16 replies to this topic

[bmarshall1]

Hello,

 

My 99 currently has the 'U' shaped rear brace, i have seen factory rear braces with 2 or 3 extra cross braces, would it be legal to swap this out and would there be any benefit?

 

Thanks,

 

Bruce

[Glenn Davis]

I'm guessing you're referring to the "Sport/Hard" suspension braces on the 2001+ cars?  They are the U-shaped brace with two added crossmembers.  I looked when building my car for any rule that applied and could not find one.  I just went with "If it doesn't......"

[Bench Racer]

SMCS, subframe braces may be updated to stock 1997 configuration utilizing the MazdaSpeed Motorsports Development Spec Miata kit. I have a 1990 with this kit and they are tubular with the ends flattened with bolt holes and the forward end mounts to the bottom of the chassis at a location of approx where the rear bulkhead is behind the seat Weld a pad on the chassis. Don't really understand what the word update means. It may well mean, ALL years listed may use this kit. Ask someone in the know or call MazdaSpeed.

[bmarshall1]

that's kinda what I was thinking, but wanted to verify, thanks guys.

[Ron Alan]

SMCS, subframe braces may be updated to stock 1997 configuration utilizing the MazdaSpeed Motorsports Development Spec Miata kit. I have a 1990 with this kit and they are tubular with the ends flattened with bolt holes and the forward end mounts to the bottom of the chassis at a location of approx where the rear bulkhead is behind the seat Weld a pad on the chassis. Don't really understand what the word update means. It may well mean, ALL years listed may use this kit. Ask someone in the know or call MazdaSpeed.

He already has this brace...he wants to know if he can use the 01 brace which has the same 6 points of attachment but more x bracing between the tube...I THINK NOT!! 

[bmarshall1]

I tried to post pix but was not able.  My '99 has the 'U' shaped rear brace (one crossmember behind axle).  Newer models have a total of 2 or 3 crossbraces.  I am not able to find a difinitive answer or pictures of the allowable braces for SM of if I can update to the newer model brace (or is it worth it?).

 

  I know certain items are able to be updated and want to know if this on one of them.

 

Bruce

[bmarshall1]

I re-read the rules and unless someone else can add anything, I believe Ron is correct: If it doesn't say you can...

[Keith Andrews]

This is what a 99 rear brace looks like.  Are you positive you have a 99?

 

 1999 Rear brace.jpg   32.27KB   2 downloads

[Glenn Davis]

This is on my new build, a 2002.  Just like the '99

 

[bmarshall1]

Glenn,

Yes, it's a 99 and looks like yours, but not nearly pretty underneath- holy moly that's clean under there.

[Bench Racer]

Glenn, YELLOW , you been hanging around Mr. PINK???

[Keith Andrews]

This is on my new build, a 2002.  Just like the '99

 

 

Nice, I feel inadequate 

[Ron Alan]

The original upgrade referred to early cars which didn't even have a cross brace...they could use the improved u shaped brace and later subframe from the 94+. At some point the NB2 cars came equipped with even more side to side braces within the U shaped brace. Have never heard this is ok to install on a car that didn't originally come with it...but if I'm wrong someone will hopefully correct me. It also may have been only part of a package option which is why the 02 car pictured above doesn't have it?

[Glenn Davis]

The original upgrade referred to early cars which didn't even have a cross brace...they could use the improved u shaped brace and later subframe from the 94+. At some point the NB2 cars came equipped with even more side to side braces within the U shaped brace. Have never heard this is ok to install on a car that didn't originally come with it...but if I'm wrong someone will hopefully correct me. It also may have been only part of a package option which is why the 02 car pictured above doesn't have it?

 

On the Mazdaspeed site, it shows that the extra braces for 2002 were on the Sport model.  I believe the model came with a stiffer suspension, larger diameter wheels and brakes as well, so more bracing would be logical.  I have no idea if it would be of any help on an SM, or if anybody started with a Sport model and left it on.

[steveracer]

Only the U shaped brace is legal for SM

[DamonB06]

Where can I find a set of those dollies?

[Glenn Davis]

Where can I find a set of those dollies?

http://www.miatacage...car-dolly-miata