Maier Z Brace

[MustangBobby 28]

I would like some other opinions on this, if you don't mind.  Maier replaced the one piece X brace with this more "adjustable to fit" brace.  I'm sure it works great when paired with subframe connectors, but it just doesn't look nearly as stout as the one piece it replaces. 

 

 

http://www.maierracing.com/product/z-brace/

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[bryonbush 85]

$400 for that? Nope and not really sure how helpful it would be

[1969_Mach1 333]

Yeah, I wouldn't spend $400 on that as well.  A single diagonal brace never works as good as "X" bracing regardless of what it's for.

[Rsmach1 71]

No way, I would fab up a removable X-brace and have $ to spare when done.

[Rsanter 152]

I agree, fab it up yourself.

Tribes and heir ends are too easy or just weld to see bolted n plates

 

Bob

[MustangBobby 28]

Well, I just got done talking with my friend who is a mechanical engineer, and he said this would work really well.  The first thing that popped into his head when he saw it, was a bridge truss.  It is a very efficient design at load transfer.   He said unless I was building a NASCAR, this would do everything you need it to do because it has straight bars and no curves unlike the X brace.  He is confident that it would work as well as the X brace if not better, because it is built with substantial sized tubing and there are not any geometric weak points, which Maier also mentions in the description.  I still think the $400 is a lot, but I now feel better about the product after talking with an engineer.

[1969_Mach1 333]

I am also a mechanical engineer, MSME degree and licensed in California, and yeah, I agree with your friend, the Z-brace is better than none and typically seen on bridges.  But I don't see it working as well as an X-brace.  Don't forget, a bridge has many truss sections in it with diagonal truss members going in more than one direction.  Not just one like in this case.  I like Maier Racing but it's not worth $400.  Look elsewhere like Total Control Products for an X-brace

[Rsmach1 71]

+1 with 1969_Mach1 yes better than nothing, but NOT as good as an X-brace. I've always thought Maier is a decent Co., but $400 for that brace is making me think twice.

 

Edit, for $179 more look what you get from TCP. https://www.cachassisworks.com/p-1608-mustang-64-70-cougar-67-70-hardtop-g-connector-system-standard-torque-arm.aspx NO comparison strength wise.