Update - I created a better version out of T304 Stainless, here's the dimensions I used:

As promised - pics of the new and improved SS brace:


Note:
This is posted only for suggestion, feel free to modify it as needed for your application. I suggest creating the brace first, then drilling shock tower area, then locate the exact place for the holes on brace. Unfortunately, I had to drop the shock to get the two bolts in, as this area is very tight. Let me know if you have a better method. I will post pics of the new bracket soon. For those of you that don't have access to this type of steel, I'm sure you can find something similar at Home Depot


Okay, so after reading a few posts detailing various types of master cylinder braces, I decided to have a crack at it. Definately a great cheap mod, and you CAN feel the difference at the brake pedal. Unfortunately I also recently installed Stainless lines as well, so I can't give a 100% accurate review, but the pedal is definately stiffer. Here's some pics for your enjoyment

Cylinder Brace before installation:


Brace installed side view:


Brace Installed top view:


It wasn't that hard of an install - only had to take the suspension apart

If you look close you can see the stainless line and where the holes for the cylinder brace were drilled (just above the shock mounting brace thingy)

Type aRRRRRR suspension - oWned


Lucky for me we have a decent machine shop here at work, where they cut me a nice piece of rolled steel for the brace (that sucker is STRONG). A quick trip to home depot yielded some nice stainless nuts, bolts, and washers. A little drilling, test fitting, and sweat, and the thing was in! Home Depot mods friggin OWN!!!
enjoy.
Nick

[Modified by Philly_NBP_R, 10:50 AM 11/27/2002]


[Modified by Philly_NBP_R, 10:54 AM 11/27/2002]

 

Ok.. you have to help me out here, because I'm totally clueless. How exactly does this brace improve brake pedal feel?

 

well, you should do a search, but I'll enlighten you anyway.
The master cylinder assembly moves slightly when you stomp on the pedal. This is caused by flex at the firewall. If you don't believe me, have a buddy stomp on your brake pedal, and you can see it move. The brace prevents this flexing, yielding a stiffer pedal. Stiffer brake pedal inspires more confidence, and gives better "feel." This mod is mostly for the track, but you can feel it in daily driving.

 

nice job.

 

smoothness

 

Ahh. Makes sense. Thanks! How about popping out a few more braces for us folks at honda-tech (since you did a very nice job and all)

 

Looks good. I made my own brace from some big L brackets that you use when building decks. They are pretty dam strong and get the job done nicely. I noticed a big difference when stopping from 80+mph.

DIY OWNz JOO!!!

 

I'd love to, but unfortunately I don't have ready access to the machine shop or the steel
I'd be happy to provide measurements if you want to have a crack at it...

 

yes, it sure does!!!

 

Please do!!

 

okay, I'll take some tonight, and post asap

 

nice setup

the depot kinda sucks because they dont have metric

but otherwise, verycool

 

OK - now you've got the master cylinder bolted to 2 pieces of sheetmetal (the firewall and the wheelwell) Both those pieces of metal move independently of eachother as the chassis flexes. Is there any concern that the master cylinder casting will see increased metal fatigue because it now acts as a chassis stiffener? Just curious.

Also everyone should recognize that this mod is not legal for stock class auto-x.

Regards,
Alan

 

actually the master cylinder is NOT bolted to anything. The brace simply prevents it from moving. I was concerned about metal fatigue, and that's why I was careful to make sure that the brace was not exerting any pressure on the cylinder. This brace would only come into action if the firewall flexes and the cylinder attempts to move. I also made sure that the bolt that touches the cylinder itself was completely flat, to spread out the load and prevent damage to the cylinder. I didn't realize I would be kicked out of stock class, but I'm not too concerned about that anyway.

 

Stock is for sissy

SandMracing.com is where it is at y0!

 

true dat!

 

the ones in canada do..

 

great job. looks like a very solid piece.

 

now that is what a garage is supposed to look like

sweet!!! can you get some more of the machined metal piece for the people who dont have access to a machine shop?

 

Lightness comes at a price.

 

hehe someone wanna start making those pieces at a decent price?

 

will be posting measurements shortly...
unfortunately I can't get anymore of the metal, but it shouldn't be too hard for you to find something of suitable size.

 

ttt - updated thread...more pics to come

 

Nice.

 

LHT Performance sells MC Braces for the ITR for $60 shipped. They are very easy to install, no suspension removal required, it just bolts up to pre-existing holes in the fender well.
Contact me for info at Scutr22@aol.com

scott
98 ITR turbo