Strut Braces

Another quick one. Opinions, has anyone used them on the 996? After fitting all the M030 components, replacing some other bits and also opting for stiffer -25mm springs, I'm thinking that to finish the job properly it may be worth trying to stiffen up the chassis with a front and rear carbon brace from designtek. Now, I'm not sure if it will have any benefit for me at all as I don't thrash the car around or track it, but, I can't help but thing I would be happier as it would then seem like a finished job. Any opinions on it? I may just get a pair to make me feel happy and then lay the suspension to rest and consider it job done, but still would appreciate your thoughts. Cheers,

Steve, I have no experience of them but would have thought even if the car were to be tracked they would offer very little gain.

That's pretty much what I thought, although, the GT3 had chassis modifications to stiffen it up due to the lower stiffer suspension and more track orientated setup. I'm not going to be tracking it, well, at least have no plans to at this present time, but having gone down to GT3 ride height vs M030 and stiffer still I was thinking I would be happier with fitting the brace up front and back for peace of mind. I'll have a think about it, but may just get them anyway Thanks,

The GT3 doesn't need braces between the struts as the body is quite stiff enough without them. There are small diagonal braces between the bulkhead and the front turret but that's all. My view is that aftermarket braces contribute nothing useful and are pure bling, so save your money [ ]

Thanks for the reply. I understand the GT3 is a different beast based on the c4 chasis with additional strengthening on top I'm not intending to track my car as I mentioned, but with the front end chasis similar to that of the boxster on the C2, and having lowered and stiffened up the suspension components even beyond factory sports package standard, I am wondering if just a little bit of extra strengthening would be worth it, even if it was marginal. Opinions taken on board though, I may upgrade the brakes and other bits first and perhaps later get some. just so I sleep better lol. Cheers

Steve I haven't seen it for a long time now but I thought in the Ultimate Porsche factories video It said all body types got the same welding that is machine spot welds then filled by humans. I think its on youtube in parts. Might be worth a look. Good film if you haven't seen it too.

Brilliant film, thanks for sharing

Yes, I do like to see it from time to time. A must for any owner. Glad you liked it Steve.

From what I can make out from the 2004 GT3 Service Technik, the bodyshell is a standard Carrera 4 shell with additional supports welded on to the 'rear transverse bar' to provide additional support for the engine mounts due to increased engine weight. No mention of any front end strengthening at all.

Thanks for your input Richard. Everywhere else online it seems people have their own 'opinion' of exactly how the chassis was changed. I've heard seam welded chassis throughout on quite a few forums, but it's funny how people take something that another person says, and then spreads it as fact. I don't suppose you know what the difference was between the C2 and C4 chasis strengthwise, not fussed about tranny tunnel etc unless it's valid. Cheers

Seam welded throughout? No chance!