Hi all , firstly if this in wrong section oppligises, my question is a quick one , I drive a 2006 Nc on a 1.8 , I am wanting to add a engine brace for stability and firmer in corners etc . I have checked there are the bolt threads on top of Spring mounting to accommodate but I see that on bulk head it requires a front strutt brace bracket which is available to buy , is this possible on my 1.8 before I spend money on parts I know it was standard on 2.0L has anyone on here done this too there 1.8 me 3 any advise would be fab Cheers Richy ???
hiya Richy, perfectly alright on the 1.8 version, I did it to my 1800 GT. You can get a 2 point brace that doesn’t need the bulkhead bracket, quite a saving if you buy new To fit the bulkhead bracket, you have a bit to do, from memory, I had to remove the wipers, the plastic scuttle covers, the rubber edge strip along the bulkhead to gain access to the bolts as they bolt down from the top into captive nuts on the bracket. You will already have a bracket in situ but not the fixings on it to fit a 3 point brace. Is it worth doing? Who knows
I had the ILMotorsport one which is not one piece but three, held together by bolts, same as OEM, potentially movement between the pieces so maybe not as rigid as a one piece (cobalt do one for instance, very shiny!) Have a look on mx5Parts, for ideas (and costs). On my latest car, there is a standard factory one which some folk have had painted a different colour, I will probably do that and save a few bob! Maybe a breaker will have both the brace and the bracket?
Barrie
I have an Ultra Racing 4 point fixing on my 1.8 NC. No problem fixing to existing holes etc., and in my opinion made a difference for the better.
Have you found this. https://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/yaf_postst114060_Strut-Brace-kit—is-it-worth-it.aspx
I have one of these in the attic; PM if interested.
Hi all just an update I got the bulkhead bracket I needed from a friend and member of the Tyne tees section so half an hour job , firstly removed windscreen cowl and wiper arms , bracket had 8 to 9 bolts holding it on , before cowl went back on I cleaned underneath mine was not too bad ??? . Fit cowl and wiper back on strutt brace now on very pleased with it , massive thanks to Alex for the bracket and brace and company fitting it all on to my beloved nc
Did it make a difference to the handling of the car or was there little difference.
I think it does make a little difference , if you were to add strutt braces to underneath too would be awesome , I can feel the difference on tight corners does feel more tighter , I am happy