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The front subframe of the chassis comes with a 2-point ‘engine mount stiffener’ from the factory along with a gusset on each side of the subframe. The front subframe alone is a big U-shape and the 2-point factory bar serves the purpose of closing the U-shape to make a box. This goes a long way in stiffening the front subframe as the two ends of the U-shape would be free to flex all over the place otherwise. The two gussets, one on each side, attach to a front and middle point of the subframe. If looking at the subframe from the side, the gussets help prevent the subframe from becoming a taco. The stiffness of the front subframe is critical because the front suspension arms attach to it. Flexing of the subframe can lead to geometry changes and possible slight binding in the movement of the suspension.
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| The instructions from Beatrush are all in Japanese. It’s a good thing it’s a simple design and the diagrams are good, Lego style. |
We’re going to really increase the stiffness with a 4-point brace from Whiteline. We chose the Whiteline brace because it attaches to the four corners of the front subframe with this being a significant advantage over other front subframe braces that only attach in three points. It reinforces the stock 2-point brace, connects the front of the subframe to the rear unlike the stock gussets, and adds a 2-point to the front of the subframe. Furthermore, the semi-triangulated geometry of the brace really helps in preventing twisting. A bonus of the Whiteline design over some other braces on the market is the easy access to the oil drain bolt whereas there are some other braces on the market that complicate this.
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| The Beatrush brace replaces the ‘rear suspension stiffener’. |
For the rear subframe, we’re going with a Beatrush 4-point brace. The Beatrush 4-point brace replaces the factory 2-point ‘rear suspension stiffener’ and also ties into the rear diff area of the subframe with the black metal bracket. We chose this brace because it ties in the front of the subframe to the rear which goes a long way towards making the entire assembly stiffer. Like on the front end of the car, the rear suspension arms attach to the subframe making stiffness of the subframe critical.
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| The black metal bracket did require some grinding as it came into contact with the exhaust. This may be due to a difference in AP2 and AP1 exhausts. |
