FC Master Cylinder Brace
 

I made this for my personal FC and wanted to gauge the interest. If there is enough interest, then I'd be more then happy to put them into production.

http://www.levelzeromotorsports.com/...MC_Brace_4.jpg

http://www.levelzeromotorsports.com/...MC_Brace_5.jpg

http://www.levelzeromotorsports.com/...MC_Brace_6.jpg

That looks like a great piece. I'd buy one if the price were right.

I did this for my personal car so I didn't bother to take notes on the total machining time, but off the top of my head pricing would be around $95 shipped, maybe less if I can speed up the machining. Production pieces would be anodized and use all stainless hardware.

The part is 1" thick and the pockets actually take a fair amount of time to machine due to the small radius of the corners. I could have made the part quicker/cheaper but I wanted it to be lightweight and strong which can sometimes be a challenge when designing thick parts.

Can you demonstrate the need? I understand the purpose, but I'm wondering how critical it is.

Also, to lower the cost what about leaving it solid? It only weighs a couple pounds solid, right?

Or perhaps simple round drilled holes for the weight savings.

It's not a critical part. It's mostly to improve the feel of the brake peddle, specifically when threshold braking.

Round holes would be faster to machine, although I'd have to do some testing to make sure it will still be strong enough and not act like a spring. At the end of the day it's a 1 inch thick block of aluminum with 3 machining operations, there is only so much I can do to bring cost down.

IMHO, the machining of the holes in the middle for weight savings is unnecessary. If it would make the part cheaper, I would just make it a solid block. The holes really only add to aesthetic appeal and honestly I think function and price take precedence over form. If it drives down production cost and time to make them without the holes and they don't add significant function or value to the part, I say leave them out and offer a simple, functional part to the consumer.

Regardless, I'd probably buy one either way. I'm glad people are willing to produce small scale parts for the FC crowd and I'll always support these operations as much as I can.

ill buy one

@gameover2145

I appreciate the feedback. As I mentioned this was designed originally for personal use with no consideration given to production times. It's easy for me to design and produce parts, but without feedback from the community it's hard to know what people want and what trade offs they are willing to accept.

I'm going to play with the design a little and see what I can do to speed up the machining without sacrificing too much weight or ascetics.

keep us posted

A couple images of other designs I'm playing with. Both weigh a hair less then the original and should actually be faster to machine.

I know I could leave it completely solid, but it would result in a part that wouldn't meet my standards. It might only be a few ounces but for some people those ounces make a big difference. I try to design parts to suit the needs of everyone regardless of if the car is a daily driver or a full our race car.

That's the thing. For the guys who drive it on the street more, lower cost may be the bigger need; then for the guys who meticulously prepare for racing may pay a lot more for a little weight savings. There's nothing inherently wrong with selling a few variations of the same concept, as long as you still get what you need out of the deal, too.

BTW I do like that second design you thumbnailed.

i personally am down for a copy of the one you made, i love it.
and 95$ is a good price, considering no one makes these.......

Lloyd

Ooo...shiny!

If you'd make it an option I'd just leave it a solid block. I can see a possibility for using this as a mount for small things in the area you machine out.

I like both designs. I don't think you can go wrong in this situation as this sort of part isn't readily available. The only other company that makes this part is Cusco, and I'm not sure if it works with LHD cars. Not to mention it has to be shipped from Japan.

I like it, Quick question is there holes on the strut tower or did u just drill holes and tap two holes.

why not offer two models? one solid for x price, one lightweight for an increased price. that way you only have to machine the lightweight ones when the orders come in for them.

cant edit my post,

i'm interested in one.

That's some nice machining, but how did you manage to make that 3 ops? Did you flip it over only to do the chamfer on the back side?

I used existing holes in the strut tower, which is why if you look close the cap screws are different sizes.

It's an option but it would really depend on interest. I don't mind do it if thats what people really want. When I add a new product to the website I try to ensure I always have 6+ months of parts in stock at all times. This adds to overhead and takes up space which is always at a premium.

Yes I did. It doesn't add much machine time as the part has to be put in a fixture after the first op to ensure accuracy.

Just a quick update. Prototypes are at the anodizers. I should have them back in a few days. I also ordered in the material in order to make more if I end up going forward with these.

I'm interested! But if you do go into production, include the screws!

Everything needed to install will be included.

Prototypes are back from the anodizers and I picked up the stainless hardware. I need to track down a local S4 just to make sure the mounting holes are the same as the S5.

http://www.levelzeromotorsports.com/...MC_Brace_7.jpg

http://www.levelzeromotorsports.com/...MC_Brace_8.jpg

loooks great

are they all going to be red?