
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01-07-2015, 11:28 AM	#7
Beedub Major General 423 Rep 5,328 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M roadster vt2-500 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	personally, from someone with a track based coilover setup and lots of track time, definitely get one...... its certainly not hurting and combined with the under turret strengthening plates IS cheap insurance... i wouldn't run my car without it, I'm glad its been on since like 4k miles!! __________________ Z4MR VT2 - Clubsport build. Multi award winning Detailing \| Wrap \| PPF specialists UK based - www.topwrapz.com
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01-07-2015, 03:24 PM	#8
UntzUntzUntz Lieutenant 129 Rep 407 Posts Drives: 21 M2 Comp Join Date: May 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2)	A brace can prevent roll and further the steering response, however, a brace is one of the last suspension mods you need. It's the cherry on top you put after getting a nice kit and some anti-roll bars. You'll be well off without it but if you've set your mind on getting a brace, stay away from hinged design.
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