Buckshot

...and tore the hell out of a pair of frame braces under the car. The one in the center of the mid-pipe is very bent down in the middle, and the one just aft of that brace is ripped clear off the passenger side. All the bolts still seem to be in place.

I know those braces were put there for a reason, but how risky would it be to remove them for the time being until I find a suitable replacement? Obviously I wouldn't be driving like the lunatic I usually am.

Aside from calling around to a scrap yard, what sort of upgrade parts are available that can solve my little issue? Right now I see a full chassis brace kit from TCSportline on ebay for a reasonable price.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

I haven't had some of those braces on for years.
You'll be fine in the short term.
try contacting Paul @ mazmart to see if he has any lying around.

TrickWilliams

Car should be fine to run without them for awhile. I guess I wouldn't do anything crazy like you said

but it should be safe yes. I also wouldn't buy into that TC brand stuff..go back to stock or some real

aftermarket stuff. Just my .02

EricB

iTrader: (7)

If you are uncomfortable buying into TCS, you could spring for the AutoExe version.. TCS straight up copied them 100%.

I have the rear 3 set from AutoExe

TrickWilliams

Really? That's good to know. Thanks for the spread of knowledge

Buckshot

Good stuff to know, thanks guys. I think I'll get the TCS kit eventually, but just pull the mangled braces off for now so I don't scrape. I just pulled my street bike out of the shop yesterday, so now that I've got another way to get to work I'm not all that worried about getting new parts right away.

EricB

iTrader: (7)

yup, not sure if they used the same steel / quality of the welds on the TCS model though..

the design is the same though.

Buckshot

Well as a bit of a follow up I bolted on a few parts of the TCS kit today at a buddy's shop. Due to some time limitations I didn't install the pair of triangular shaped pieces on the rear end, but the other two pieces lined up just fine. The welds on all the parts were not bad, no pitting that I saw, but I have definitely seen prettier welds. The finish on the parts didn't get all the way into some of the bolt holes/slots, but considering those areas are all covered up by bolt heads I'm not worried.

I did take the twisty way home after getting off the lift, and honestly can't tell much difference in the way the car handles. If anything a bit more eager to turn in. I'm just feeling good knowing the bottom of my car is tied back together like it's suppose to be.

Yeejlo

damn, thats gotta suck.

Buckshot

Care to elaborate? I didn't buy this kit with the expectation that it would transform the handling dynamics of my car into something godly. I bought it because it seemed like a good deal and would replace damaged structural components with seemingly stronger pieces. As far as I'm concerned, winning.