I was looking for a strut brace that was flat on top or at least not rounded. I was wondering what were some of your reccomendations.

I am currently looking into the following.
Helix Strut Brace
One from Mini Mania
Racing Dynamics Brace
Electrodyne Brace

 

Don't forget about the Webb Motorsports Camber/Caster plates with Strut brace option:


And BMP's strut brace:


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might be good to read about the pros and cons of a strut brace first:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=17366

Unless it is for looks, it probably should not be the first suspension upgrade but if you have a big plan for doing a full upgrade at some point then it is an easy install to DIY.

You might PM maxmini who has some positive things to say about tower strut braces and here is a picture of an especially flat design he said came from Forge motorsports.




See the bar which sells for 135 pounds at
http://www.forgemotorsport.co.uk/min...oduct=FMMINSBF

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I was wondering the benefits of the Sport plus suspension that you can get as an option on the MC from the dealership.

 

>>Thanks for all the feedback. I was wondering the benefits of the Sport plus suspension that you can get as an option on the MC from the dealership.
When you order an MC from the dealer you can opt for the Sport suspension plus which makes your MC suspension like that of the MCS in terms of shocks and springs and rear swaybar.
If you have your MC already then the aftermarket lowering springs and rear swaybars are likely to be better option for the price.
A full suspension upgrade of this type can run from $600 to almost $1000 installed. The ride is quite a bit rougher except on smooth roads. Rougher still if you have runflat tires.

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ALOHA

 

I got the sport plus, that is why I was asking. I was wondering if it was decent as is, thus the brace would be a decent next step.

 

>>I got the sport plus, that is why I was asking. I was wondering if it was decent as is, thus the brace would be a decent next step.

Although you have the same suspension as a stock MCS, you have less HP at about 126+ given your pipervipercross intake and nology wires and lighter weight by about 150 pounds.
Given your setup I would say that at this point lighter wheels make more difference but will cost more.
A rear adjustable swaybar about 22mm would be a better overall cheap suspension upgrade short of changing to lowered springs.
If you want to keep the stock suspension or want to stay stock for autocross then I would suggest lighter wheels before adding a strut bar.

Keep in mind that you can do quite a bit with the SS+ suspension and your light weight MC. You'd have to be a very skilled driver to need a front strut bar. If you ever get a chance to go to a track or driving school and get an instructor to take you out on the track in your car then do it. You can begin to see how large the performance envelope is for the MC and how much you can do with it in it's stock form.

 

>>I was looking for a strut brace that was flat on top or at least not rounded. I was wondering what were some of your reccomendations.
>>
>>I am currently looking into the following.
>>Helix Strut Brace
>>One from Mini Mania
>>Racing Dynamics Brace
>>Electrodyne Brace

I have 2 of these.

Helix actually lists 2 braces that are (I think) unique their site. I think the one that comes as an optional attachment for their P&D camber/caster plates is not flat, so I assume you're talking about the other.

The other - the one I have - is very flat with no rounded edges anywhere. It looks great (IMO) but it's more of a stealthy look (I guess that's why I like it) - anodized black, not engine jewelry. It has to be the most solid brace sold. Once you bolt it down it feels like it might be the most rigid part of the car. On the downside, it weighs 7 lbs and you have to use a slotted battery box cover (or no cover at all) if you have an MC.

I also have the Racing Dynamics brace. It's flat on the surface with rounded edges and made of highly polished aluminum. It fits well without modification to the battery box cover and seems to work but I sometimes wonder whether it's really rigid....it's a thin, hollow, flat aluminum tube that weighs only 1.5 lbs. Regardless of whether it's rigid enough to be worth the cost, it definitely fits into the eye candy/engine jewelry category....if you're into that kind of thing.

For what it's worth, I'm using the Racing Dynamics brace now but I think I'm going to switch back to the Helix.

 

I have the Helix strut brace as well...a north Jersey aftermarket shop remarked as to the extreme build of it, they were fairly impressed to say the least. Here is a shot (along with some other goodies)

 

Where do you get that battery cover?

 

It was fashioned @ Helix. As far as I know, it is included with the purchase for Cooper owners (as stated on their website)

 

>>Where do you get that battery cover?
If you buy from Helix and tell them it's for an MC they include a slotted cover.