hey yall. im wondering if the 4 point ultra racing lower arm bar does much more than the cusco 2 point style. its more expensive, but it looks as though it ties together the front subframe. thanks!

 

I was going to buy the Ultra Racing 4-point, steel and one piece design, but I did not like they choice of rear mounting points. I think the inner rear control arm mounting bracket bolts would be stronger/better location.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ULTRA-RACING...ht_4259wt_1017

I do not like the Casco or MadzaSpeed designs because they have pivot points.

I do like the Himi Racing bar because there is no pivot points, but it is made out of aluminum and I am not sure how well it will put up with the repeated cyclic loading especially on the track;

http://www.himni-racing.com/index.ph...vq1mha8jfo12l2

I am thinking of something similar to the ones made for the S197 Mustang. The bar is slightly lower for more header clearance without being too low. But L-bracket end plates would have to be gusseted to increase their strength.

http://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=p...id=22&catid=64

 

wow thanks a lot of sharing the himni racing design. looks way better than the cusco style, too bad its not electric blue!

 

I got the himni lower bar.
https://i.imgur.com/FOYboh.jpg
Before and after on the track was pretty noticable. Without the bar, I can feel the car tilting far more into corners. With the bar on it was more stable. The car does feel like it understeer more with the bar on.

As far as 4 point vs 2 point lower arm bar. I dont see a need for a 4 point bar. Adding just the 2 point lower arm bar already makes the subframe a "boxed" frame, which reduces torsional flex in the front of the car especially with an added front strut bar.

 

Update: I finally picked up a lower front sub-frame / control arm brace and got it installed. It is a very nicely made TIG welded aluminum brace with an oval cross section with dual internal I-beam construction from Tanabe Sustec.

I was a bit skeptical of the difference that this 1 lbs brace would make in the overall handling of my car. In reality the impact was VERY profound. I would have never suspected that there was that kind of flexing going on with the front sub-frame. It was instantly noticeable even when just pulling out of the driveway over the rolled curb at the end of the apron.

The best way to describe the change is the front end now feels like it is chiseled from a solid block of steel. No more wind up and snap response to steering input. The response is now much more linear / predictable and the body roll is reduce to a point that the car just seems to change direct with hardly any roll at all. The impact from road input is now more muted - much less harsh and less nervous. Also the power-on, tail-out from the corner apex to exit is now very natural and smooth, it is also very easy to induce a drift like maneuver. All the suspension mods and upgrades (Stance coliovers, Racing Beat sway bars, Mazdatrix link ends, Ultra Racing strut upper brace, ES and Mazdaspeed bushings, 17x8.5" rims with 225/45 tires front and rear), now finally seem to have magically began to work smoothly together.

I can't believe the overall positive impact of this seemingly simple modification!

 

what about the rear sub frame braces?