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      09-18-2013, 10:47 AM   #1
Suprgnat
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I got a ridiculously good deal on a BNIB BMW CF strut brace (51710429377) and just couldn't pass it up. Arrives tomorrow.

Thing is, I really planed to install the M3 bits and even ordered the Heater Closing Panel and Grommets to do it cleanly.

I realize on our rigid, modern vehicles a strut brace is of debatable benefit, but the CF one looks so damn sexy. So, do I:

1) Sell the CF strut brace immediately (hopefully for a profit...)
2) Install the brace until I get around to ordering the M3 bits, and then sell the CF brace (hopefully for a profit...)
3) To hell with it, just run with the CF brace

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      09-18-2013, 11:48 AM   #2
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Depends on what you do with the vehicle. If you track it, it will give some support and rigidity you'd want while cornering. If you are like me and only open the hood for maintenance purposes, its kind of silly to spend money on something that is virtually invisible and not so beneficial for a daily commute.

Just my .02
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      09-18-2013, 12:19 PM   #3
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function>form. The m3 bits most certainly fit that over the strut brace... although it is quite pretty.
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      09-18-2013, 03:47 PM   #4
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+1 for function over form....Id say sell it and put the money towards something else :/
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      09-18-2013, 05:53 PM   #5
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Sell it.

Mason engineering bar is a much better choice anyway. It has the option to reroute the firewall braces to allow strut rebound adjustment.
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      09-18-2013, 06:32 PM   #6
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Mason engineering bar is a much better choice anyway.
I've been eyeing the Mason for a while but have two concerns. One, the mounting holes do not appear to be slotted and I have no plans beyond Dinan for camber plates. Does Mason just use big damn holes to compensate for chassis manufacturing tolerances and camber adjustments? Two, it may be just the photos, but I'm not overly impressed with the welds (or maybe I'm just spoiled. I work with some great TIG welders).
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      09-18-2013, 06:56 PM   #7
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but have two concerns.
Make it three. No mention is made of any kind of corrosion protection on the aluminum rig. Type II min. (Yes, this could be answered with a phone call)
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Last edited by Suprgnat; 09-18-2013 at 06:56 PM.. Reason: it's spelled "three", not "thee".
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      09-18-2013, 07:21 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Suprgnat View Post
Make it three. No mention is made of any kind of corrosion protection on the aluminum rig. Type II min. (Yes, this could be answered with a phone call)
Shrug, they have a long history of functional high quality bars. I don't care about weld tidiness all that much. I also think the aluminum bar is anodized? Either way, I have a top notch powdercoater in my area.
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      09-18-2013, 07:59 PM   #9
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Shrug, they have a long history of functional high quality bars.
No denying that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSt|G View Post
I don't care about weld tidiness all that much.
Call me weird, but it matters to me. A sound, proper weld actually looks good. Not too much filler, not too little, not too much heat, not too little, not too much penetration..... A good weld is art. It might be a minor obsession of mine. Those look like OK welds.

Quote:
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I also think the aluminum bar is anodized? Either way, I have a top notch powdercoater in my area.
I tell the guys in the machine shop/manufacturing that I don't expect or want the assemblers to have to perform any secondary operations. They shouldn't have to.
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      09-18-2013, 08:12 PM   #10
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share the love and sell it for what you got it for.
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      09-18-2013, 08:14 PM   #11
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share the love and sell it for what you got it for.

Make me an offer!
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      09-18-2013, 08:19 PM   #12
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Make me an offer!
I've already got one!
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      09-18-2013, 08:20 PM   #13
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I've already got one!
Curses!
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