As title really, found an OMP front upper and rear upper strut brace set at a very reasonable price, and I'm quite tempted to get it. I'm about to put 15x6.5j wheels on it, which i think will improve the handling, and i wondered whether the strut brace will make further improvements? I've seen loads of cars with them on, but i wondered how much of a real benefit they would provide.

I've searched the forum but i couldnt make up my mind what to think... As for the rears, i know Yeha is running an upper one on his mk1 golf, but for road use are the rear top mounts gona flex enough to benefit from the brace? And as for the fronts, i can imagine that it would stop the tops of the struts moving in different directions and so make it handle tighter.

Am i right, or am i being a 'tard again? I've heard a ged bar-type lower brace makes quite a difference, though I'm not too sure what it does... I would guess it links the bottom of the front suspension and maintains a certain distance between them, preventing the wheels from moving away from each other and making it more responsive.

If I'm wrong would someone mind explaining just how retarded i really am? Thanks.

Put them on ..

Or sell them to me ... !

Mk3's handle loads better with the braces on ! i need a upper front and rear .. looing for a set ..

You will get loads of grip on 15" but you wont be able to feel the road aswell ..

Scrub you tyres and wreck the wheel bearings too ..

I run 15" though cos you stick to the road !

I'll be running 165/50's over a 6.5j rim, a little bit of stretch but nothing hardcore. Just enough to keep rubber away from arch for the most part.

And yeah i am sorely tempted byt the braces - can't really afford it but if they are worthwhile i don't want to miss out on a bargain!

15s wont put any more stress on the wheel bearings unless you have high offsets. stick with ET38(ish) and they'll be fine.

strut braces are worthwhile. mk3s need all the help they can get up front

The brace that helps the most is the front lower...........

I'm gonna be running a lower ged brace and gladersiete arb blocks but haven't really planned anything for an upper strut brace. Would it be worth adding one of these or would I be okay without? I don't mind spending money on something thats worth it.

I've been told by various people that the strut tops on the front of the mk3 don't actually move that much. Therefore a front upper is generally more of a show item.. but can't hurt.

Having said this, the g40 cup cars ran upper strut braces.. right?

As for the rear upper.. piece of shit IMO. Had one.. couldn't tell the difference without it. Makes changing springs shocks a pain in the cock and makes the boot very inconvenient for shoving bikes in.. .etc!

If they go cheap enough i might just get them, or if not i think i know someone who might be willing to make me something.

Doesnt matter about boot space, i don't carry bikes. THe only thinkgs i put in there are dead bodies, and they will fit in around the brace

Disclaimer: Yeah i don't actually carry dead bodies, in case the FBI are watching me

Having said this, the g40 cup cars ran upper strut braces.. right?

yeah but the top mounts were different and the strut brace actually bolted into the top mounts. So it was in a way part of the strut, where as all the ones I've seen stick onto the turrets.

lolits preety simple making all of them yourself... give it ago and I'm sure it will be alot cheaqper tahn buying them.. as soon as i get the car ready for the braces I'm just gonna make mine

If I put one on mine. I'll use the same stuff as Spen. His looks trick as fook!

the front upper ones look sweet when the brackets are welded and painted over and just the bar is removable. should be a lot less room for movement that way too.

that one that welds on is actually a mk2 escort weld on item.

Tesco's every little helps !!

mk3 polo life story really

the OMP front one's are good better than the one I'm running !

Tesco's every little helps !!

mk3 polo life story really

the OMP front one's are good better than the one I'm running !

sorry i dont get you ? what one are you running?

i got both ged bars and fitted them a few days ago the rear upper little diference looks good but cant do n e harm.........the front lower 1 tho........massive difference. and i aint sayin that cus I've brought 1 and I'm gettin overly excited it really has made a vast improvment .

so on a timed test or similar does the rear strut make all that much of a differance? lap times track grip e.t.c

cudnt answer that really.....i dont reckon the rear upper 1 would make that much difference its the front lower that does :-D

do you think its worth fittin any others then other tahn the lower? whats whe gains from this does it reduce body flex and lag in steering?