Strut brace (front) - problems fitting around airbox / anyone know of alternatives?

[Graeme - CZ]

Hi everyone,

Been a while since i posted anything. I bought strut braces front and back last year. The rears fitted no problem, my front one did not. I had a go again yesterday, which you can see from the pictures. I experimented with raising it say around 12mm in order to get past the large orange airbox, but a) it would be a very very snug fit, probably touching the airbox and valve cover; and b) most likely touching the bonnet. You'll see from the use of plastercine, i was very conscious that it was going to get very close to the bonnet. I'm figuring this strut brace was designed for those who have deleted the airbox in favour of different carbs or K&N filters - i'm loathed to do that, as i've fully restored the airbox and I like the originality.

So, what are my options? Is there is a product out there that would work with my airbox still in situ? [i'd really like to get a brace on to protect / strengthen the car]

A few things worth noting:

1. It's a 280z block / grearbox in a 240z
2. It may have engine mounts that seem to raise the engine a little (something a friend mentioned)

Curious to know if anyone else has had these issues and what the options might be?

Cheers, Graeme

 

[richiep]

I'd say check the engine mounts. Have you got any pictures of them? The fact that it is an L28 in a 240z means nothing - they are exactly the same physical proportions as an L24 - the differences are internal (bore and stroke). If they are standard though, I'd say you are probably right with your observation about the design of the bar - that is quite a chunky design of strut brace, compared to alternatives that use a flatter/oval bar, and strut braces tend to get used on cars that have had other mods, i.e. not running standard carbs and air box. The brace design probably doesn't take into account clearance for the factory air box.

As mentioned, there are strut braces that use an oval profile bar, giving greater clearance above and below. If you want to fit one, that might be the only way to go.

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

Who’s it made by? Did they give any do’s or donts?

 

[jonbills]

There aren't many pictures of strut braces with standard air filter around, but T3 have this -

 

[moggy240]

When I was doing them I used to have about 5mm clearance on the airbox.
The brackets on them mounts don't look high enough to me.

 

[richiep]

I think Moggy is right; that bar is very low profile at the brackets, which would be fine for a flat/oval bar, but that heavy tubular design, especially as it angles down at the ends rather than being straight across... I don't think it was designed for use with a standard airbox. Whenever I've seen that particular bar on a car, it's always been with triple carbs, which are lower profile even with filters or a cold air box on.

I think you'll need a different strut brace for the front.

 

[status]

I’ve still got my one Moggy

 

[Graeme - CZ]

There aren't many pictures of strut braces with standard air filter around, but T3 have this -

Thanks. That looks like the sort of thing i'd need. I definitely see the extent which is raises the bar to clear the airbox.

 

[Graeme - CZ]

When I was doing them I used to have about 5mm clearance on the airbox.
The brackets on them mounts don't look high enough to me.

Hi Moggy - I totally agree. I'm not going to spend any more time on whether or not I can fit them, i'll try and source some designed for my original airbox setup. Will investigate the T3 ones.

 

[Mr.G]

Hi Moggy - I totally agree. I'm not going to spend any more time on whether or not I can fit them, i'll try and source some designed for my original airbox setup. Will investigate the T3 ones.

If you are not in any particular hurry, T3 usually do black Friday deals, that's when i waited and bought mine but you'll have to wait till late November.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

There aren't many pictures of strut braces with standard air filter around, but T3 have this -

Good picture.

This owner has work to do before he worries about a strut brace. The battery is a safety worry too.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Graeme, if I was you I'd sell that brace and forget about fitting one.

Your engine bay looks lovely and unless you are doing any motorsport leave it uncluttered.

Just my opinion but the ignition leads never look tidy over the top and valve clearance checking is made more of a chore.

 

[Graeme - CZ]

Graeme, if I was you I'd sell that brace and forget about fitting one.

Your engine bay looks lovely and unless you are doing any motorsport leave it uncluttered.

Just my opinion but the ignition leads never look tidy over the top and valve clearance checking is made more of a chore.

Hi Rob - thanks for chiming in. Definitely have considered abandoning the idea. The reason i was doing it was to add some strengthening and protecting my investment. But, equally, i will never be taking this car on a track and aside from the engine / suspension upgrade, it remains stock. Perhaps i was just doing something that ultimately i don't need to bother with. At least the one on the rear serves a bit of additional functional purpose in the boot area.

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

What brand strut brace is it?

 

[Graeme - CZ]

What brand strut brace is it?

Not sure of brand.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

thanks for chiming in.............

You sound like my wife