Well, I just finished installing the Mazdaspeed under-car sub-frame braces. It was a pretty straight forward install and since my car is already sitting on jack stands waiting for the new wheels I was able to skip that step...



You will need a large socket wrench an extension and a 12 and 17mm socket... From 1-10 this is a 5 on the difficulty scale...



A few after pics...

 

A few more...

 

Ok, I have not yet driven the car so I can't comment on this particular install yet but from past experiences with sub-frame braces it should stiffen things up nicely...

Tomorrow I will install the new MS clutch line and change the dif and transmission oil to Red Line products and post two more install post on them...

Enjoy...

 

omg... tat's really sweet .. man.. after u driven post the feeling up a !!
have u installed suspension yet? I feel the factory supspen .. it's a little bit soft.
but anyway. i am waiting ur impression.

 

I have the complete Mazdaspeed suspension, the car feels completely different than stock...

 

really !? cool!! man

 

Damn...

I need to read the rule book, cause I need that :D

 

cortc, what is that made from. I can't tell from the pics. I guess it is steel tubing but it could be solid aluminum or even tubing. What does it weigh and cost?

 

Richard: It is aluminum tubing and it is very light, and the set cost about U$650.00 + shipping...

 

Let me know if it is worth it. Looks like something I could produce for less. Say isn't it wet where you are??

 

Yes, very wet and windy... Here in Miami we did not get it to bad and I am glad because I was in the middle of the worse of Andrew and it was not any fun...

 

I wonder how well these braces stand up against the elements. Aluminum is a metal, and metal oxidizes. Oh well, aluminum doesn't have as much tendency for rusting as iron.

cortc, are you going to take this to the track? I'd love to hear the results.

P.S. - thank you for putting all this on the Internet for everyone to see. Do you ever think your RX-8 will be complete (great artworks are never)?

 

shelleys: The braces should hold up very well; just have to be careful with speed bumps... And yes, once the new wheels show up she will get a few laps at the track and I will post some pictures and a write-up...

Is she finished, no... I still have a long way to go with her...

 

I'm surprised they didnt just anodize them. That woulda been sweet looking too.

 

Cort, where did you buy the braces from? Another special order from Maurice?

 

Yes, I bought them from Canzoomer...

 

Cortc, not sure If it was you that passed me (& took off!) sometime last week at night on Coral Way & 22nd.. (Ti Grey 8, Appearance/no wing)

Regardless, I would love to see your ride up close sometime, if you wouldn't mind.

 

Liquid: I don't think it was me but we should plan a get together with a few of the other local Miami members and check out each others cars... My wheels should be here in a couple of weeks...

 

hmm... I think I'll be coming to Miami -all the way around the globe- just to check your ride cortc

the brace doesn't stand that low, it looks almost at the same level as the cat-cover. nice...

 

RotorManiac: Yes, it sits at about the same height as the cat...

 

those can't be hard to re-create. Anyone ? =)

 

I've started looking into this actually. Dammit, I wish this had come up before cortc had 'em installed...he's not too far from me

When I figure out what I'm allowed or not allowed to say about possible future product offerings (I have nothing at the moment other than an idea in my head, and its not for sale ) I'll start a thread with some more detailed "exploratory" questions.

jds

 

Cgrx, hope it wasn't a hot day when you were doing that dance.
"Anyone" is me. If after we get a drive report and he thinks it is worth it, I can build those and for a lot less. Even in small lots like 25 or so.

 

I'll be up for a set from ya Richard.

 

Aren't you busy with some supercharger or something? :D