I'm trying to add lightness to my 1989 convertible. Could I replace the heavy steel brace with one of these without loosing rigidity?

Himni Lower Arm Bar 86-92 Mazda RX-7 FC3S [HR-FC-Lowarm] - $63.90 : Himni Racing, Turbocharger, Turbo, Garrett, Turbo Kit, GReddy, Mazda RX-7, HKS, Apexi, TiAL, TurboXS, TurboSmart, Flange, Turbonetics, Exhaust, Intercooler, ACT, Intake

Tanabe USA Inc. - Sustec Under Brace

 

Dude... The stock steel one mounts at like either 6 or 8 points... I don't see what would really be gained here, other than weight savings... But even then, what, like 30 lbs? How about hitting the treadmill?

I could be totally off base in think of the part that this replaces, but if its what I think it is.... The stock one is pretty stout. Keep it.

 

"Hit the treadmill"

That's harsh.

 

I'm 5'9" 210... but hey, if you care more about weight reduction than structural rigidity... go right ahead!

There are more effective ways to waste your money.

 

No, not without loosing rigidity. You will definitely lose rigidity. As stated above those bars are only 2 point... naturally you would need something that does the same thing as the stock one but out of a strong but lighter material. You're looking at a custom job.

 

I'm tempted to say that my original 86 gxl didn't come with the steel brace that I mentioned earlier... maybe thats where this bar would be appropriate.

Or maybe my 86 DID come with the brace... and this one would remain stupid

 

Which brace? The convertibles had extra bracing to alleviate some of the loss of rigidity of having no roof. These braces wouldn't be found on coupes at all.

I doubt the weight savings would be worth a loss in rigidity. I can't imagine a lower arm bar helping out as much as the multiple attachment points of teh convertible brace.

 

I'm tlking about the 40 lb behemoth that mounts up just aft of the front subframe and has either 6 or 8 bolts that attach it to various portions of the car. That thing is a beast... That puny piece of **** from himni would probably provide minimal rigidity to non-verts anyway.

 

Lost 3/4 of a pound since starting this thread.

 

I lose that much by taking a crap... Most of the time even more than that.