So tonight's ponderance: I have a 94 Spec Miata with a bolt in cage that I use for track days and time trials.. I'm not doing SM right now (well, I mean, no one is, but I'm really not!). On the shelf is some goodies I've picked up from FM for a project I gave up on. I've got a full frame rail + butterfly brace kit, Paco front arms and a rear subframe brace.
How much use do you think they'd be on a car like mine? Worth the weight penalty?
I doubt it - if it's got a full cage, the cage should already to a pretty good job stiffening the chassis.
Just to be clear, it's a bolt in cage, so it's not connected to the front shock towers or anything.
I was planning on putting on the strong arms since they're 100% forward of the cage, and the rear "cannon" brace for the same reason.
Oh, and one other tidbit:. I'm adding in 9 lives' medium downforce kit if it ever gets here...
The butterfly brace only goes over the frame rails under the cabin, so I would expect a bolt in cage having a pretty similar effect already. In both cases you're kind of trying to make up for the lack of a fixed roof.
I suspect the strong arms would make a noticeable difference though.
Would have to see pics of where the legs of the cage are attached in comparison to the suspension mounting points.
That's what I was thinking too, Tim.
L5 -. Here's the bottom side:
The third point is above the last picture, right in front of the rear shock towers, but it's covered by a plastic shield that I don't feel like removing right now :)
WonkoTheSane (Forum Supporter) said:L5 -. Here's the bottom side:
The third point is above the last picture, right in front of the rear shock towers, but it's covered by a plastic shield that I don't feel like removing right now :)
On cages I've built/modified I always try to tie cage mounting points directly on the suspension mounting points - within the wording of the rules. Even when I was using a prebent kit.
What you seem to have cage wise will likely stiffen the chassis some. Adding stiffeners (aftermarket or custom) should help with the suspension points.
That's a Hard Dog cage, I suspect.
It's unlikely the butterfly will have much effect, the cage closes the box pretty well. The strong arms will help. Rear subframe brace will have the biggest effect because cornering forces will shift those points - I can always tell when we've put a car back together but haven't installed the subframe brace.
I believe you're correct on the cage, Keith.
Thanks for the input as always!
Anyone want to buy a butterfly brace & Frame rails? Never used, just been sitting on the shelf for 5 years or so..
WonkoTheSane (Forum Supporter) said:I believe you're correct on the cage, Keith.
Thanks for the input as always!
Anyone want to buy a butterfly brace & Frame rails? Never used, just been sitting on the shelf for 5 years or so..
Maybe interested - any idea on price?
There is one benefit to the frame rails, you can now throw the jack anywhere on the rail without worrying about mangling the factory ones.
z31maniac said:There is one benefit to the frame rails, you can now throw the jack anywhere on the rail without worrying about mangling the factory ones.
I actually have bits of 1"x1" square stock welded behind the pinch weld, one in the center with a "Lift" sticker above it and two at the jack points. I'm not sure I can get the jack back to the frame rail at ride height.
Caprigrip - Let me figure out how big it is and I'll send you a PM once I figure out shipping.
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