Thoughts on David Garfinkle's Engine Brace
12-22-03, 07:15 AM
#1
Thoughts on David Garfinkle's Engine Brace
I read the thread on Davids brace (up close & per.)
I did some more research & decided to get one.
David works some weird hours - but he called me back before he hit the rack to take my information.
I got the brace brackets & decided to have a Mazda dealer mechanic install it so he could bleed the brakes/clutch (Easier for me!). David's instruction are very precise & easy. But the mech decided to use a tapered drill bit & f***** it up. Made the holes way too big.
I called David crying the blues. He calmed me down & said, "Not to worry. I'll make you a backing plate".
The plate was perfect. It has two larger holes to accommodate the stock fender fastners & tapped holes with longer hex bolts.
I can't recommend doing it this way - unless you have to. I had to work the plate through a 2 X 3 opening & line it up. Plus remove the wheel & inner fender. It wasn't easy but it's probably stronger then the molleys.
So it's on & it works great.
David is a very knowlegable guy. He's owned many RX-7's. I've read where some think he's an "old guy who likes to tinker on FDs". If it wasn't for the old guys/gurus, I wouldn't know a thing. They've been doing this for 10+ years & even longer on the gen 2's.
A little respect.
By the way David says not to send any money until I'm completely satisfied.
Jason
I did some more research & decided to get one.
David works some weird hours - but he called me back before he hit the rack to take my information.
I got the brace brackets & decided to have a Mazda dealer mechanic install it so he could bleed the brakes/clutch (Easier for me!). David's instruction are very precise & easy. But the mech decided to use a tapered drill bit & f***** it up. Made the holes way too big.
I called David crying the blues. He calmed me down & said, "Not to worry. I'll make you a backing plate".
The plate was perfect. It has two larger holes to accommodate the stock fender fastners & tapped holes with longer hex bolts.
I can't recommend doing it this way - unless you have to. I had to work the plate through a 2 X 3 opening & line it up. Plus remove the wheel & inner fender. It wasn't easy but it's probably stronger then the molleys.
So it's on & it works great.
David is a very knowlegable guy. He's owned many RX-7's. I've read where some think he's an "old guy who likes to tinker on FDs". If it wasn't for the old guys/gurus, I wouldn't know a thing. They've been doing this for 10+ years & even longer on the gen 2's.
A little respect.
By the way David says not to send any money until I'm completely satisfied.
Jason
12-22-03, 11:08 AM
#2
The Power of 1.3
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David is a great guy. I love my brace that I got from him, his work and service are top notch. I was amazed when he said not to send any money until I was happy. Thats just unreal these days. But he's a trusting person I guess.
12-22-03, 12:06 PM
#6
For $80 bucks or so you can't go wrong.
I haven't had it on long enough to give a difinitive evaluation. But so far everything feels just tighter.
If you do visit him, have him make you a set of ground cables. He makes them out of welding wire.
I haven't had it on long enough to give a difinitive evaluation. But so far everything feels just tighter.
If you do visit him, have him make you a set of ground cables. He makes them out of welding wire.
12-22-03, 01:45 PM
#7
i just got of the phone with David Garfinkle (30+ conversation).. seems like super nice guy..
I've heard so much about him thru other FD owners.. and can't wait to meet him and check out his car..
Dec 26th.. so, if any FD owners in Nashville want to do lunch.. let me know..
PHIL
I've heard so much about him thru other FD owners.. and can't wait to meet him and check out his car..
Dec 26th.. so, if any FD owners in Nashville want to do lunch.. let me know..
PHIL
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12-22-03, 01:47 PM
#8
Originally posted by RX--7Seven
Perhaps too trusting.
People have stolen his tools that he loaned out to make the job easier and also not paid him in the end for the brace.
On another note - I painted my Hammer Tone. It looks great.
Perhaps too trusting.
People have stolen his tools that he loaned out to make the job easier and also not paid him in the end for the brace.
On another note - I painted my Hammer Tone. It looks great.
