Suspension and Brakes Springs, shocks, coilovers, sways, braces, brakes, etc.

SC400 Tower Brace Woes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-21-04 | 10:53 PM
  #1  
Lexologist's Avatar
Lexologist
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Nor*Cal
Unhappy SC400 Tower Brace Woes

I am looking for a front strut tower brace for a last-gen SC400. There aren't any clear options, therefore I need strong opinions.

Which is the better option (no hassle) w/o the brace spacers, JIC Supra 98 or Corson Supra 98?

Thanks
Old 06-21-04 | 11:52 PM
  #2  
LexFather
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Welcome to Clublexus. I moved it here, where you will find your answer(s).
Old 06-22-04 | 02:29 AM
  #3  
UZZ32's Avatar
UZZ32
Pole Position
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: International
Default

The SC 400 doesn't have struts - it has dual A-arm suspension. There are huge aluminium cast members that these A-arms, and suspension forces, go through. The top of the "strut tower" in the SC400 is not a stressed point of the suspension. If the car had a strut type suspension like a Nissan, then a strut brace can make a difference. On the SC400 fitting a "strut brace" doesn't affect the suspension of the car. So take your girlfriend out for a movie and dinner with the money saved on the strut brace - you'll get better value.
Old 06-22-04 | 06:01 AM
  #4  
aasc300's Avatar
aasc300
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 671
Likes: 2
From: South Carolina
Default

The strut tower brace I put on my sc300 is nice, but I didn't feel that much of a difference. I did feel the difference when I installed my Daizen bushings though!
I still like the JIC magic brace, got it on my sc3 with a few washers and no other modifications.
Old 06-22-04 | 06:49 AM
  #5  
VSsc400's Avatar
VSsc400
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,479
Likes: 2
From: IL
Default

the CUSCO will fit without spacers.
TRD supra will fit with 2 Strut tower re-enforcements on each side.

not sure about the others.
Old 06-29-04 | 08:05 PM
  #6  
EUROJulian's Avatar
EUROJulian
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 400
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Default

Originally posted by UZZ32
The SC 400 doesn't have struts - it has dual A-arm suspension. There are huge aluminium cast members that these A-arms, and suspension forces, go through. The top of the "strut tower" in the SC400 is not a stressed point of the suspension. If the car had a strut type suspension like a Nissan, then a strut brace can make a difference. On the SC400 fitting a "strut brace" doesn't affect the suspension of the car. So take your girlfriend out for a movie and dinner with the money saved on the strut brace - you'll get better value.
Dare to dissagree with our honorable Australian friend.
SC doesn`t have "MacPehrson strut" type suspension but does have struts.
Since our stuts do not locate the wheel, tower braceing is less evident than in case of MacPhersons but still helps overal rigity of the body.
Old 06-29-04 | 08:13 PM
  #7  
SupraCoup3's Avatar
SupraCoup3
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 2
From: PHX
Default

well... I installed a rather cheap one in my SC300.

and wow, the differance is quite astounding. The front end no longer swims on me -- stays nice and flat. Makes the curves litterally TWICE the fun :-)

dramatic change.


of course, that's just my .02


Edit for english

Last edited by SupraCoup3; 07-01-04 at 07:27 PM.
Old 06-29-04 | 08:20 PM
  #8  
THE_CEO's Avatar
THE_CEO
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,199
Likes: 47
From: Michigan
Default

Originally posted by SupraCoup3
well... I installed a rather cheap one in my SC300.

and wow, the differance is quite astounding. The front end no longer swims on me -- says nice and flat. Makes the curves litterally TWICE the fun :-)

dramatic change.


of course, that's just my .02
hmmm me and my toyo's need that...hehe!

CEO
Old 06-29-04 | 08:23 PM
  #9  
Lexologist's Avatar
Lexologist
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Nor*Cal
Default

Has anyone installed aftermarket sway bars from Diazen?
Old 06-29-04 | 08:53 PM
  #10  
LexAnt's Avatar
LexAnt
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 2
From: California
Default

daizen sway bars are bar most the best suspension upgrade period.... well imo.... after i installed them, the car felt a whole lot more rigid overall.... quality of ride isn't sacrificed at all. i think todd (doublewhoosh) posted the specs on them in another thread about them being like close to 90% stiffer in front and back.
Old 07-01-04 | 07:06 PM
  #11  
P.Williams's Avatar
P.Williams
Pit Crew
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Default

I have the JIC bar on my SC4. It didn't seem to make a noticeable difference, but the suspension had already been modified quite a bit. I'd have to agree with EUROJulian, although the benefit will not be as dramatic as on say, a VW Corrado, it does still improve rigidity. That's always a good thing. Plus in every photo I've seen of a JGTC Supra engine bay, a tower bar is present. Obviously, they seem to think it makes a difference. I also have the Daizen sway bars which I would recommend. They're not cheap, but worth every penny. I also just installed the Do-Luck Rear Cross Bar for the Supra, which made a world of difference in chassis rigidity.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
djrabbi
Suspension
1
08-19-15 07:43 AM
magat1
Suspension and Brakes
13
09-12-11 09:59 PM
ShadyJC
LX - 1st and 2nd Gen (1996-2007)
2
11-02-04 08:31 AM
speedking
SC400 / 300 Classifieds
1
02-23-04 10:51 AM



Quick Reply: SC400 Tower Brace Woes



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:38 AM.