When I installed mine I had a problem getting the bolts to start properly, I finally went to Ace Hardware and bought a tap & dye of the correct size. I also found and easy solution to keeping it in possition until I got the bolts installed. I used my floor jack with a towel wrapped around the lift and used it to hold the brace in place while I started the bolts.

Presto chango it was installed!

 

That picture just makes me want to cry.
Any new developments?

 

That is a good question whether the x-brace makes a front end collision worse.......tried a search couldnt find anything.

The cool thing about a 350Z I found out was the reason why the drive shaft is carbon fiber was not only to save weight....but in a front end collision...it would crack and break away, preventing the engine from entering the passenger compartment. Just a little FYI......

 

How would that be? Driveshaft breaking away as the engine is ramming into the passenger compartment.... The one thing it would save would be the differential/rear axle from going backwards. Breaking would have nothing to do with the engine not entering passenger compartment, unless they have some fancy explanation?
The way I see it, the driveshaft in a frontal collision would transfer some of the energy into the diff/rear axle. (If it didn't break or bend).
Cheers,
Daniel

 

Kodokan_4,

Does the brace actually do anything other than cause anxiety about the effects of a frontal collision?

 

Sorry - I havent had time to get up there and do the testing. I haven't even driven the S in a couple of days!

I'll get it done this weekend.

-Pete

 

Ok besides the fear of a frontal collision ...the x-brace has provided better (stiffer/sharper/stable) turning abilities. I have a Spoon Xbrace and I notice that as soon as I turn the steering wheel the car responds like a hot knife through butter. Better than stock.....the car takes corners sharp and very stable.

I have the Spoon Tower Brace and XBrace...I dunno if it adds more to the crisp stable turning...but I do know a couple of people who just have Xbraces and notice a big difference with stability.

I also notice that bumps and pot holes are more apparent since the chasis is stiffer....the impact of hitting a pot hole is more apparent....

 

Read my post above. It makes a large difference. It is difficult to install since tolerances are so tight. I could get three bolts in but the 4th would give me problems. I just kept backing them out and gently retrying. It took me 1.5 hours to install (including time to get on jackstands and an oil change while I was doing it). Just be careful, you do not want to strip the threads to the subframe. It will install fine just takes some care.

 

IMO, The x-brace made a real noticable difference. "point and click" is what I call it. Or point and mash the throttle.

The car is more stable and I am much more confident.

I was able to install the Digrappa X-Brace with no problem(30 mins)

I was on the tale end of the last group buy. I spoke to Mark several times. He returned all calls and e-mails same day or next morning. I think the initial product that he offered was the best at the time and the money($299) was well worth it.

 

I was able to start all bolts by hand 1st and tightened them by hand until I couldn't.

I have since installed Comptech STB, JIC Magic Coil overs and whiteline 30mm Sway bar. The car hooks up like a Champ!