slartibartfast

iTrader: (7)

Yes. The rear end is very floppy stock due to soft rubber bushings in and around the rear subframe. And while the urethane bushings do a lot to eradicate this floppiness, there is still some movement. See this Z1 video of stock vs urethane bushings on the diff and subframe of a 370Z. Even after urethane, you can see the diff wiggle about with throttle changes. This brace will remove most of the remaining flop, leaving only suspension inputs to cause the subframe to wiggle around the subframe mounts.

Rochester

iTrader: (8)

I have a pair of Z1 polyurethane motor mounts sitting in the corner of my office, waiting for an April 2019 install. Now I have the dilemma whether or not to have this brace mounted at the same time, or to split the mod installs.

On the one hand, doing them both at the same time is a single shop visit, and guarantees maximum smiles all at once.

On the other hand, doing them separately let's me assess the value of each.

RMB5190

iTrader: (2)

Took a chance and ordered the brace offered by Z1 yesterday (same one 4DRZ got). Should arrive tomorrow. When it does, I'll test the fitment on my OEM diff. and verify if it fits or not.

Rochester

iTrader: (8)

Ouch. You missed the GB by one day. Bummer.

Either way, looking forward to your comments. G'luck.

RMB5190

iTrader: (2)

Yea...I saw

4DRZ

iTrader: (7)

Yes, this part takes out a huge amount of slop in the drivetrain and helps you put the power down much better. This part made a much more noticeable difference than all the rear subframe bushing inserts and differential bushings.

If the mount for the stock differential cover is as easy to install as mine was I would do them separate so you can feel the differences. I noticed virtually no difference for the subframe inserts and rear diff bushings compared to the rear differential brace.

Will that work with the stock differential cover?

thezinfan

I'm in.Thanks for setting this up.

Rochester

iTrader: (8)

RMB5190

iTrader: (2)

That's what I'm going to find out. You mentioned Jon at Z1 told you it would work with the stock unit so I'm going to put it to the test and find out. Figure, that will take the guessing out of the equation as to which brace to get if plans of a high capacity differential cover is on someone's build sheet.

obsidiansamurai

I've heard some advantages of this mod, now what are some disadvantages? Also, does anyone have an idea of what a shop would charge to have this installed? Thinking about getting this, but I have to wait a while since I just purchased some FI RHFC's.

thezinfan

Check out the group buy thread, the manufacturer just posted some info. It is bolt on so you can do it or a shop should be an hour charge i guess. The only disadvantage is there will be more NVH (noise vibration harshness) since there's no slop between the parts now.

Rochester

iTrader: (8)

I could see a shop charging an hour of lift time for the 3-point brace, maybe even two if they're really cautious and it's a tight fit. But AFAIK, the 4-point brace is a direct bolt-on, without any complications. In other words, the only point in finding a shop would be lift-access and tools for a 10 minute job with a ratchet. And in other-other-words, the 4-point brace should be an easy DIY.

Anyway, that's what I'm thinking when thinking about the install. But I'm going to have plenty of other-people input right here before getting into it, which is cool.

Someone needs to go to the top post and thank the OP for this thread.

4DRZ

iTrader: (7)

Well, Jon also told me that I would have to disconnect my differential and move it forward. Fortunately, that was not the case. He did say that the model I have is designed to go around the Z1 diff cover so I guess it should fit.

I have yet to notice any disadvantages, but if you have stock exhaust and no tolerance for NVH I have to think it would increase with this mod. My shop charged an hour but it did not take that long and so you should be able to do it by yourself. (Information I wish I knew before the install.)

So the manufacturer claims that the 4 point brace is an easy DIY job as well?

Rochester

iTrader: (8)

Right. The 3-point brace requires some finesse. The 4-point brace is a simple bolt-on.

At least, that's the talk. We'll find out over the next few weeks as people get their orders and do their installs.

Dude... in the span of one day, 16 people signed up for the group buy. That's pretty cool, and in no small part due to your review.

Jee37

Hi guys,

I commented on the group buy thread but wanted to know what I'm looking for in terms of feel when/if I buy this. I drive an xS coupe 7AT so would benefits if any would I gain and how would I feel this changes? I know the power lag is due to the computer system but where in my driving will I see the most benefits?

Best regards!