12-22-03, 04:10 PM
#9
fart on a friends head!!!
phil. . . ill be there. . . already talked to david. . . dont know if ill be too busy working on my car, though. ive taken a bit too much time off. :/
paul
paul
12-22-03, 06:29 PM
#12
2/4 wheel cornering fiend
The original thread that was referred to in the original post: https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...e+torque+brace
12-22-03, 06:36 PM
#13
fart on a friends head!!!
did it for you. . . https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...e+torque+brace
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...e+torque+brace
paul
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...e+torque+brace
paul
Last edited by rotorbrain; 12-22-03 at 06:39 PM.
12-22-03, 07:34 PM
#14
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can anyone comment on the effectivness compared to those "torque dampeners" that are going around? the torque dampeners seem like a better idea because they would have more give, and also bolt to the shocktower and would not put pressure on the thin sheet metal on the side of the engine compartment. im intalling a 20b and need something that will not smash a hole in my car with 500-600 HP going down.
12-22-03, 07:49 PM
#15
I'm not the last word by any means - but I believe the idea of the torque brace is to be like another engine mount. There fore, you don't want it to move like a dampner would.
One other thought. For most of us, if we installed new (better) engine mounts we wouldn't need a torque brace. Since you're installing a new engine put the upgraded engine mounts in. I think they're made of urethane or something like that. They're much firmer.
But stay tuned to this thread - others will chime in!
One other thought. For most of us, if we installed new (better) engine mounts we wouldn't need a torque brace. Since you're installing a new engine put the upgraded engine mounts in. I think they're made of urethane or something like that. They're much firmer.
But stay tuned to this thread - others will chime in!
12-22-03, 08:33 PM
#18
fart on a friends head!!!
the original brace has been mounted on a 400+ rwhp car for some time now. trust me when i say its good. the guy (david garfinkle) that designed it KNOWS what hes doing and has been doing this kind of work for a long, long time. hes one of the gurus guys. no doubt about it. he made the mounting surface large for a reason. it spreads out the pressure presented to that "thin" piece of metal. the rubber bushings are what provide the shock absorbing. there is a bushing at either end of the link. this thing works very well. no vibrations what-so-ever. ive had it on my car for some time now and WILL NOT get rid of it. its a great upgrade to an awesome car. i think all fd's should have this mod. . . period.
paul
paul
12-22-03, 08:41 PM
#19
Rotorally Challenged
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For those of you who have not yet seen these things or read about them, click on my cardomain link below and go to the page dedicated to the Garfinkle torque brace that has been on my car for 30K+ miles. It is still one of the best additions I ever made to my car. Thanks David
12-23-03, 02:54 PM
#21
fart on a friends head!!!
Originally posted by RX--7Seven
I'm not the last word by any means - but I believe the idea of the torque brace is to be like another engine mount. There fore, you don't want it to move like a dampner would.
One other thought. For most of us, if we installed new (better) engine mounts we wouldn't need a torque brace. Since you're installing a new engine put the upgraded engine mounts in. I think they're made of urethane or something like that. They're much firmer.
But stay tuned to this thread - others will chime in!
I'm not the last word by any means - but I believe the idea of the torque brace is to be like another engine mount. There fore, you don't want it to move like a dampner would.
One other thought. For most of us, if we installed new (better) engine mounts we wouldn't need a torque brace. Since you're installing a new engine put the upgraded engine mounts in. I think they're made of urethane or something like that. They're much firmer.
But stay tuned to this thread - others will chime in!
paul
12-23-03, 07:45 PM
#24
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RotorMotor,
Absolutely not. That would put more strain on the brace.
The entire point of the brace is to prevent equal and opposite effect of movement that an engine will always exhibit under initial load. The mounting point and position of the engine brace takes advantage of the engine's polar moment of inertia by preventing the natural inclination of the engine's desire to rotate.
It is not a fix for broken or worn engine mounts, it is a complimentary brace.
Absolutely not. That would put more strain on the brace.
The entire point of the brace is to prevent equal and opposite effect of movement that an engine will always exhibit under initial load. The mounting point and position of the engine brace takes advantage of the engine's polar moment of inertia by preventing the natural inclination of the engine's desire to rotate.
It is not a fix for broken or worn engine mounts, it is a complimentary brace.
12-23-03, 08:07 PM
#25
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so if im planning on running garfinkles brace and im gonna be installing new engine mounts on a hight HP car, would you recomend very stiff engine mounts or not? thanks, heath