1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Looks like Racing Beat has brought back the strut tower brace.

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Old 02-13-24, 09:57 PM
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Damn, it did start!

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Looks like Racing Beat has brought back the strut tower brace.

https://www.racingbeat.com/RX7-1975-1985/Engine-External/14016.html
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xylorex (02-14-24)
Old 02-14-24, 08:48 AM
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Thanks for sharing - I thought these were lost to history!
Old 02-14-24, 09:14 AM
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Damn, it did start!

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Now if tokico can bring back the illuminas and blues for us.
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Old 02-14-24, 10:16 AM
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I love mine, purchased over 20 years ago. When I had the car resprayed, the painter asked if I wanted to color coordinate the strut tower brace, and while I was leery at the time, I agreed. Today, when I open the hood, the color matched brace is an attention-getter. Even though the engine bay is greasy, grimy, and a bit cluttered (*I don't care about shows - I drive it) the brace adds a touch of class and works well.

Racing Beat put extra effort into triangulating the brace with SOLID mounts to the strut towers. Those cast aluminum mounts make the system, and while they may not clear highly adjustable shock tops, they are perfect for upgrading a stock suspension. The only issue I've had was very tight clearance to the 70amp alternator I upgraded on my Series3 car. When the belts are adjusted, the top of the Alternator barely touches the bottom of the strut bar. I'm sure there's contact during engine mount shifting during acceleration.

Even at $475(!), if you think you'll ever want one - get one now. Who knows how long they'll be offering them.
Old 02-14-24, 10:18 AM
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I hate that brace……never liked it……makes the engine bay look too full/busy…… butt ugly brace…
Old 02-14-24, 12:49 PM
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I'm glad to see these back, but, like raven^^, I don't really like the aesthetics even though I'm sure triangulating to the firewall is better than the Cusco strut brace I have.

Originally Posted by LongDuck
The only issue I've had was very tight clearance to the 70amp alternator I upgraded on my Series3 car. When the belts are adjusted, the top of the Alternator barely touches the bottom of the strut bar. I'm sure there's contact during engine mount shifting during acceleration.
Now you can spend more on T3's low profile alternator kit!
Old 02-14-24, 05:53 PM
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It maybe ugly, but the installation of the strut brace I installed on my 85 GSL-SE in 1997 made a believer out of me, after installation the handling characteristics my car improved "dramatically" and I would "never" go back to no brace. The closest I can come to describing the feeling is like driving on a slot car track. Coupled with the MTheroy rack and pinion kit the experience is nothing short of amazing imho.
Old 02-14-24, 06:51 PM
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Case in point; a few miles after I installed my RB strut tower brace, one of the shock rods popped out the top of the rubber mount and shoved the hood up on that side. The brace worked well enough that the flex was significantly reduced, moving the weak point to the strut mount. I replaced both strut tops and it never felt better,
Old 02-19-24, 03:12 PM
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i think this is great news. i've always wanted one and years ago (as it often happens) when i had the money to buy one, i went to order it and it wasn't there. so having a second chance seems awesome. i hadn't thought about them in a while and then a few days ago i was watching a Rad Potential video and saw one, so i made a mental note to check if i could find one used. crazy ....

Originally Posted by raven12aFB
I hate that brace……never liked it……makes the engine bay look too full/busy…… butt ugly brace…
okay Raven, i want you to know this a safe space ... don't hold anything back. tell us how you feel about it ... and no sugar-coating.
Old 02-19-24, 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by diabolical1
i think this is great news. i've always wanted one and years ago (as it often happens) when i had the money to buy one, i went to order it and it wasn't there. so having a second chance seems awesome. i hadn't thought about them in a while and then a few days ago i was watching a Rad Potential video and saw one, so i made a mental note to check if i could find one used. crazy ....


okay Raven, i want you to know this a safe space ... don't hold anything back. tell us how you feel about it ... and no sugar-coating.
What you want me to say????? I think it’s butt ugly..,,, And don’t get me started with Veil Side body kit….




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