X-Brace install /w Pics - United Bimmer Community

**Rooz** · 05-24-2006, 10:28 AM

If I install the X-brace (that I have sitting in the garage) will it get in my way when I want to install my track pipes (yes, those are collecting dust as well)?

Where am getting with this, is do I need to do track pipes first and then X-Brace?

The track pipes I am just putting on there just to enjoy them before I sell the car, and they will come off the car when I sell it (unless if buyer wants to "buy" them from me. But the X-brace can stay.... am I making sense?

My point is, I want to install both and eventually remove the track pipes but leave the X-race on, is that do-able?

**Dudesky** · 05-24-2006, 10:56 AM

Wow, that's still in your garage ?!

Don't the pipes go above the brace? How hard is it to remove the x brace? I can't see why you couldn't remove it later on to get to the pipes?

**Spieluhr** · 05-24-2006, 02:19 PM

yeah, im sure its not a big deal to remove the x-brace. especially since I am sure you have access to a hydraulic lift which will make it 100x easier for you.

get that shit on your car!

**xsperf** · 05-24-2006, 07:13 PM

x-brace will be easy, depending how new your exhaust is(pre cat), the track pipes will definately be a little harder to install, its a known thing with many auto mechanics, if you are going to take the exhaust apart, plan on #1 having to take a torch to the bolt and maybe #2 needing new bolts all around for the exhaust

oh, if you do install the x-brace, can u do a review on it? i would like to know how much of an increase there is in handling

**Rooz** · 05-24-2006, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dudesky

Wow, that's still in your garage ?!

Don't the pipes go above the brace? How hard is it to remove the x brace? I can't see why you couldn't remove it later on to get to the pipes?

Well, the all crap with my cylinder head and ECU went down when i was going to install all this, so I've just been pushing it back, and back... But, Friday is my day off, that's when am doing it

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsperf

x-brace will be easy, depending how new your exhaust is(pre cat), the track pipes will definately be a little harder to install, its a known thing with many auto mechanics, if you are going to take the exhaust apart, plan on #1 having to take a torch to the bolt and maybe #2 needing new bolts all around for the exhaust

oh, if you do install the x-brace, can u do a review on it? i would like to know how much of an increase there is in handling

Yeah, this time am not installing this, I am not a big fan of drilling my frame, am gonna let my BMW guy do it (not dealership, but a BMW certified shop) Plus I want to become better friends with him... you know... just in case a S/C falls from the sky

But I will do a review on it.

Storamin · 05-24-2006, 08:55 PM

You shouldn't have to drill into the frame. My 12/93 car had the holes already there. Your 96 should definitely have the holes, you might just have to clear them out.

**Spieluhr** · 05-24-2006, 11:13 PM

I took my exhaust off and put my new one on with no problems, with nothing but a can of WD-40, and a little elbow grease.

**Dudesky** · 05-25-2006, 05:47 AM

^^^Lucky you. Everytime I do an exhaust, I know enough to dust off the old Sawzall first.

Storamin · 05-25-2006, 05:58 AM

I used quite a bit of PB Blaster getting mine oldass rusted one off.

You don't count -- you're not in the rust belt.

**Rooz** · 05-26-2006, 11:42 AM

Well, went to Touring Car Inc. today and had the brace installed they didn't use the OE threaded nuts I supplied they said they had some different ones that would make it easier down the road if the brace needed to come off, and they showed them to me and they were right. Out the door it became to $58.12 not too bad if you ask me $40 in labor and $16 for those heavy duty nut things (the rest is tax).

The guy also said he would recommend installing some performance control arms and thrust bushings, he quoted me for $625 out the door for those, seems like a good deal

And by the way, I would recommend this mod, to ANYONE, doesn't matter if you are a track freak or just a regular driver, this makes a big difference, the car's steering is much more responsive and gives you a lot more confidence in turns. I love it, well worth the $140-$150 I paid in total for this mod (parts + install)!

But any who here are some pics

Of course, you all know what this is

Here is the place:

About 90% of the cars were BMW's others were VW and Porsche and Mercedes

And for you E30 lovers

No comment

Wait a second! What is that in the right corner?

**celsdogg** · 05-26-2006, 12:09 PM

nice parking lot! E30 M3!!!

**zeaq328i** · 05-26-2006, 12:19 PM

Nice pictures Rooz

**Dudesky** · 05-26-2006, 12:19 PM

I spy a couple of E24's

**Rob** · 05-26-2006, 01:01 PM

That E30 M3 has no engine in it...

They did an excellent job, but I wouldn't recommend the upgraded arms and bushings. There is no need. You really are supposed to get new OE/OEM arms at 150k miles though.

**Dudesky** · 05-26-2006, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

That E30 M3 has no engine in it...

How do you know? Maybe he likes his ride like that

I didn't even notice that at first pass