Sorry in the delay for getting back to you guys. I have spent alot of time taking pics and documenting the install of the NISMO Brace Kit on our shop 370Z aswell as running around the shop.
First off, I want to appologize for being somewhat misleading. Based on what was instructed to me, I was under the impression that the braces went only on the lower part of the front suspension and the upper rear (interior). From doing this installation, (given that the directions are ALL in Japanese) I have now learned that the braces actually go in other locations. The braces are mounted:
1) In the bumper of the car, joining the front frame rails. (In front of the Radiator)
2) On the lower portion of the rear suspension, connecting the suspension arms
3) In the interior, joining the rear frame rails.
Here are only a FEW of the pics I took while doing the installation. I will be doing a full write up over the course of the next few days and will post it as soon as I get it done!
I will go ahead and mention the following points:
- Everything was done with basic hand tools and would take a few hours to install. It took me considerably longer since I was documenting the steps as I went along.
- The Rear Upper Brace does not require any modifications to the interior whatsoever and is completely hidden once installed. (I also noted that it frees up alot of room under the carpet for hiding stereo components, etc)
- The Front Brace CAN be installed without removing the bumper and does not interfere with the Nissan Motorsports Oil Cooler, as long as both are installed following the directions.
- The Front Brace WILL NOT interfere with the Stillen Stage III Intake.
- Installing the Rear Lower Brace will require a Lift, or set of suitable Jack Stands and floor jack. (Exercise Caution when Jacking up these cars!)
Anyway...now for some pics
I will begin with the Front Chassis Brace that connects the front frame rails. The brace will replace two existing brackets that join the frame rails to the metal core support plate between the radiator and the bumper.
Once installed, the brace actually is tilted backwards towards the condensor/ radiator cores allowing for plenty of clearance for the Stillen Intake and Nissan Motorsports Oil Cooler.
Installed, the brace is hidden behind the bumper and other associated plastic panels.
To install the rear brace, the rear interior panels must be removed in order to facilitate the removal of the Foam Bar that sits below the floor. This piece will be replaced with the Brace itself and a new floor panel in this area.
Once installed, no one will know that the brace is even there. In addition, the brace does not take up any cargo room in the trunk and actually frees up room under the floor for hiding amps, brain boxes, etc.
The Lower Rear NISMO Brace attaches using the existing hardware found on the car. Our shop 370Z has a custom exhaust and even with the brace installed, we had no vibration/ rattle issues whatsoever.
The NISMO Brace kits are priced at $795.
We will be hopefully putting our Z on the track later this month to play with these new braces!