hysteria411

I work for a small shop that would like to get into some fabrication work, and one of the products we are considering is a strut tower brace for the Miata. I have a NA that we are going to use a base for the first model, but I was wondering what kind of interest there is for a quality 3 point strut bar for any Miata chassis. Most of what I have seen are simple 2 point bars that don't utilize the firewall, are there any clearance issues with the turbo setups you guys are running or do manufacturers not see any reason to triangulate it? Are there any additional features such as a master cylinder brace you guys would like to see in a STB? I know there are plenty of people who don't believe in using a STB, but is there anyone out there who would be interested in an aluminum 3 point brace with the additional master cylinder brace if it could be sold for under $250?

Also, for those of you who don't want a strut tower brace, would you like to see a simple master cylinder brace that mounts on the strut tower?

kenzo42

iTrader: (6)

I need a simple master cylinder brace.

I would also never spend $250 for a stb.

hysteria411

I doubt many people would, but I have to estimate on the high side until the first one is complete, and I know everyone wants to see a number. I'll take that as a +1 for the master cylinder brace.

y8s

iTrader: (8)

if you could get it to be as light and awesome as the mazdaspeed/cusco/whoeverelse 3 point bar with backup bracket on the firewall AND master cylinder brace (on the correct driver's side, not the wrong japanese side), I bet you'd get some customers at $250.

here's what I got:

hysteria411

Thanks for the input, that's a pretty nice car you've got. Would you guys like to see a nice polished/painted finish on these, or a raw aluminum version that is slightly cheaper?

MazDilla

iTrader: (7)

I would be one of the customers y8s is referring to, with the additional requirement that the bar fits the NA body style (1990-97)

Polished is not important to me.

...but the features pointed out by y8s are key for me.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

double wishbone struts. I don't understand why people seem to think there's any radial loading on a double-wishbone car. Have fun adding weight.

hysteria411

Thank you, that's exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for. The first model will be for the NA body style because I own one, but we would like to make a NB model as well in the future.

I know there are plenty of people who don't think these have any purpose, and others who swear by them. If you think they are useless and wouldn't buy one feel free you voice your opinion, but let's make sure this doesn't turn into a brace vs. no brace debate.

Are there any other products that you want to see produced? We're open to making just about anything that there is a need for.

y8s

iTrader: (8)

mine fits 90-2005 miatas. the firewall and shock towers are in the same places.

hustlepuff: it may be less than a strut based suspension but it's definitely not none. for one thing, the NB top mounts don't even have true pivots at the top of the shock and the spring rests on the underside of the unibody (basically--the mount is flat against it). and there is significant torque on the arm mounting points on the subframe as well.

I would be curious to see someone make a couple of rods that are tied to the shock towers and meet in the center of the car over a ruler and stick a camera on them to see what the real flex is.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I'll buy. Let me know if you have any questions. Make sure to use big rubbers on the trans mount locations and provide longer bolts for the block.

MazDilla

iTrader: (7)

I would also be interested in the brace suggested by hustler.

He is an expert on loose trannys.

jacob300zx

A 3 point with master brace would sell good at $200 shipped in bare finish.

hysteria411

As far as the transmission brace goes, I can do that but I only have my NA to base the design from. Does anyone know what years share the same mounting points? Also, would you like soft rubber bushings or a firmer poly bushing setup?

Stealth97

iTrader: (5)

at $200 I'd bite. Bare finish, Master Cyl. brace, and clearance for the big 99 intake manifold in the NA Chassis. If there was a transmission brace like hustler posted, I'd buy that first

RotorNutFD3S

iTrader: (33)

If the one being proposed here uses the same dimensions as the Cobalt 3-pt. brace, then the '99-'00 manifold will fit under it. That's the one I had on the '95 with the '99-'00 head swap.

+1 to $200 for bare finish and master cyl. brace.

hysteria411

I've noticed that most of these 3-pt braces like the cobalt don't run a bar between the strut towers, is that something you would like to see added or would you rather go without?

Stealth97

iTrader: (5)

I personally would rather have it without the center brace, being able to get the VC off without removing it would be a bonus, but then again it would only be 6 bolts or so anyhow... but less weight and it would probably be just as effective.

chicksdigmiatas

iTrader: (11)

I would be in on a reasonably priced trans brace.

FRT_Fun

iTrader: (19)

I'm in for something cheap that has a Master brace.

hysteria411

Would you guys be interested in these braces if they were made out of a high quality steel? I'm sure you guys know the advantages of both materials, so which would you prefer and why?