Hello...

I've been lurking around for awhile and this is my first post. Giampiero had suggested that I seek your advice. This should be of interest to those who bought the Spoon lower rear brace.

Anyway, I've had my S2K, since March and been having a "ball" since. First of all, thanks to all you guys for all the info you have shared. You've made ownership more enjoyable. Anymore enjoyable and it would be a crime.

The reason for my post is that I am having problems installing my Spoon lower rear brace. The OEM part has mounting holes for a bracket that hold the EVAP Control Canister, whereas the Spoon part has no provisions for the aforementioned bracket, it only has mounting holes to the rear subframe. I figure that it should be very easy to drill a few holes into the bracket. It shouldn't compromise the rigidity of the unit. But, What if the Japanese spec S2000s don't have these emissions control units and Spoon has a corresponding made for US brace? So, I e-mail Giampiero informing him of the situation. Giampiero called Spoon Japan, and according to Spoon they have never had it problem before. Giampiero also says the he has sold 7 or 8 brackets before and nobody has had this problem before. So, I must be doing something wrong. Sadly, I can't figure out where I am F@#%ing up. Unless, I drill new holes on the bracket I don't see anywhere to attach the bracket. If I don't secure the bracket the canister unit will fall off.

To those who installed Neuspeed or Comptech brackets, how was canister bracket attached?

Thanks, in advanced.

BTW, FYI I've also got the Spoon X-brace and Spoon strut tower bracket, installed without a hitch. The X-brace reinforces the front subframe that holds the suspension and the engine. So, the suspension soaks-up the bump more efficiently, rides better. It also strengthens the engine mounts. So get a more responsive engine, seems more powerful/lighter feel. However, you hear noises and feel vibrations you never heard/felt before.

 

I just received my braces and have only had a few minutes to look at mounting, but even in the dark last night I saw the problem you are describing. I was thinking that drilling into the brace would not be high on my list and was wondering if clamps to secure evap gear is a workable solution.

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I was considering clamps too, but I don't think it'll look neat. You could weld some bolts to the brace with that bracing rod for alloys that you can use with a propane torch. I can't remember what its called right now, but a welding supply should be able to tell you. But can also ruin the brace.

How's about tapping screws into the brace, but it might be awkward to tighten the bolts from the top. Anyways, alloys isn't the best material for threads.

Drilling I think would be neat, you could use hex bolts. On the hollow part of the brace drill through and make the first hole larger so that the hex bolt goes through and then cover the hole with something. Then again, I haven't checked if the weld on the brace aligns with any of the bracket mounts. If it does then clamps maybe the way to go or a combination of both.

I think the best solution is that Spoon take care of this for us, if there is a problem and its not only me. But then again, I don't think I can wait that long.

[This message has been edited by BBSpoon (edited October 28, 2000).]

 

On second look those mounting screws are pretty small. If I get time this weekend I will simply pull the current brace and use it to mark the new one for drilling. It will be the neatest and most secure installation.

 

I installed my braces today, so I have the first impressions report..

The front cross brace is a winner! Makes a real difference on less than perfect surfaces and I agree with the other posts, changes the steering feel slightly.. a bit faster to respond and maybe more precise.

The rear brace is simply a replacement for a stock piece which turns out to be pretty substantial after you get it off and examine it. The Spoon part also needs a mod (drilled holes and new longer bolts) to hold the NA evaporative gear. No noticeable change, I recommend you save your funds for something else.

I think the only downside to the Spoon cross brace is that it is in the way when changing the oil. A small price to pay for a substantial improvement.

 

I have Comptech rear brace which installed without problem. Also took it off and put back for HKS install. It has the requisite holes in it that accomodate the screws for the evap control canister.

 

Cdelena, Did you have a different front lower strut brace installed previously? I think Spoon X-brace would be more effective than the replacement type. I have found improvement with the Neuspeed, and might be willing to upgrade to X-brace..

 

BBSPOON,

I tried to do the install today and noticed the same problem with the extra holes that were needed. Thanks for posting the problem.


cdelena,

Did you drill the holes through both sides of the brace? I wasn't sure if you just bolted the cannister bracket from the top only or if you came from the bottom like the OEM bracket.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Prolene:
[B] Cdelena,

 

How so? I do my own changes so im interested. What will we need a ratchet? Will it interfear with the drainage(sp)?